Lip Repositioning Surgery
Reduce gummy smile display and achieve a balanced, confident smile with a simple procedure.
What is lip repositioning surgery?
Lip repositioning is a simple surgical procedure to treat gummy smile (excessive gingival display). It is designed for patients who show too much gum tissue when they smile due to hyperactive upper lip elevator muscles.
The purpose of this procedure is to restrict the muscle pull of the lip elevator muscles and reduce the gingival display while smiling. By limiting how high the lip rises, we create a more balanced ratio between gums, teeth, and lips.
This procedure is predictable with minimal risk or side effects. It is a conservative alternative to jaw surgery for mild to moderate gummy smile cases and can be combined with crown lengthening for best aesthetic results when needed.
Signs you may need treatment
Excessive Gum Display While Smiling
Short Upper Lip / Hyperactive Lip Muscles
Gummy Smile After Orthodontics
Want Non-Jaw-Surgery Solution
What to expect
1
Diagnose
We measure your gingival display, lip mobility, and crown length to confirm if lip repositioning is ideal or if crown lengthening is also needed.
2
Treat
Simple office procedure under local anesthesia — a small strip of tissue is removed from inside upper lip vestibule and sutured lower to restrict muscle pull.
3
Restore
Healing in 1 week, minimal discomfort. Gummy display is reduced immediately, final aesthetic result in 2-3 weeks with natural, balanced smile.
Common questions
Who is a good candidate for lip repositioning?
Patients with mild to moderate gummy smile due to hyperactive upper lip, with adequate attached gingiva and no severe skeletal discrepancy.
Is it painful? What is the downtime?
Local anesthesia, no pain during procedure. Mild tightness for 3-4 days — 2-3 out of 10. Most return to work next day, avoid wide smiling for 1 week.
How long do results last?
Results are stable and predictable when aftercare is followed. Muscle adaptation occurs and gummy display remains reduced long-term.
What is the difference between lip repositioning and crown lengthening?
Crown lengthening removes gum and bone to show more tooth; lip repositioning lowers the lip position to show less gum. Sometimes both are combined.
Are there risks or side effects?
Minimal risks — temporary swelling, tightness, or slight asymmetry which resolves. Procedure is reversible and less invasive than orthognathic surgery.