Medical Tourism Blog
Gummy Smile Botox in Korea | Best Clinics, Costs, Procedure Types & More
Table of contents
- What Is Gummy Smile Botox?
- Best Clinics in Korea for Gummy Smile Botox
- Getting Gummy Smile Botox in Korea
- Cost of Gummy Smile Botox in Korea
- Alternatives to Gummy Smile Botox
- Conclusion
Considering treatment in Korea? Everything you need to know e.g. — how to avoid scams, visas, interpreters, recovery tips — in our Medical Tourism Master Guide. Plan with confidence in minutes, not weeks!
Are you tired of hiding your smile due to excessive gum exposure? Discover how Gummy Smile Botox in Korea can transform your grin into a confident, harmonious expression. This non-invasive treatment is gaining traction as a quick and effective solution for those seeking to reduce gum visibility with lasting results.
What Is Gummy Smile Botox?
Gummy Smile Botox is a non-surgical medical procedure designed to minimize the appearance of a "gummy smile," a condition where an excessive amount of gum tissue is visible above the upper teeth when smiling. This condition can be a source of self-consciousness for many individuals, but Gummy Smile Botox offers a simple and effective solution.
Mechanism of Action
The primary agent used in this procedure is Botulinum Toxin Type A, commonly known as Botox. Botulinum Toxin is a neurotoxin that temporarily paralyzes muscles by blocking the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for muscle contraction. By strategically injecting small doses of Botox into specific muscles around the mouth, it relaxes these overactive muscles, reducing the elevation of the upper lip and thereby exposing less gum tissue when smiling.
Targeted Muscles
The main muscles targeted in this procedure are:
- Levator Labii Superioris Alaeque Nasi (LLSAN): Often referred to as the "Elvis muscle," this muscle is primarily responsible for lifting the upper lip. By relaxing this muscle, the upper lip becomes less elevated during smiling.
- Orbicularis Oris: These are the circular muscles around the mouth. Injection here helps to balance the overall muscle activity, contributing to a more harmonious smile.
Procedure Details
-
Initial Consultation: A thorough examination and consultation are conducted to assess the patient's facial anatomy and the degree of gum display. The patient's medical history is also reviewed to rule out any contraindications for Botox use.
-
Anesthetic Application: The areas around the mouth may be numbed using a topical anesthetic to minimize discomfort during the injections.
-
Precision Injections: Very fine needles are used to inject small amounts of Botox into the targeted muscles. The practitioner carefully calculates the exact points and doses to achieve the desired effect while maintaining a natural appearance.
-
Post-Procedure: Patients are generally advised to avoid touching or massaging the treated area for at least 24 hours to prevent the Botox from spreading to unintended areas. Normal activities can typically be resumed immediately.
Expected Results and Duration
The results of Gummy Smile Botox become noticeable within 3 to 7 days after the procedure and can last for approximately 3 to 4 months. Over time, as the effect of the Botox wears off, the muscle activity will gradually return to normal, and a follow-up treatment may be necessary to maintain the desired smile aesthetics.
Advantages
- Non-Surgical: Unlike surgical alternatives such as gingivectomy or lip repositioning, Gummy Smile Botox is a non-invasive solution that requires no downtime.
- Quick and Convenient: The procedure itself takes only about 10 to 15 minutes, making it a convenient option for individuals with busy schedules.
- Adjustable: The treatment can be easily adjusted for each individual, offering a customizable approach to smile enhancement.
Potential Side Effects
Though generally safe, the procedure can have some temporary side effects, including:
- Pain or bruising at the injection site
- Swelling or redness
- Temporary muscle weakness
- Asymmetry if Botox spreads to adjacent muscles
Having a qualified and experienced practitioner perform the injections significantly minimizes these risks and ensures optimal results.
Who is Gummy Smile Botox for?
- Individuals who are self-conscious about excessive gingival display when smiling.
- Patients looking for a non-surgical solution to correct a gummy smile.
- People with hyperactive upper lip muscles causing the gums to show prominently.
- Those who prefer temporary treatment options to assess results before opting for permanent procedures.
