Gummy Smile Treatment in Seoul: Treat the Real Cause
The short answer
Gummy smile treatment in Seoul is chosen by cause: Botox relaxes overactive lip muscles, lip repositioning surgery limits how high the lip rises, gum contouring trims excess gum, and jaw surgery treats a long upper jaw. Typical 2026 prices range from about ₩100,000 for Botox to ₩30,000,000 for jaw surgery. Lip repositioning takes about 1 hour under local anesthesia, with 1 to 2 weeks of swelling.
Key facts
- Causes: extra gum tissue, short or hypermobile upper lip, long upper jaw, small teeth
- Botox: about ₩100,000–₩300,000, lasts 3–6 months
- Lip repositioning: about ₩2,000,000–₩5,000,000, about 1 hour
- Jaw surgery: about ₩15,000,000–₩30,000,000
- Downtime: none (Botox) to 1–2 weeks (lip surgery)
- Scar: inside the mouth only
Treating the cause of the gum show
A gummy smile means more gum shows above your upper teeth than you would like when you smile. It has several possible causes, and many people have more than one:
- Extra gum tissue covering part of the teeth
- A short upper lip
- Overactive lip elevator muscles that pull the upper lip very high
- An upper jaw that has grown too long vertically
- Small or worn teeth that make the gum look larger
In lip repositioning surgery, the surgeon removes a strip of the inner lining between your upper lip and gum, then sews the lip lining lower. This shallows the groove so the lip cannot rise as high. Gum contouring trims extra gum, Botox relaxes the elevator muscles for a few months, and severe jaw-related cases need orthognathic (jaw) surgery.
Most often chosen for
- Showing more than about 3 to 4 mm of gum when smiling
- A smile that feels "too much gum, too little tooth"
- Uneven gum show between sides
Often combined with
Lip repositioning is sometimes combined with Botox for extra control, or with gum contouring by a dentist. Patients with a long upper lip as well may also consider philtrum reduction.
The procedure, layer by layer
Mark the strip
The surgeon marks a strip of inner lip lining, usually from canine to canine, sized to how much the lip lifts too high.
Where the incisions are made
All incisions are inside the mouth, between the upper lip and the gum. The strip of lining is removed, and the edges are stitched together so the lip attaches lower. Some surgeons also weaken the elevator muscle.
How the inside of the lip heals
The lining heals fast, usually within 1 to 2 weeks. There is no visible external scar.
Recovery timeline
| Time | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Days 1–3 | Swelling and tightness; soft diet; limit smiling widely |
| Days 7–10 | Stitches dissolve or are removed |
| Weeks 2–4 | Smile feels natural again |
| Months 3–6 | Final result; some relaxation is normal |
Is it right for you?
A good fit if you
- Have a gummy smile caused mainly by an overactive or short upper lip.
- Want a longer-lasting result than Botox.
Another option may suit you better if
- The cause is a long upper jaw; jaw surgery treats it properly.
- The cause is extra gum over the teeth; a dentist can perform gum contouring.
- You want a quick test first; Botox shows a similar effect for a few months. See botulinum toxin.
How the cause is diagnosed
A good assessment measures how much gum shows at rest and in a full smile, the length of your upper lip, how far the lip moves, and the length and shape of your teeth. A dental exam and sometimes X-rays or a CT scan show whether the upper jaw is too long. Because the right treatment depends on these findings, be cautious of any clinic that recommends surgery before measuring them.
Risks to discuss at your consultation
Ask about relapse, since the lip can partly return to its old position over time; a stiff or unnatural smile if too much is removed; asymmetry; and temporary numbness. Ask how the surgeon measures your gum show and what happens if it relapses.
Gummy smile treatment cost in Seoul
| Treatment | Typical cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| Botox | ₩100,000–₩300,000 |
| Gum contouring (dental) | ₩500,000–₩2,000,000 |
| Lip repositioning surgery | ₩2,000,000–₩5,000,000 |
| Orthognathic jaw surgery | ₩15,000,000–₩30,000,000 |
Gummy smile surgery vs. lip reduction
Gummy smile surgery changes how high the lip rises. Lip reduction makes thick lips thinner. They solve different concerns, though both use incisions inside the mouth.
This guide is for general information and is not medical advice. Prices are typical ranges reported by Gangnam clinics in 2026 and vary by clinic, doctor and treatment plan; confirm directly with the clinic.
Patient questions
Frequently asked questions
Is lip repositioning permanent?
It lasts much longer than Botox, but some relapse can occur over time as the tissues stretch.
Will my smile look different?
Your lip will rise less, showing more tooth and less gum. A careful plan keeps the smile natural.
How long should I stay in Seoul?
About 7 to 10 days for lip repositioning; jaw surgery requires a much longer stay.
Can I try Botox first?
Yes, and it is a good way to see whether you like a lower lip position before surgery.
Not sure which Gangnam clinic is right for you?
Tell us your goals, budget and travel dates. Our English-speaking coordinators compare doctor-led clinics and usually reply with free quotes within 24 hours.