purple plum aesthetics blog
Struggling with a Gummy Smile? Lip Repositioning Can Help!
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A gummy smile—where an excessive amount of gum tissue shows when you smile—can often cause people to feel self-conscious, hiding their smiles or avoiding certain expressions altogether. If you’re one of the many who feel that your smile reveals more gum than teeth, don’t worry, you’re not alone. The good news? You don’t have to live with it forever.
At Purple Plum Aesthetic, we offer a transformative procedure that can help correct a gummy smile and bring back the confidence in your smile: lip repositioning. In this blog, we’ll break down what lip repositioning is, how it works, and why it might be the perfect solution for you if you're looking to enhance your smile and restore facial harmony.
What is a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile is characterized by the excessive display of the upper gums when you smile. This can occur for a variety of reasons, including:
- Excessive gum tissue: Some individuals have a naturally high gum line, which exposes more of the gums when they smile.
- Overactive upper lip muscles: In some cases, the muscles that control your upper lip may be overactive, causing the lip to rise higher than usual, which exposes more of the gums.
- Teeth size or position: Small teeth or teeth that have erupted abnormally may make the gums more prominent when smiling.
While a gummy smile doesn’t pose any health risks, it can be a source of insecurity for many people. This is where lip repositioning can help.
What is Lip Repositioning?
Lip repositioning is a minimally invasive surgical procedure designed to address a gummy smile by adjusting the position of the upper lip. During the procedure, the upper lip is repositioned lower on the gums, creating a more balanced and proportionate smile. The goal is to reduce the amount of gum that shows when you smile, giving your teeth more prominence and enhancing the overall aesthetics of your face.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable and pain-free throughout the process. The surgery involves small incisions inside the mouth, just above the gum line, and no external scars are visible after recovery. The result is a more harmonious smile, with less gum tissue visible when you smile or speak.
How Does Lip Repositioning Work?
Lip repositioning is a straightforward procedure that takes about 30 to 60 minutes to complete. Here’s a quick overview of how it works:
- Consultation: Before your procedure, you'll have a consultation with one of our experienced specialists at Purple Plum Aesthetic. During this consultation, we’ll assess your facial anatomy and discuss your desired outcome to ensure that lip repositioning is the right solution for your gummy smile.
- Anesthesia: On the day of the procedure, a local anesthetic will be applied to the area around your upper lip. This ensures that you will feel no pain or discomfort during the procedure.
- Repositioning the Lip: The surgeon will make small incisions inside the mouth, just above the gum line, to expose the tissue that needs to be adjusted. The upper lip is then repositioned and sutured into its new, lower position. The result is a subtle but significant reduction in the amount of gum that shows when you smile.
- Recovery: After the procedure, you’ll be given aftercare instructions to help with recovery. Most patients experience some swelling and mild discomfort, but this typically resolves within a few days. You may be advised to avoid hard or chewy foods for a few days and to follow a soft-food diet for optimal healing.
- Final Results: While initial swelling will subside within a week, full results are typically visible after 2 to 3 months. Over time, your lips will settle into their new position, and you’ll enjoy a more balanced, attractive smile that boosts your confidence.
Why Choose Lip Repositioning for Your Gummy Smile?
If you're tired of feeling self-conscious about your gummy smile, lip repositioning can offer a permanent solution with many benefits:
1. Natural-Looking Results
Lip repositioning provides a subtle, natural enhancement to your smile. Unlike other treatments like Botox or lip fillers, which temporarily alter the appearance, lip repositioning offers a permanent change to your facial proportions, giving you a more balanced and attractive smile for years to come.
2. Minimally Invasive Procedure
While lip repositioning is a surgical procedure, it is minimally invasive and doesn’t require any external cuts or visible scars. The procedure is done inside the mouth, which makes the recovery process quicker and less noticeable.
3. Quick Recovery
Most patients experience a relatively quick recovery after lip repositioning, with minimal downtime. Swelling and discomfort are typically mild, and most people can return to work and social activities within a few days.
4. Long-Lasting Effects
Once the procedure is complete, the results are permanent. You won’t need ongoing treatments or maintenance to maintain your new smile, making lip repositioning a worthwhile investment in your appearance.
5. Improved Confidence
A balanced, proportionate smile can have a profound impact on your overall appearance and self-confidence. Many patients report feeling more comfortable smiling and engaging with others after lip repositioning, knowing they have a smile they love.
Who is an Ideal Candidate for Lip Repositioning?
Lip repositioning is an ideal option for individuals who:
- Have a gummy smile that causes them to feel self-conscious or uncomfortable.
- Are looking for a permanent solution to reduce the amount of gum that shows when smiling.
- Have good overall health and no serious oral health issues.
- Are realistic about their results and have clear expectations about the outcome.
During your consultation at Purple Plum Aesthetic, we will assess your facial structure and discuss your goals to ensure that lip repositioning is the right fit for you.
Why Choose Purple Plum Aesthetic for Lip Repositioning?
At Purple Plum Aesthetic, we specialize in helping our clients achieve their aesthetic goals with precision and care. Our experienced team of professionals is committed to providing you with the highest quality of care, ensuring that you feel comfortable, informed, and confident throughout the entire process.
We understand that your smile is one of your most important features, and we’re here to help you enhance it in a way that’s natural, balanced, and permanent. With a focus on safety, expertise, and personalized care, you can trust that your lip repositioning procedure will be in the best hands.
Lip Repositioning in Falls Church, VA
If you’re struggling with a gummy smile and looking for a solution to help you feel more confident, lip repositioning may be the answer. This minimally invasive procedure can reduce the visibility of excess gum tissue and give you a more attractive, balanced smile that you’ll love to show off.
Ready to say goodbye to your gummy smile? Contact us at Purple Plum Aesthetic today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how lip repositioning can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted!
Benefits of Periodontal Therapy
Periodontal therapy offers several significant benefits that extend beyond just oral health. Here are four key benefits:
One of the primary benefits of periodontal therapy is the prevention of tooth loss. Periodontal disease, if left untreated, can lead to the destruction of the bone and connective tissue that support the teeth.
Periodontal disease is associated with chronic inflammation, which can have adverse effects on overall health. By treating periodontal disease, patients can reduce systemic inflammation, potentially lowering the risk of related health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Periodontal therapy helps improve oral hygiene by thoroughly cleaning the pockets around the teeth, which are difficult to clean with regular brushing and flossing alone.
Healthier gums appear firm and pink, which contributes to an overall more attractive smile. Additionally, periodontal treatment can stabilize teeth and prevent further recession, helping patients maintain a youthful and confident appearance.

