Lip Repositioning
A Confident Smile Starts with the Right Proportion
A beautiful smile is more than just straight, white teeth. The harmony between your lips, gums, and teeth plays a crucial role in achieving natural, balanced aesthetics. For individuals who feel self-conscious about a gummy smile—where an excessive amount of gum is exposed when smiling—Lip Repositioning is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive surgical solution.
At Affinity Dental Clinics, we offer Lip Repositioning as part of our specialized Oral Surgery services. This procedure is performed by our team of formally trained Oral Surgeons, who have successfully corrected gummy smiles through this advanced technique. With the right expertise, equipment, and patient care, Lip Repositioning can enhance your smile’s symmetry and restore your confidence—without the need for more invasive jaw surgeries.
What Is Lip Repositioning?
Lip Repositioning is a minor oral surgical procedure that reduces the amount of gum tissue visible when you smile. It works by limiting the upward movement of the upper lip, effectively covering more of the gums and creating a more balanced smile line. The procedure involves repositioning the soft tissue that connects the lip to the gums, without affecting bone or teeth.
It’s an excellent option for patients whose gummy smile is caused by hyperactive upper lip muscles or a short upper lip, rather than excessive gum tissue or jawbone issues. Because of its simplicity and effectiveness, Lip Repositioning is increasingly becoming a go-to solution for cosmetic smile correction.
Who Is Lip Repositioning For?
Lip Repositioning is recommended for patients who:
• Have a normal tooth size and gum health, but feel their upper lip lifts too high
• Have been diagnosed with a hypermobile upper lip or short upper lip
• Want a non-invasive alternative to orthognathic (jaw) surgery
• Desire a long-term cosmetic solution with minimal downtime
Your eligibility will be assessed through a comprehensive smile analysis, which includes facial and dental examinations, digital imaging, and possibly CBCT scans to determine the exact cause of the gummy smile.
Why Do Gummy Smiles Happen?
A gummy smile, medically known as excessive gingival display, can have several causes:
The muscles responsible for elevating the upper lip during smiling are overactive.
The vertical length of the upper lip is too short to adequately cover the gums.
The upper jaw has developed excessively in a vertical direction, causing more gum to show.
The teeth appear short because the gums have not receded to their natural position.
Gums are enlarged due to inflammation, medication, or other factors.
Lip Repositioning specifically addresses cases related to upper lip mobility or short upper lips. For patients with jawbone or gum issues, other procedures such as orthognathic surgery or gingivectomy may be recommended.
Why Trust Affinity Dental Clinics?
At Affinity Dental Clinics, Oral Surgery is one of our core specialties. Our Lip Repositioning procedures are performed by highly experienced Oral Surgeons, trained in advanced surgical aesthetics and facial anatomy. We don’t just perform the procedure—we tailor it to your facial profile and aesthetic goals.
We combine surgical expertise with modern diagnostics and treatment tools, including:
- Digital X-rays and high-resolution intraoral imaging
- Cone Beam CT Scans (CBCT) for 3D visualization of facial structures
- Sterile operating suites with hospital-grade infection control
- Surgical tools designed for minimally invasive, precision procedures
These tools allow us to plan and execute Lip Repositioning with the highest level of accuracy and safety.
We understand that oral surgery may feel intimidating for some. That’s why we offer Conscious Sedation, administered by a board-certified Anesthesiologist, for patients who prefer a calm, stress-free surgical experience. This light sedation keeps you relaxed and pain-free throughout the procedure while remaining awake and responsive.
What to Expect During a Lip Repositioning Surgery?
Here’s a step-by-step overview of how Lip Repositioning Surgery is performed:
Your journey begins with a detailed consultation at any of our Affinity Dental Clinics in Makati, BGC, Alabang, Ortigas, Parañaque, or Cebu. Our Oral Surgeon will:
- Examine your teeth, gums, and lips
- Measure the amount of gum displayed when you smile
- Take digital photographs and 3D scans if needed
- Discuss your aesthetic goals and expectations
We will also review your overall oral health to ensure you’re a good candidate for surgery.
If Lip Repositioning is the right solution, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan, including:
- Area and extent of tissue adjustment
- Sedation preferences (local anesthesia vs. Twilight Sedation)
- Post-operative care and healing expectations
- Timing, especially if combined with other cosmetic or periodontal procedures
Lip Repositioning is typically a 45-minute to 1-hour outpatient procedure:
- The area is numbed using local anesthesia
- A small strip of tissue is removed from the inner upper lip and upper gum line
- The lip is then sutured to a lower position on the gums, limiting its upward movement when smiling
- The incisions are closed using resorbable sutures
The goal is to reduce the height of the upper lip’s motion without affecting speech, function, or comfort.
Recovery and Aftercare
One of the biggest advantages of Lip Repositioning is its quick recovery and minimal downtime. Most patients return to normal activities within a day or two.
