Gummy Smile Botox in Korea: Treatment Guide, Prices & Results 2025

A gummy smile—when your upper gums show excessively when you smile—affects how many people feel about their appearance. While some embrace it as part of their unique charm, others seek correction for a more balanced smile. Korean aesthetic clinics have perfected a simple, non-surgical solution: gummy smile Botox, a precise injection technique that creates natural-looking results in just minutes.

If you're considering gummy smile Botox in Korea, this comprehensive guide covers everything from how the treatment works to what you'll pay and the results you can expect.

What Is Gummy Smile Botox?

Gummy smile Botox is a cosmetic treatment that uses botulinum toxin injections to reduce excessive gum exposure when smiling. The procedure targets the levator labii superioris muscle—the muscle responsible for lifting your upper lip. When this muscle is overly active, it pulls the upper lip too high, exposing more gum tissue than desired.

By strategically injecting small amounts of Botox into this muscle, the treatment temporarily weakens its strength, preventing the upper lip from rising excessively. This results in a more balanced smile where less gum shows, creating a more harmonious facial appearance.

How Much Gum Exposure Is "Too Much"?

Dentists and aesthetic practitioners generally consider gum exposure of 3mm or more when smiling to be a gummy smile. However, this is somewhat subjective—some people are comfortable with more gum showing, while others prefer minimal exposure. The key is finding what makes you feel confident.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Gummy Smile Botox?

This treatment works best for specific types of gummy smiles:

Ideal Candidates:

• Gum exposure of 3mm or more when smiling
• Gummy smile caused by overactive lip elevator muscles (not bone structure)
• Those seeking a non-surgical, temporary solution
• People who want quick results with minimal downtime

Not Ideal Candidates:

• Gummy smile caused by skeletal/jaw bone issues
• Those with very thin or short upper lips naturally
• Individuals with certain neuromuscular conditions
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women

If your gummy smile is due to skeletal problems, excessive jaw growth, or very short lips, Botox alone may provide limited results. In these cases, Korean clinics often recommend alternative treatments like gum contouring surgery, orthognathic surgery, or lip filler to add volume to thin lips.

The Gummy Smile Botox Procedure: What to Expect

One of the biggest advantages of this treatment is how quick and straightforward it is.

Before the Procedure

Your consultation with a Korean aesthetic doctor will involve:

• Smile analysis: The doctor examines how much gum shows and identifies the muscles involved
• Medical history review: Discussing any allergies, medications, or previous Botox treatments
• Treatment planning: Determining the injection points and Botox units needed
• Photos: Most clinics take before photos for comparison

During the Procedure

The actual treatment takes about 5 minutes:

1. Numbing (optional): Some clinics apply topical numbing cream, though many patients find the injections tolerable without it
2. Marking injection sites: The doctor marks 1-3 precise points along each side of the nose where the muscle is most active
3. Botox injection: Using a very fine needle, small amounts of Botox are injected into the levator labii superioris muscle
4. Post-treatment check: The doctor may ask you to smile to verify placement

The injections feel like small pinpricks. Most patients describe minimal discomfort.

After the Procedure

Recovery is remarkably fast:

• Immediate: You can leave the clinic right away
• 3 hours later: You can wash your face and apply makeup
• Avoid for 3 days: Alcohol, smoking, saunas, hot baths, vigorous exercise, and facial massage

These precautions help prevent the Botox from spreading to unintended areas and reduce inflammation risk.

Results: Timeline and What to Expect

When Will You See Results?

Unlike dermal fillers that show immediate results, Botox takes time to work:

• Days 3-4: You'll start noticing subtle changes as the muscle begins to relax
• Week 2: Full results become apparent—your upper lip won't rise as high when smiling
• Weeks 2-12: Peak effect period where you'll see the most dramatic improvement

How Long Do Results Last?

Gummy smile Botox typically lasts 3-6 months, depending on:

• Your metabolism and how quickly your body breaks down the toxin
• Muscle strength (stronger muscles may require more frequent treatments)
• Botox brand and dosage used
• Your facial expressions and muscle activity

Maintenance Schedule

For sustained results, most patients return for touch-up treatments every 3-4 months. Over time, some people find they can extend this to every 4-6 months as the muscle "learns" not to contract as forcefully.

Gummy Smile Botox Prices in Korea (2025)

Korea offers some of the most competitive prices globally for Botox treatments, combined with exceptional expertise.

Price Range

Based on 2025 data from Korean clinics:

• Budget clinics: ₩10,000-50,000 ($8-38 USD)
• Mid-range clinics: ₩50,000-100,000 ($38-77 USD)
• Premium clinics: ₩100,000-150,000 ($77-115 USD)

The average cost is approximately ₩77,000 ($59 USD) for domestic brands like Meditoxin.

What Affects the Price?

