Before correcting a gummy smile – the term for a smile where too much of the gums show – plastic surgeons must decide which procedure they will use. If you’re getting your gummy smile corrected, it’s best to know your options and be an active participant in the process. 
A Botox gummy smile reduction procedure is very quick and convenient, often taking as little as ten minutes. The area above the lip is numbed, followed by an injection of Botox. There is no recovery period needed, and any side effects are minimal, so this procedure is ideal for those patients who are constantly on the go.
A gingivectomy, which takes around an hour, can be performed using a scalpel incision, a laser, or radio waves. After the excess gum tissue is removed using one of these methods and the procedure is complete, more of each tooth will be exposed. The healing process will take about two weeks. For the first two days, the patient should stick with foods and liquids that are gentle on the gums.
Before you commit to any specific method of gummy smile correction, you should get the opinion of a qualified plastic surgeon. Dr. Farhad Rafizadeh is a board-certified plastic surgeon serving the New Jersey area. Arrange a consultation by contacting our office.