How Many Units of Botox Do You Need for a Gummy Smile?

Published by Dr Hasaneen

Published date 31.07.26

Most patients need between 2 and 4 units of Botox per side, so around 4 to 8 units in total, to correct a gummy smile.

That might sound tiny compared to other Botox treatments, and it is. This is one of the smallest, most precise doses used anywhere in facial aesthetics. The difference between a beautifully balanced smile and one that looks slightly “off” often comes down to a single unit, placed in exactly the right spot.

Here is what actually determines your dose, what is really happening under the skin when you smile, and why this particular treatment rewards a practitioner’s precision more than almost any other.

Gummy Smile Botox - Where and How Much - Dr Hass Clinic

What is actually happening when you smile?

There is a small muscle running alongside your nose, on each side, whose job is to lift your upper lip when you smile. In most people, it lifts the lip just enough to show teeth and a small amount of gum. In a gummy smile, this muscle is simply a little overactive, pulling the lip higher than it needs to and revealing more gum than most people find flattering.

Botox works by gently quietening this muscle down. A very small, carefully placed dose on each side softens how far the lip lifts, so you show more of your smile and less of your gums, without changing how natural your smile looks or feels. It is not about “freezing” anything. It is about turning the volume down on one small, slightly overenthusiastic muscle.

Gummy Smile Treatment Recovery and Aftercare

Why the dose has to be so precise

This is one of the only places on the face where a tiny difference in dose can visibly change the way someone smiles.

Too much product and the lip can lift unevenly, or the smile can look slightly incomplete on one side. Too little and the gum show barely changes at all. The margin for error here is genuinely smaller than almost anywhere else Botox is used on the face, which is exactly why this treatment rewards real experience and a careful, unhurried approach.

What determines your specific dose?

How strong your smile muscle is. Some people naturally have a more active pull in this muscle than others. Your practitioner assesses this by watching your full, natural smile at consultation, not just a polite half-smile.

Whether you are male or female. Men generally have larger, stronger facial muscles than women, including this one, which usually means a slightly higher dose is needed to achieve the same softening effect.

How much gum currently shows. A conventionally “ideal” smile shows very little upper gum, generally a couple of millimetres at most. If you are showing significantly more than that, you may need a dose toward the higher end of the range to see a meaningful change.

Whether your smile is symmetrical. Almost everyone has some natural asymmetry between the left and right side of their face. A good practitioner will often use a slightly different dose on each side rather than assuming both sides need exactly the same amount.

Whether lip filler is being used alongside Botox. Some patients get their best result from Botox alone. Others benefit from adding a touch of lip filler, which brings extra volume to the upper lip and can reduce visible gum further, sometimes meaning less Botox is needed overall.

Lip Filler Treatment Stage Image - Dr Hass Clinic

Why less is usually better here

With treatments like a smoother forehead or a slimmer jaw, starting conservative and topping up later is standard practice. Gummy smile correction rewards that same restraint from day one, but even more so.

A subtle, precisely placed dose that leaves your smile looking like your smile, just a little more balanced, will always be the better result than a heavier dose chasing a bigger change. The most skilled injectors in this particular treatment are often the ones who use the least product to get the most natural-looking result.

When will you see results, and how long do they last?

You will usually start noticing a difference within 3 to 5 days, with the full result visible by around two weeks, once the muscle has properly settled. Results typically last 3 to 4 months, after which the muscle gradually returns to its normal activity and the gum show slowly comes back. Most patients book a top-up before this fully happens, to keep their smile looking consistent.

For a full breakdown of what to expect in the days after treatment, read our gummy smile treatment recovery and aftercare guide.

Gummy Smile Treatment - Before and After - Dr Hass Clinic

Is Botox always the answer, or is filler sometimes better?

Botox works brilliantly when an overactive muscle is the cause of your gummy smile. But sometimes the cause is different, a naturally shorter upper lip, or simply how your teeth and gums are proportioned, and in those cases lip filler, or a combination of both, tends to give a better and longer-lasting result.

Working out what is really driving your gummy smile is the whole point of a proper consultation, and it is what determines whether Botox, filler, or both will suit you best. Our guide on whether you are a good candidate for gummy smile treatment goes into this in more detail.