- Individuals with minor to moderate cases of gummy smile where surgical intervention is not necessary.
- Patients seeking minimal recovery time and quick results.
- People looking for a cost-effective alternative to more invasive treatments.
Best Clinics in Korea for Gummy Smile Botox
Listed below are the best clinics in Korea for gummy smile botox:
| Clinic Name | Key Features | Special Techniques |
|---|---|---|
| id Hospital Korea Website | - Deeply focused on facial treatments and prioritizes results that look safe, balanced, and naturally beautiful. - Customized treatment planning with patient safety at the center, supported by systematic post-care to help patients feel guided before, during, and after the procedure. - Broad scope of services—including orthognathic surgery, facial contouring, eye and nose plastic surgery, lifting, skin clinic care, petit plastic surgery, and dentistry—also means gummy smile concerns can be evaluated within the bigger picture of facial harmony and bite or dental factors when needed. | - Gummy Smile Botox. - Evaluation within facial harmony and bite/dental factors when needed. |
| Chamin plastic surgery Website | - Sinnonhyeon Station–accessible aesthetic clinic known for handling complex, high-precision facial procedures—especially rhinoplasty revision and reconstruction—supported by detailed pre- and post-treatment care systems. - Because gummy smile Botox requires careful dosing and exact placement around delicate facial muscles, many patients consider Cha Min a strong choice in Korea for achieving a balanced, natural-looking result with safety-focused oversight and personalized planning. | - Advanced precision and anatomy-focused approach: rhinoplasty revision/reconstruction. - Dosing and exact placement around facial muscles for gummy smile Botox. - Safety-focused oversight and thorough pre/post-care. - Broad experience in fillers and skin rejuvenation as part of facial harmony. |
| Id Clinic Hongdae Website | - Specialized wrinkle-care Botox with multiple toxin options (Xeomin, Coretox, Allergan, and Korean brands), allowing treatment to be tailored to each patient’s goals for a controlled, natural-looking reduction in excessive gum show. - Since gummy smile correction depends on precise, muscle-targeted injection technique, Id Clinic Hongdae’s core focus on Botox for dynamic muscle movement aligns directly with what this procedure requires, while its broader portfolio of complementary facial treatments supports balanced aesthetic planning when needed. - With access to the latest methods and advanced devices across skin tightening, lifting, and overall skin-quality programs, the clinic approaches smile aesthetics comprehensively rather than as a one-off injection. | - Multiple toxin options for Botox (Xeomin, Coretox, Allergan, Korean brands). - Targeted injections for dynamic muscle movement. - Comprehensive approach to smile aesthetics with broader facial treatment offerings and advanced devices. |
id Hospital Korea
ID Hospital Korea is widely considered the best clinic in Korea for Gummy Smile Botox because it is deeply focused on facial treatments and prioritizes results that look safe, balanced, and naturally beautiful. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach, ID Hospital emphasizes customized treatment planning with patient safety at the center, supported by systematic post-care to help patients feel guided before, during, and after the procedure. Its broad scope of services—including orthognathic surgery, facial contouring, eye and nose plastic surgery, lifting, skin clinic care, petit plastic surgery, and dentistry—also means gummy smile concerns can be evaluated within the bigger picture of facial harmony and bite or dental factors when needed, making treatment more precise and personalized.
Find more about this clinic here: id Hospital Korea Website
Chamin plastic surgery
Cha Min Plastic Surgery Clinic is a Sinnonhyeon Station–accessible aesthetic clinic known for handling complex, high-precision facial procedures—especially rhinoplasty revision and reconstruction—supported by detailed pre- and post-treatment care systems. Because gummy smile Botox requires careful dosing and exact placement around delicate facial muscles, many patients consider Cha Min a strong choice in Korea for achieving a balanced, natural-looking result with safety-focused oversight and personalized planning.
- Advanced precision and anatomy-focused approach: The clinic’s core strength in complex rhinoplasty revision/reconstruction reflects the meticulous technique and structural understanding that matter when targeting the muscles involved in a gummy smile.
