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Gummy Smile

Excessively visible gums during a smile, also known as a “gummy smile,” are common. This involves a large portion of gum tissue visible above the upper teeth when smiling. This can have a genetic cause, but is often also due to an orthodontic issue.

Many people with this condition are good candidates for treatment. However, if there is a significant distance between the patient’s nose and upper lip, treatment may not be recommended for aesthetic reasons.

  • Price: €90
  • Treatment time: 15 minutes
  • Effect: 3 to 4 months

How Does the Treatment Work?

  • Small injections are administered with a fine needle to relax the muscles.
  • This causes the upper lip to droop slightly, revealing less gum tissue.
  • Dr. Kim Detollenaere typically injects at three different points.
  • After the injections, pressure is applied with gauze.
  • The procedure itself takes about 5 minutes.

Before the Treatment

Before the treatment, the doctor will ask several questions:

  • Is there a family history of this condition?
  • Have you previously undergone treatment and were you satisfied?
  • Were the results of previous muscle relaxant injections lasting?
  • How much lowering of the upper lip do you prefer?
  • Are you looking for a subtle or maximum effect?
  • Do you have lip fillers, or are you considering them?

The Consult

During the consultation, Dr. Kim Detollenaere examines the face and smile:

  • How the patient appears at rest, without smiling.
  • How the smile varies from subtle to maximal.
  • Whether there is any asymmetry.
  • Dr. Detollenaere measures the philtrum length (the distance between the nose and the upper lip).
  • After this examination and a discussion with the patient, the doctor determines the appropriate dosage for the treatment.

Choosing the Dose

  • Dr. Kim Detollenaere will assess the situation and discuss the desired degree of reduction of the visible gingiva.
  • It is crucial to evaluate the philtrum; in some patients, the treatment can give them a worn appearance, making it unsuitable. Dr. Kim Detollenaere will discuss this with you after the assessment.

Before and After Treatment

  • Avoid makeup for 4 hours.
  • Do not have massages on the day of the treatment.
  • Avoid strenuous physical activity that day.
  • Do not lie down for 4 hours after the treatment.
  • Avoid acidic products for 24 hours.

Prijzen Spierontspanners (BTX)

FAQ

Using a thin needle, muscle relaxant injections are administered into specific facial muscles. These injections block the signals between the nerve and the muscle. This leads to reduced muscle activity, making wrinkles and lines less visible, or even disappearing completely.

Wrinkles begin to fade within 2-8 days after the injection. The optimal effect is visible after about 4 weeks. This effect lasts between 6-8 weeks. From 8 weeks onwards, the effect gradually diminishes. After 12 weeks, the effect is approximately halved, and after 4 months, 80% of the effect has disappeared. Many patients choose to repeat the treatment every 3-4 months, but this varies from person to person. Men, athletes, and those with a more muscular build may require larger and more frequent doses.

Although wrinkle injections are a medical procedure performed by a doctor and carry some risks, they are generally considered safe with a low risk of complications.

  • Common bruising and swelling at the injection site.
  • Mild headache after the injection in about 10% of cases, usually not longer than 24 hours.
  • Drooping of the eyebrow or eyelid occurs in 2% of patients and can last up to 3 weeks.
  • Sometimes multiple treatments are necessary for the best result.
  • Infections are very rare.

The treatment is minimally painful. There’s a slight prickling sensation during the injection and a brief burning sensation. While the treatment itself only takes about 5 minutes, there are preparatory steps such as taking photos, signing a consent form, and disinfecting, making the entire appointment approximately 30 minutes long.

Your aesthetic doctor, Dr. Kim Detollenaere, may advise you to avoid frowning or making other facial expressions frequently for the first few days.

  • Avoid pressure on the treated area for the first 24-48 hours.
  • Do not touch or massage the treated area, especially within 24 hours.
  • Wait to apply makeup for at least 6-8 hours after the treatment, or preferably until the next day.

A follow-up appointment is usually scheduled approximately two weeks after your initial treatment to assess the results. Regular treatments are recommended to maintain the effects; you can discuss this with your doctor during your appointment.

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