Why this can only be confirmed properly at consultation

The figures above are a genuinely useful starting point, but the right dose for you depends on seeing your smile in person, at rest and in full motion, and understanding exactly how your muscles and anatomy behave.

At Dr Hass Clinic, Dr Hasaneen Al-Janabi assesses this properly before deciding on the precise dose and placement for each side, rather than reaching for a standard amount regardless of your individual face.

Book your gummy smile consultation now

Latest News

5 Signs You Are a Good Candidate for Nose Filler

The real signs nose filler will work for you, who it won't suit, and what to expect at consultation.

Nose Filler Before and After - Dr Hass Clinic

Nose Filler Cost in the UK

What nose filler actually costs in the UK, what changes the price, and how it compares to rhinoplasty.

Endolift Body vs Laser Liposuction: Which One Do You Actually Need?

Dr Hasaneen Al Janabi explains the real difference between Endolift Body and Laser Liposuction, and the simple test that tells...

View all news

Don’t Take Our Word For it…

       EXCELLENT  
   Based on 327 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Lia Maria 
 4 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I 100% recommends visiting Dr Hass clinic. Dr Hass is very friendly and a pro at what he does. I got facial balancing and he took his time analysing my face, I’m super happy with the results, very natural looking!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Maya Ansar 
 9 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A very good experience. Dr Hass was professional, thorough and took the time to assess my face properly. The face mapping was very detailed, everything was explained clearly, and the recommendations felt considered rather than rushed. I felt very comfortable throughout.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Lekaa Saleh 
 11 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am a lady in my early 50s
I was very confused to choose a clinic that can remove my double chin which was really annoying me and making me lose my confidence. I finally found Dr. Hass clinic. I am a person who doesn’t like surgeries or injections.. I was very worried but Dr Hass was a very experienced professional doctor who made me feel comfortable and relaxed. I personally didn’t feel any pain and when I saw the result I was amazed with the beautiful change … No more double chin 🥹🥹
It’s very important for all women to invest in their health and beauty.. I strongly recommend Dr Hass clinic and I would love to make another visit for different treatments 😊
Dr Hass you really changed my life by increasing my self confidence thank you so so much for everything 🥹🙏🏼🌹
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Ambar Mirza 
 15 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve been coming to Dr Hass for a long time now and I honestly wouldn’t trust anyone else with my filler. He always makes me feel completely at ease and really takes the time to listen to what I want, while also giving genuinely helpful and honest advice.

He’s brilliant at what he does, couldn’t recommend him enough!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   jenai douglas 
 16 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I visited Dr Hass for dermal fillers and it was my best experience to date. Dr Hass took time during the consultation to really ask questions to understand my needs and make the best recommendations for me to achieve my desired results. He was honest and personable and even advised me against treatments I thought I needed due to seeing others have these procedures online. He really cared about my results and being satisfied over anything else.

I was nervous but he put me at ease and the results are amazing. Cannot recommend the clinic enough and I will be back!
  
 
     Posted on Trustindex  
   
   Nikol 
 17 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Trustindex. Endolift
A huge thank you to Dr. Haas! I had a big issue with sagging skin, especially on my neck, so I decided to get an Endolift for my face with an extended neck treatment.
I saw the results immediately after the procedure—my skin was tightened, my facial contours were much more defined, and everything looked so beautiful and natural. I am extremely satisfied, the clinic is clean and gorgeous, and everyone there is so kind. Dr. Haas is truly one of the best doctors, and I highly recommend him to everyone!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   lola ri 
 17 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr Hass is truly magical! He has an incredible eye and knows exactly what your face needs to create the perfect contour while keeping everything natural and beautifully balanced. His skill and attention to detail are exceptional I couldn’t be happier with the result. I highly recommend him!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Nikol Rosenbergova 
 17 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I recently went to Dr. Hass at Dr. Hass Clinic for an Endolift treatment, and I honestly couldn't be happier with the results! I had quite a bit of sagging skin, especially around my neck and lower face.
The moment the procedure was done, I could immediately feel the tightening effect. The results were amazing right away the sagging on my neck completely disappeared, and my facial contours were lifted instantly.
Dr. Hass is wonderful, so kind, and extremely professional. He explained everything in detail and took his time to focus precisely on the sagging areas where I needed it the most. I am so satisfied with my experience, I will definitely come back in the future, and I highly recommend him to anyone struggling with similar issues. He is truly one of the best, and I am so glad I found him and chose him!
  