What to Expect After Surgery:
• Slight discomfort managed with over-the-counter or prescribed pain relievers
• Stitches that dissolve on their own within 7–10 days
• A soft diet for the first 3 to 5 days
• Avoiding excessive lip movements (laughing, smiling widely) during healing
• Avoid touching or stretching the surgical area
We will provide you with full post-operative care instructions, and our team is available to assist you throughout your healing journey.
Results: What Can You Expect?
Most patients notice immediate improvement in their smile aesthetics once healing begins. The final result is typically visible within 2 to 3 weeks, with optimal healing and stabilization occurring over the following 2 to 3 months.
With proper case selection and surgical technique, Lip
Repositioning can reduce gummy smile exposure by 3 to 5 millimeters, transforming the balance of your smile.
The results are long-lasting, though extreme facial movements or habits like lip pursing and frequent upper lip lifting may gradually stretch the tissue over time.
Combining Lip Repositioning with Other Treatments
For even more refined results, Lip Repositioning can be combined with other dental or cosmetic procedures:
• Orthodontics – if teeth positioning is part of the aesthetic imbalance
• Veneers or Crowns – to optimize tooth proportions after gum adjustments
• Botox® – as a temporary alternative or enhancement to reduce lip movement
Our dental specialists will work collaboratively to create a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your goals.
Lip Repositioning vs. Other Gummy Smile Treatments
| Treatment | Best For | Invasiveness | Downtime | Longevity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lip Repositioning | Hypermobile/short upper lip | Minimally invasive | 3–5 days | Long-lasting |
| Gingivectomy | Excessive gum tissue | Minimally invasive | 3–7 days | Permanent |
| Orthognathic Surgery | Skeletal/jaw-related gummy smile | Invasive | Several weeks | Permanent |
| Botox® Injections | Mild hypermobility | Non-invasive | None | Temporary (3–4 months) |
Lip Repositioning offers a balanced solution for many patients—less invasive than jaw surgery, more permanent than Botox®, and capable of delivering natural-looking, long-term results.
Why Patients Trust Affinity Dental Clinics
• Decades of expertise in Oral Surgery and smile correction
• Dedicated specialists in facial aesthetics and functional dental health
• Multi-location accessibility in Metro Manila and Cebu
• Ethical, conservative treatment philosophy
• World-class facilities, including digital imaging, surgical suites, and sedation services
• Personalized care and a commitment to long-term oral wellness
Lip Repositioning – Frequently Asked Questions
What is lip repositioning surgery?
Lip repositioning is a minimally invasive oral surgery that lowers the upper lip’s resting position to reduce excessive gum display, also known as a “gummy smile.” It involves removing a small strip of tissue inside the upper lip and suturing it closer to the gumline.
Who is a good candidate for lip repositioning?
You may be a good candidate if you have a gummy smile caused by:
• Hyperactive upper lip
• Short upper lip
• Mild to moderate vertical maxillary excess
A consultation with our dentists or oral surgeons will help determine the best treatment.
Is lip repositioning permanent?
Yes, lip repositioning offers long-lasting results. However, in rare cases, some patients may require minor touch-ups if lip movement gradually increases over time.
How is the procedure performed?
Under local anesthesia, a small band of tissue inside the upper lip is removed. The lip is then sutured in a lower position to limit its upward movement when smiling. The procedure usually takes less than an hour.
Is the procedure painful?
The surgery is relatively quick and performed under local anesthesia. Most patients report only mild discomfort after the procedure, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
What is the recovery time?
Initial healing takes about 1–2 weeks. Patients are advised to avoid excessive lip movement, strenuous activity, and spicy foods during recovery. Full healing and final results are typically seen after 1 month.
Will there be visible scars?
No. The incision is made on the inner side of the lip, so there are no visible scars on the face or lips.
Can lip repositioning be combined with other treatments?
Yes. Lip repositioning can be combined with:
• Gingivectomy or gum contouring
• Orthodontics
• Veneers or crowns
This multi-disciplinary approach is often used in comprehensive smile makeovers at Affinity Dental Clinics.
Are the results natural-looking?
Absolutely. The goal of lip repositioning is to create a natural, proportionate smile by reducing excessive gum exposure without affecting facial expressions or normal lip movement.
Is lip repositioning safe?
Yes. When performed by skilled oral surgeons, the procedure is safe, predictable, and minimally invasive. At Affinity Dental Clinics, we use sterile techniques and evidence-based protocols to ensure optimal outcomes.
Book Your Lip Repositioning Consultation Today
If a gummy smile has been affecting your self-confidence or you’ve been told that your upper lip lifts too high when you smile, Lip Repositioning might be the right solution for you.
At Affinity Dental Clinics, we combine surgical expertise, advanced technology, and compassionate care to help you achieve a natural, more balanced smile. Our Oral Surgeons will guide you through every step—from consultation and planning to surgery and recovery.
Call us today or 📩 book your consultation online at our conveniently located clinics in Makati, BGC, Alabang, Ortigas, Parañaque, or Cebu. A more confident smile could be just one procedure away.
Let us help you preserve what matters most—your health, your smile, and your future.
Book an Appointment
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