A beautiful smile is priceless. When you smile, and your eyes sparkle, it’s truly beautiful. People find gummy smiles unattractive, so a lip repositioning procedure is performed. People wish to keep their smile forever, so they ask, “Is lip repositioning surgery a permanent thing?” Let’s discuss this:
What is Considered a Gummy Smile?
There’s no exact definition for a gummy smile; it’s mostly a matter of personal perception. Factors that can affect how you see your gum line include:
- The height and shape of your teeth
- Lip movement when you smile
- The angle of your jaw compared to the rest of your face.
Generally, 3 to 4 millimeters of exposed gum line is considered disproportionate. Following is how gumline exposure is classified:
- 1-2 mm gingival display: mild/normal
- 3-6mm gingival display: Moderate
- 7+mm gingival display: Severe
What Is Lip Repositioning Surgery?
Lip repositioning surgery is an operation that corrects a gummy smile. It limits the muscles that lift the upper lip so the lip doesn’t rise too high when you smile. The goal is to keep the upper lip close to the teeth, reducing the amount of visible gum.
How Is Lip Repositioning Procedure Performed?
Lip repositioning surgery, also called reverse vestibuloplasty, is done with local anesthesia. Once the gum area is numb, two cuts are made under the upper lip, and a small strip of gum tissue is removed. The height of the lip when smiling or laughing is then adjusted based on the patient’s wishes. Finally, stitches are placed to hold the lip in its new position.
How Long Does Lip Repositioning Last?
After the first 4 weeks of healing, there will be some minor changes over the next 6 months. During this time, the lip can rise about an extra millimeter when smiling. In most cases, lip repositioning is permanent. However, it is rare but possible for the results to reverse after a few months.
What Are the Pros and Cons of the Lip Repositioning Procedure?
Like every other surgery, lip repositioning also has some benefits and downsides. Such as:
Pros:
- Lip repositioning only needs local anesthesia, and recovery is usually easy.
- The results are quick.
Cons:
- Although the results are usually permanent, some patients might see them reverse within three months.
- You can opt for less invasive ways to limit upper lip lift, such as Botox and certain fillers.
Recovery from Lip Repositioning Surgery
Recovery from surgical lip repositioning takes three to four days of rest. During this time, it’s normal to feel some pain and swelling, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication and antibiotics. After four days, the patient can return to their normal routine but should avoid heavy exercise and activities for two weeks.
Final Word
A gummy smile can occur if your upper lip is short or if your lips are hypermobile. A lip repositioning procedure can fix it. However, “Is lip repositioning surgery permanent?” Yes, it is, if done correctly.
Visit our board-certified periodontist, Dr. Andrew Rossi, at Perio Health Professionals. Our doctor is an expert in aesthetic periodontal services that make his patients look and feel their best. Call us at (346) 509-9060 to secure an appointment.