 
     Posted on Trustindex  
   
   Caroline Wingfield 
 24 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Trustindex. Lips
I would thoroughly recommend Dr Hass and his clinic. He is incredibly thorough, professional and, most importantly, honest in his approach.

Having visited a number of different clinics over the years, what really sets Dr Hass apart is his focus on achieving a softer, fresher and more natural look rather than making you look “done”.

He has completely transformed years of previous lip filler for me, and my lips already look amazing — beautifully natural and so much better balanced. I’ve had so many people notice the difference and comment on how good they look.

I couldn’t be happier with the results and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Rume Rahman 
 28 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I spent years looking for an effective treatment for my jawline and came across Dr Hass's clinic on instagram. I am  extremely happy with the results of endolift and a mini liposuction. The service was exceptional from beginning to the after care. Dr Hass always responds to queries and gives appropriate advice. I would highly recommend his services.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Lucy Bridgeman 
 60 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Would highly recommend the Dr Hass Clinic.

From booking my initial consultation right through to aftercare, every interaction has been quick, easy and professional.

After having Endolift on my face with exceptional results, I had no hesitation in booking an Endolift body treatment for my thighs. Due to the amount of loose skin, I had always assumed surgery was my only option. I didn’t want to trade sagging skin for scars, and I also didn’t have the budget or the time for surgery and a lengthy recovery. I was therefore over the moon when Dr Hass explained that I could achieve visible skin tightening results with Endolift. I’ve just had the treatment, so I’m now really excited to see the results develop!

The level of care, expertise and attention throughout has been brilliant. I’m particularly self-conscious about my thighs, but Dr Hass made me feel completely at ease and comfortable throughout the consultation and treatment. The treatment itself was also practically pain-free.

I genuinely wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Dr Hass and his clinic. He clearly knows his stuff, takes great care of his patients and, as an added bonus, is actually a really cool guy to spend a few hours, I’m now a country music fan too!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Monika Lescevska 
 65 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am so lucky to have found Dr. Hass. I recently did an Endolift procedure on my body and couldn't be happier that I chose to go with this clinic.
I first had a consultation where Dr. Hass went through the whole procedure in detail and made me feel heard. I then came in for the actual procedure, feeling quite anxious as I never had anything similar done. The procedure went through so smoothly, and the pain was very minimal. Dr. Hass ensured I felt comfortable, and was very patient with me the entire time. He is definitely at the top of his field, so I felt safe being in his hands.
I'm still in the process of recovery but I have minimal bruising and swelling and everything is healing really well. I already told Dr. Hass that I will come to him for any future procedure or cosmetic enhancement!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Lisa 
 69 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr Hass performed an Endolift procedure on my sub mental area.My experience exceeded my expectations.
Dr Hass reassured me all the way through the procedure and I had zero pain.I am excited to see my results.If you are considering this treatment with Dr Hass I would not hesitate to go ahead.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Amy Barker 
 70 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great experience from Dr Hass, really pleased with the results of my under eye endolift
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Charlotte Mackinnon 
 71 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I visited Dr. Hass for a non-surgical nose treatment and I couldn't be happier with the results. My nose was lifted instantly and the whole procedure was very quick and painless. I don't live in the UK, but I would absolutely travel back to London to have this treatment done again. I highly recommend Dr. Hass

Our clients’ satisfaction is at the heart of everything we do. We take immense pride in helping individuals enhance their natural beauty and boost their confidence.

Our Clinic

Your Sanctuary

Welcome to our clinic, where innovation, expertise, and personalised care merge to redefine your natural beauty. We specialise in providing a wide range of non-invasive treatments that deliver remarkable results without the need for surgery.

Discover Our Mayfair Clinic

About

Contact

Skin

Body

Face