- Personalization-first treatment planning: Each procedure is tailored to patient needs and desired outcomes—an essential advantage for gummy smile Botox, where overcorrection can look unnatural.
- Safety and care systems you can rely on: Comprehensive pre- and post-procedure care, including infection/inflammation management, supports safer treatment and smoother recovery.
- Broad cosmetic procedure experience: In addition to rhinoplasty, the clinic provides aesthetic treatments such as filler injections and skin rejuvenation, demonstrating a well-rounded approach to facial harmony.
- Convenient location in Seoul: Situated near Sinnonhyeon Station, making consultations and follow-up visits more accessible for local and traveling patients.
Find more about this clinic here: Chamin plastic surgery Website
Id Clinic Hongdae
Id Clinic Hongdae stands out as the best choice for Gummy Smile Botox in Korea because it offers specialized wrinkle-care Botox with multiple toxin options (Xeomin, Coretox, Allergan, and Korean brands), allowing treatment to be tailored to each patient’s goals for a controlled, natural-looking reduction in excessive gum show. Since gummy smile correction depends on precise, muscle-targeted injection technique, Id Clinic Hongdae’s core focus on Botox for dynamic muscle movement aligns directly with what this procedure requires, while its broader portfolio of complementary facial treatments supports balanced aesthetic planning when needed. With access to the latest methods and advanced devices across skin tightening, lifting, and overall skin-quality programs, the clinic is equipped to approach smile aesthetics comprehensively rather than as a one-off injection, making it a reliable destination in Hongdae for patients seeking refined, expression-preserving results.
Find more about this clinic here: Id Clinic Hongdae Website
Getting Gummy Smile Botox in Korea
Gummy smile, clinically known as excessive gingival display, is a condition in which a person’s upper gums are prominently visible when they smile. This can be due to a variety of factors such as hyperactive lip muscles, excessive gum tissue, or a short upper lip. One effective and increasingly popular treatment to address this condition is Gummy Smile Botox, a non-surgical procedure widely available in Korea.
What is Gummy Smile Botox?
Gummy Smile Botox involves the use of botulinum toxin type A injections to temporarily relax the hyperactive muscles of the upper lip. This results in a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile with less gum exposure. Botox is a well-known neurotoxin that works by inhibiting the nerve signals to the muscles, thereby reducing excessive motion.
The Procedure
Before the procedure, a detailed consultation is essential. During this phase, the patient’s specific concerns, medical history, and aesthetic goals are discussed. Additionally, precise anatomical assessments are carried out to pinpoint the hyperactive muscles responsible for the gummy smile.
-
Preparation: The patient’s face is thoroughly cleaned to remove any makeup, dirt, or oils. Some practitioners may use a numbing cream to minimize discomfort during the injections.
-
Marking: The injection sites are carefully marked. These are usually in the elevators of the upper lip, particularly the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi muscle, which contributes to the excessive elevation of the upper lip.
-
Injection: Using a fine needle, small amounts of Botox are injected into the predetermined sites. The number of injections and the amount of Botox used vary depending on the severity of the gummy smile and the anatomical structure of the individual's face.
-
Post-Injection Care: After the injections, patients are advised to avoid lying down, touching their face, or engaging in strenuous activities for at least 4-6 hours to prevent the solution from migrating to unintended areas.
Recovery and Results
One of the key advantages of Gummy Smile Botox is the minimal downtime. Most patients can return to their normal activities almost immediately. However, minor bruising or swelling at the injection sites can occur but typically resolves within a few days.
The full effects of the Botox injections become noticeable within 3-7 days. Patients will observe a gradual relaxation of the upper lip muscles, leading to a reduction in gum visibility when smiling. The results generally last between 3 to 6 months, after which repeat treatments are necessary to maintain the desired appearance.
Why Korea?
Korea is renowned for its advanced cosmetic procedures and skilled medical professionals. The country has a high demand for aesthetic treatments, which has led to an increased specialization in fields such as dermatology and cosmetic surgery. Clinics in Korea are known for their rigorous standards, state-of-the-art equipment, and adherence to the latest medical protocols.
