Why Did My Gummy Smile Surgery Not Work?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I got the gummy smile by V-shape process in Asia one year ago. It did not work for me. It looks like as before surgery. Can I get the new process for gummy smile in (Lip reposition method) again?

A: Even though you have had an unsuccessful V-Y upper lip mucosal advancement, you can proceed with further efforts at improving the gummy smile. I have found that while the V-Y mucosal procedure is a part of gummy smile surgery, it alone is not enough for a sustained correction. Elevator muscle release and a lowering vestibuloplasty must also be incorporated into the surgery for a sustained improvement. Your other option is to do Botox injections in the paranasal area. With just a few units of Botox, the muscle is relaxed and you will have less lip elevation for the duration of the drug’s effect. (4 months)

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana