Gummy smile treatment at Core Aesthetics uses a small amount of prescription anti-wrinkle injectable product placed in the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi muscle to temporarily reduce how high the upper lip elevates when smiling, reducing the amount of gum visible. Treatment is individually assessed and conservatively dosed.
A gummy smile refers to the appearance of excess upper gum visibility when smiling. For those who are self-conscious about it, it can affect how confidently they smile in photographs and social situations. Injectable treatment can address the muscle-related cause of a gummy smile in suitable candidates using a conservative and targeted approach.
At Core Aesthetics in Oakleigh, gummy smile treatment is assessed by Corey Anderson, AHPRA registered nurse (NMW0001047575), as part of an individual consultation. Understanding the cause of your gummy smile is essential before any treatment is recommended, because not all gummy smile presentations are best addressed with anti-wrinkle injection.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile can result from several different anatomical factors. The most common is overactivity of the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi (LLSAN) muscle, which is responsible for elevating the upper lip. When this muscle is particularly active, it lifts the upper lip higher than average during smiling, exposing more gum than is typical. Other contributing factors can include a short upper lip, the vertical position of the upper teeth relative to the gum line, or the underlying jaw structure. These factors require different management approaches, and understanding which is primarily driving your concern is the first step in determining whether anti-wrinkle injection is appropriate for your situation.
How Gummy Smile Treatment Works
Where the primary driver is LLSAN overactivity, a small, precise amount of prescription anti-wrinkle injectable product placed in this muscle can temporarily reduce how high the upper lip elevates during smiling. This reduces gum visibility without preventing the upper lip from moving naturally. The key word is conservative: this treatment area requires a measured approach because over-treatment can reduce upper lip movement too significantly, affecting the natural character of the smile or the ability to produce certain sounds.
At Core Aesthetics, the specific placement and dose are determined by your individual anatomy, the degree of gum visibility and what a proportionate, natural-looking reduction looks like for your face. There is no standard dosing protocol applied universally for this area.
Is Anti-Wrinkle Injection the Right Treatment for Your Gummy Smile?
This is the most important question, and the honest answer is that it depends on the cause. If your gummy smile is primarily driven by muscle overactivity, injectable treatment is a clinically appropriate option to explore. If it is driven by the position of your teeth or the underlying bone structure, anti-wrinkle injection will have limited effect and the more appropriate pathway is a consultation with a specialist dentist or orthodontist. Your practitioner at Core Aesthetics will assess the likely contributing factors during your consultation and give you an honest view of whether anti-wrinkle treatment is appropriate for your situation.
You can read more about the full range of anti-wrinkle treatment areas available at Core Aesthetics on our anti-wrinkle treatments page.
Located in Oakleigh, Serving Melbourne’s South East
Core Aesthetics is at 12A Atherton Road, Oakleigh VIC 3166. Accessible from Carnegie, Chadstone, Murrumbeena, Huntingdale, Bentleigh and Clayton. Open Tuesday to Saturday by appointment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gummy smile?
The appearance of more upper gum than typical when smiling, occurring when the upper lip elevates higher than average due to overactive lifting muscles.
Is gummy smile treatment the right option for everyone?
No. There are different causes of a gummy smile. Anti-wrinkle treatment is most appropriate where muscle overactivity is the primary driver. Your practitioner will assess this during your consultation.
Does gummy smile treatment affect my smile?
The goal is a conservative reduction in upper lip elevation that reduces gum visibility without changing your smile’s natural character. Conservative dosing is essential for this outcome.
How long does gummy smile treatment last?
The effect is temporary. Duration varies between individuals and the lip area is highly mobile. Your practitioner will discuss realistic timeframes.
How do I book gummy smile treatment in Melbourne?
Book online via our booking page or call 0491 706 705. Core Aesthetics is at 12A Atherton Road, Oakleigh VIC 3166. Open Tuesday to Saturday by appointment.
AHPRA Registration: NMW0001047575 (Nurse, registered since January 1996) | Core Aesthetics, Oakleigh VIC 3166
All prescription treatments are assessed and administered by an AHPRA registered health practitioner. Suitability is determined individually at consultation.
Clinical References
General Information Only. This article is general in nature and does not replace a consultation with a qualified health practitioner. Treatment outcomes, suitability and risks vary by individual. Any medical or prescription treatment options can only be discussed and provided where clinically appropriate following an individual assessment. Last reviewed March 2026 by Corey Anderson, Core Aesthetics.