Gummy Smile & Lip Flip
When you smile, do you feel your upper lip disappears? Do you notice more gum showing than you’d prefer? Small muscle adjustments can create meaningful aesthetic balance.
A Lip Flip or Gummy Smile treatment uses precise neuromodulator placement to relax specific muscles around the mouth, allowing the upper lip to roll slightly outward or reducing excessive gum exposure when smiling.
At Élevé Esthetics in Jessup, Maryland, lip and smile refinement treatments are performed within a physician-directed medical framework and incorporated into personalized facial balancing plans.
Reserve your consultation to determine whether this treatment is appropriate for your goals.
What Is Lip Flip?
A Lip Flip is a non-surgical treatment using a neuromodulator (such as Botox® or similar FDA-approved botulinum toxin products) to relax the orbicularis oris muscle just above the upper lip.
By gently reducing muscle contraction, the upper lip may roll slightly outward, creating the appearance of:
- A fuller upper lip
- More visible lip surface area
- Improved lip definition
A Lip Flip does not add volume. It is not a dermal filler.
What Is Gummy Smile Treatment?
A Gummy Smile treatment uses neuromodulator injections to relax the muscles responsible for lifting the upper lip excessively when smiling.
By reducing over-elevation of the lip, the treatment may:
- Decrease visible gum exposure
- Create a more balanced smile
- Improve lip-to-tooth proportion
Treatment recommendations are based on facial anatomy and muscle activity evaluation.
What This Treatment May Improve
Lip Flip or Gummy Smile treatment may be appropriate for individuals who:
- Feel their upper lip disappears when smiling
- Show excessive gum tissue
- Desire subtle lip enhancement without filler
- Want balanced smile aesthetics
- Are not ready for surgical options
Suitability is determined during consultation.
Why Clients Choose Élevé Esthetics for Lip & Smile Refinement
Perioral injections require precision. Over-treatment can affect speech, drinking, and natural expression.
Clients choose Élevé Esthetics because we emphasize:
- Comprehensive facial and smile assessment
- Conservative dosing strategy
- Advanced anatomical understanding
- Physician-directed oversight
- Integration into full facial balancing
All neuromodulator treatments are performed by a licensed Nurse Practitioner under the direction of Dr. Chukwuemeka Onyewu in accordance with Maryland regulations.
What to Expect
Consultation & Facial Assessment
Every Lip Flip or Gummy Smile treatment begins with a consultation.
We evaluate:
- Lip anatomy and proportion
- Muscle movement during smiling
- Degree of gum exposure
- Overall facial balance
- Medical history and contraindications
This assessment determines:
- Whether neuromodulator treatment is appropriate
- Recommended dosing
- Expected degree of effect
- Whether dermal filler may be more suitable
Informed consent is required prior to treatment.
Treatment Appointment
During treatment:
- The area is cleansed
- Small amounts of neuromodulator are injected into targeted muscles
The procedure typically takes 10–15 minutes.
Most patients describe minimal discomfort. No anesthesia is required.
Downtime & Recovery
There is minimal downtime.
You may experience:
- Mild redness at injection sites
- Minor swelling
- Temporary tenderness
Normal activities may typically be resumed the same day unless otherwise advised.
Results Timeline & Longevity
Effects typically begin within several days and continue developing over 1–2 weeks.
Results generally last 2–4 months depending on individual metabolism and muscle strength.
Maintenance treatments may be discussed during consultation.
Individual results vary. No specific outcome can be guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Lip Flip?
A Lip Flip is a neuromodulator treatment that relaxes the upper lip muscle to create subtle outward roll and enhanced appearance.
Does a Lip Flip add volume?
No. A Lip Flip does not add volume. Dermal filler is required for volumization.
How long does Gummy Smile treatment last?
Results typically last several months depending on individual response.
How long does under eye filler last?
Longevity varies based on product and individual metabolism. Maintenance treatments may be discussed.
Is the procedure painful?
Discomfort is typically minimal and brief.
Is this permanent?
No. Neuromodulator treatments are temporary and require maintenance for sustained results.
Refine Your Smile with Precision
Subtle muscle adjustments can create noticeable aesthetic balance when performed carefully.
At Élevé Esthetics in Jessup, Maryland, Lip Flip and Gummy Smile treatments are delivered within a medically guided, physician-directed environment focused on natural expression and structural harmony.
If you are ready to explore subtle smile refinement, we invite you to reserve your consultation.
Medical & Regulatory Disclaimer
Botulinum toxin products such as Botox® are FDA-approved for specific medical and cosmetic indications. Treatment for cosmetic smile or lip adjustment is determined by provider evaluation.
Individual results vary. No specific outcome is guaranteed. Neuromodulator treatments are temporary.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Medical services at Élevé Esthetics are provided under the direction of Dr. Chukwuemeka Onyewu. Injectable treatments are performed by a licensed Nurse Practitioner in accordance with Maryland regulations.