Excessive gum exposure when smiling is most commonly caused by a hyperactive upper lip elevator muscle. Precise neurotoxin placement reduces the pull and creates a more balanced smile.
get startedA gummy smile refers to the visible exposure of more gum tissue than is conventionally considered aesthetically balanced when smiling. The clinical threshold is typically more than 3–4mm of gum tissue visible above the upper teeth during a full smile, though patient perception and aesthetic preference vary.
It’s a common concern — affecting an estimated 10–15% of the adult population — and one that is highly treatable non-surgically in the majority of cases where muscle hyperactivity is the primary driver.
Patients with a gummy smile often describe years of self-consciousness about their smile — covering their mouth when they laugh, avoiding photos that show their full smile, or feeling that their teeth look small relative to the amount of gum visible. Many are surprised to learn that an injectable treatment can correct it in one appointment without surgery.
A gummy smile has three potential drivers, which may appear independently or in combination.
Hyperactive upper lip elevator muscles: The most common cause. The levator labii superioris alaeque nasi (LLSAN) and related muscles pull the upper lip upward when smiling. In patients with a hyperactive LLSAN, the lip travels higher than average — exposing more gum tissue than intended. This is the component most consistently addressable with neurotoxin.
Short or hyperactive upper lip: Some patients have an anatomically short upper lip or a lip that travels more than the average 6–8mm during a full smile. This amplifies the degree of gum exposure even without skeletal or gingival factors.
Vertical maxillary excess: In some patients, the upper jaw sits lower than ideal relative to the lip, pushing more gum tissue into view regardless of muscle activity. This is a skeletal factor that non-surgical treatment addresses only partially.
Patients with a gummy smile typically notice:
A gummy smile driven by muscle hyperactivity tends to remain relatively stable throughout adulthood — it’s a structural and muscular characteristic rather than a progressive aging change. Some patients report it becoming more noticeable as the upper lip thins slightly with age, reducing the tissue that partially conceals the gum line.
Consistent neurotoxin treatment actually produces a mild cumulative effect over time: the muscle atrophies slightly with repeated relaxation, and some patients find that their dose requirement decreases and their duration extends after several treatment cycles.
The approach depends on the degree of gum exposure and what’s driving it.
At CAMI, gummy smile treatment begins with an assessment of how much of the gum exposure is muscular versus structural. The vast majority of patients presenting with this concern have hyperactivity of the LLSAN as the primary driver — which is the component we address with neurotoxin.
Placement is precise and conservative on first treatment. The LLSAN sits in close proximity to other muscles that control upper lip movement and expression — overdosing affects the natural smile in ways that are immediately noticeable and take several months to resolve. We assess response at the two-week mark and adjust at subsequent treatments based on outcome. Most patients find their ideal dose within one to two treatment cycles.
Care guided by experience, precision, and a deep understanding of natural beauty.
get started
I'm blown away with my Dysport experience with Madison. She is very knowledgeable, professional and meticulous.
Meredith is the absolutely best!! She is so sweet and her work is perfection! Always an amazing experience at CAMI! Highly recommend.
.png)
I have been coming to CAMI for 5 to 6 years now and their service is bar none! I’m always exceptionally pleased with my results, as I rotate Botox and Xenomin. The staff are very friendly and I always make me feel right at home!
I can’t say enough about the entire team at CAMI and overall experience as a new patient. My concerns were addressed and at no point did I feel rushed or pressured to make a decision. Katie and the entire staff put me at ease. My results are amazing and have made me feel so much more confident. Thank you CAMI! Highly recommend!
.png)
Ashley at CAMI has been amazing. She made me feel comfortable before, during and after my treatments and helped me feel more confident in my appearance
I saw Madison for my Botox appointment and she was the best! She listened to my concerns and I’m very pleased with the results. She also recommended some great skincare products! Can’t recommend this office enough!
I had a wonderful experience with Madison Mikolajczyk,. From the very beginning, she explained everything about my face in detail and with such professionalism that I immediately felt comfortable. I truly appreciated her honesty in telling me exactly what I needed and what would work best for my features. She performed my filler injections using the cannula method and normal injections which left me with beautiful, natural-looking results—and no bruising at all. No one can do that using that method with no bruising. The entire process was completely painless, as she took her time and worked so gently.I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. My results are subtle, natural, and exactly what I hoped for. I’m truly in love with the way my face looks now and would highly recommend her to anyone seeking safe, professional, and natural enhancements. I did Sculptra, Botox and Radiesse filler looking forward for more.
I’ve had nothing but a great experience at CAMI! Ashley is amazing at what she does, as someone who has never gotten any kind of injections before, she was very knowledgeable explaining everything to you beforehand, and will make you feel as comfortable and confident as possible!
I have been very happy with my services over the past few months. Meredith is so sweet and always makes my time there very comfortable. She is patient with me and never pushes me into anything I’m not comfortable with regarding my skin.
I love visiting the CAMI location in Huntersville! They treat everyone special and I left feeling refreshed and uplifted. It was my first time meeting Katie, and she was spectacular! She spent time addressing my needs and concerns and I will definitely request an appointment with Katie again. Thank you CAMI!!
Very personable fun atmosphere and relaxing. Normally I go to California for my facials but I feel very good going to CAMI in Huntersville for my beauty needs.
Easy to schedule consult and treatments! Wonderful welcoming staff at CAMI who make you feel relaxed and excited to be there. Will continue to choose CAMI for all cosmetic needs and recommend to everyone!
This is a great place to come for any facial treatments, fillers, etc. The staff is excellent and I felt totally pampered.
The team is awesome. The staff takes great care of me. I would highly recommend CAMI.
The team was amazing. This was my 1st time getting Botox. They were very thorough and informative. They made the experience easy.
Their team is highly skilled and very good at what they do. I have never had any type of facial treatments before and decided it was time for a little pick-me-up. They took the time to listen to my concerns and recommended the procedure that was best suited for the outcome I was wanting.
Ashley is fantastic! Professional, friendly, and extremely knowledgeable. She’s my go-to for all my skincare maintenance needs. I always leave feeling confident and refreshed!
.png)
I was honestly skeptical about trying CAMI since I hadn’t had the best experiences with Botox and other treatments elsewhere. But choosing CAMI turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made. Madison, in particular, is the best nurse and injector I’ve ever worked with—she’s honest, genuinely cares about your results, and makes you feel like her top priority. While the treatments are an investment, as we age a little extra care and attention truly go a long way.
I Love CAMI, and all there staff! Katie Wilson is the absolute Beauty Making Queen!!! 👑 She is very particular when she was doing what I asked of and the results are perfection. I have recommended CAMI to multiple people and they are just as please. Thank you CAMI
I’m so glad I gave this med spa another chance. Everything feels completely different now in the best way. I had a hydrafacial and hydr with Meredith and noticed an immediate improvement in my skin. I went back and purchased a microneedling package, and the results have been good so far. Meredith truly made my experience there so much better. She made me feel comfortable, welcomed, and kept me laughing the entire time. She is also very honest, which I really appreciate. I’ve finally found my person, and I won’t let anyone else touch my face. Highly recommend!