Several factors influence the final cost:

1. Botox brand:
   • Korean brands (Meditoxin, Nabota): More affordable
   • Western brands (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin): Higher cost
2. Clinic location: Gangnam and Apgujeong tend to be pricier than other Seoul neighborhoods
3. Doctor experience: Renowned specialists may charge premium rates
4. Dosage needed: Some patients require more units than others

Price Comparison: Korea vs. Other Countries

To put Korean prices in perspective:

• United States: $200-600 USD
• United Kingdom: £150-400 GBP ($185-495 USD)
• Australia: $250-500 AUD ($160-320 USD)
• Singapore: $150-400 SGD ($110-295 USD)

Korean clinics offer the same or better quality at a fraction of the cost, which is why many international patients combine gummy smile treatment with other procedures during their visit.

Potential Side Effects and Risks

Gummy smile Botox is generally very safe when performed by experienced practitioners, but like any medical procedure, there are potential side effects.

Common Temporary Side Effects

• Bruising or swelling at injection sites (usually resolves in 2-3 days)
• Mild tenderness where the needle entered
• Unnatural facial expressions during the first week as you adjust
• Slight asymmetry if one side responds differently (typically evens out)

Rare Complications

• Difficulty pronouncing certain sounds if too much Botox spreads to nearby muscles
• Upper lip drooping if the dosage is too high
• Allergic reaction to the botulinum toxin (extremely rare)

These issues are almost always temporary and resolve as the Botox wears off.

Minimizing Risks

Choose a clinic with:

• Board-certified doctors experienced in facial anatomy
• Positive reviews specifically for gummy smile treatment
• Proper sterilization protocols
• Willingness to show before/after photos

Finding the Right Clinic in Korea

Korean clinics specializing in gummy smile Botox are concentrated in Seoul's medical tourism districts:

Top Areas for Treatment

1. Gangnam: Home to hundreds of aesthetic clinics with English-speaking staff
2. Apgujeong: Known for upscale clinics catering to international patients
3. Myeongdong: More centrally located with competitive pricing
4. Sinsa/Garosugil: Trendy area with boutique aesthetic clinics

What to Look For

• English-speaking doctors and staff for clear communication
• Consultation before treatment to assess your suitability
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
• Licensed medical facility (check for clinic registration)
• Use of genuine Botox products (ask for verification)

Alternatives and Complementary Treatments

If Botox alone doesn't achieve your desired results, Korean clinics offer several alternatives:

Surgical Options

• Lip repositioning surgery: Surgically lowers the upper lip's resting position
• Gum contouring: Removes excess gum tissue for a more balanced gum line
• Orthognathic surgery: Corrects jaw positioning (for skeletal issues)

Non-Surgical Combinations

• Lip filler + Botox: Adding volume to thin lips while relaxing the muscle
• Botox + gum contouring: For comprehensive correction
• Dermal filler in the upper lip: Creates the illusion of less gum showing

Many patients find that Botox combined with a small amount of lip filler creates the most natural-looking results.

Tips for International Patients

Planning gummy smile Botox treatment during your Korea trip? Here's what you need to know:

Timing Your Visit

• Book consultations in advance through clinic websites or medical tourism platforms
• Allow 2-3 weeks in Korea to see full results before returning home
• Avoid scheduling right before important events in case of bruising

Cost Considerations

• Treatment cost: $8-115 USD
• Consultation: Usually free at most clinics
• Translation services: Often included for international patients
• Touch-ups: Budget for maintenance treatments every 3-4 months back home

Language and Communication

Most major Seoul aesthetic clinics offer:

• English-speaking coordinators
• Translation apps or services
• Before/after photo references for clear communication
• Detailed aftercare instructions in English

Useful Korean Phrases

• 거미스마일 (geomi-smile) = Gummy smile
• 잇몸 보톡스 (itnom botox) = Gum Botox
• 웃을 때 잇몸이 많이 보여요 = My gums show a lot when I smile

Medical Disclaimer

Important: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Gummy smile Botox is a medical procedure that carries risks and may not be suitable for everyone. Always consult with a qualified, licensed medical professional before undergoing any cosmetic treatment. Results, side effects, and experiences vary by individual. The information presented reflects general practices in Korean aesthetic medicine as of 2025 and should not replace personalized medical consultation.

Final Thoughts: Is Gummy Smile Botox in Korea Worth It?

For many international patients, getting gummy smile Botox in Korea offers exceptional value:

Advantages:

• Significantly lower cost than Western countries
• Highly experienced doctors who perform these treatments daily
• Quick 5-minute procedure with minimal downtime
• Natural-looking results that last 3-6 months
• Easily combined with other treatments during your visit

Considerations:

• Results are temporary, requiring maintenance
• Not effective for skeletal-related gummy smiles
• Requires finding a reputable clinic and doctor
• May need 2 weeks to see full results

If you've been self-conscious about your gummy smile and want a non-surgical solution, Korea's advanced aesthetic clinics offer world-class treatment at accessible prices. With proper research and realistic expectations, gummy smile Botox can help you achieve the confident smile you've always wanted.

Ready to explore your options? Start by researching clinics in Gangnam or Apgujeong, reading patient reviews, and reaching out for consultations. Many clinics offer free virtual consultations for international patients, making it easy to get started from anywhere in the world.

Have questions about gummy smile Botox in Korea? Drop a comment below or reach out to Seoul Skin Guide for personalized clinic recommendations.