Lip Repositioning

Though its name may sound to some like involved reconstructive surgery, Lip Repositioning is a newly developed procedure that permanently corrects gummy smiles caused by a hyperactive lip (high upper lip). It does this through a short and minimally invasive surgical procedure that lowers the junction of the upper lip to the inside of the mouth. The procedure, nicknamed the “Gummy Tuck”, restricts upper lip movement in full smile and dramatically reduces the amount of gum exposure with a full smile. This is accomplished through removal of a small strip of tissue from the inside of the upper lip. Once the small strip of tissue has been removed, the upper lip is sutured into a new, lower position.

The procedure generally takes about 30-45 minutes and is done under local anesthesia. All incisions are intra-oral and result in little or no scarring in the inside of the lip. Other than restriction of lip movement on full smile, no other effects on facial muscle movement or speech are seen.