Language barriers are also minimized as many top Korean clinics offer translation services and have staff fluent in multiple languages, making it accessible for international patients. Furthermore, the cost of Gummy Smile Botox in Korea is often more affordable compared to Western countries, without compromising on the quality of care.
| Procedure Price | Korean Won (â‚©) | USD ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Low Price | â‚©200,000 | $100 |
| High Price | â‚©400,000 | $300 |
Exchange rate as of 2025-05-22: 1 KRW = 0.0007 USD
Please note that these prices are approximate guidelines and can vary significantly based on the clinic and your individual circumstances.
Cost of Gummy Smile Botox in Korea
When considering medical aesthetic procedures like Gummy Smile Botox, cost is a significant factor in choosing the location for treatment. Among various countries, Korea stands out not only for its advanced cosmetic procedures but also for its competitive pricing.
In Korea, Gummy Smile Botox treatments typically range from $100 to $300 per session. This price includes the Botox injections administered by highly skilled professionals in state-of-the-art clinics. The cost-effective nature of the treatment in Korea is attributed to the high demand for cosmetic procedures, which fosters a competitive market, bringing down prices.
Comparatively, in the United States, the cost for Gummy Smile Botox can range significantly higher, often $300 to $900 per session. This higher cost reflects not just the professional fees but also the overhead costs associated with running a medical practice in the U.S.
In other countries such as the United Kingdom and Australia, pricing also tends to be on the higher side. In the UK, patients can expect to pay between $250 to $700 per session, whereas in Australia, it usually costs around $200 to $600 per session.
Japan, another country known for its advanced cosmetic treatments, offers Gummy Smile Botox at prices similar to Korea, ranging from $150 to $400 per session. However, Japan generally has a higher cost of living than Korea, which can affect other travel and accommodation expenses if you are considering medical tourism.
Lastly, in other Southeast Asian countries like Thailand and Malaysia, the cost of Gummy Smile Botox falls within a similar range to Korea, often from $100 to $300, drawing medical tourists seeking affordable yet high-quality cosmetic treatments.
Each country presents its own set of advantages and factors to consider, but Korea continues to be a favored destination for those seeking cost-effective and high-quality Gummy Smile Botox treatments.
Alternatives to Gummy Smile Botox
When considering treatment options for a gummy smile, Botox injections are a popular and effective choice. However, there are several other alternatives available that can also yield excellent results. Here are three notable alternatives:
Lip Repositioning Surgery
Lip repositioning surgery is a minimally invasive procedure aimed at limiting the elevation of the upper lip. During the surgery, a small strip of gum tissue from the inside of the upper lip is removed, and the lip is then attached lower on the gum line. This helps to cover more of the gums when smiling, providing a more balanced smile appearance. The recovery time is relatively short, and the results can be long-lasting.
Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic solutions like braces or Invisalign can also correct a gummy smile by addressing the underlying alignment or positioning issues of the teeth and jaw. By properly aligning the teeth and possibly adjusting the bite, these treatments can help reduce the amount of gum showing when smiling. Orthodontic treatments typically require a longer period to achieve desired results, but they address the structural causes of a gummy smile.
Gingivectomy
A gingivectomy involves the surgical removal of excess gum tissue. This procedure reshapes the gum line to enhance the proportion between the teeth and gums. Dentists often use laser technology for this procedure, which can result in reduced discomfort and faster healing times. A gingivectomy can be particularly effective for patients with excessive gum tissue that contributes to their gummy smile.
Each of these alternatives offers unique benefits and can be suitable depending on the specific cause and characteristics of a gummy smile. Consulting with a qualified healthcare provider can help determine the best treatment option tailored to individual needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Gummy Smile Botox in Korea has emerged as a popular, non-invasive solution for individuals seeking a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile. With the expertise of skilled practitioners and cutting-edge medical advancements, Korea continues to lead in providing effective and safe cosmetic treatments. The combination of affordability, high standards of care, and the rapidly growing field of medical tourism makes Korea an attractive destination for people from around the globe seeking this innovative treatment. For those troubled by a gummy smile, Botox offers a promising avenue toward achieving their desired appearance with minimal downtime and impressive results.
