Lip repositioning (upper lip mucosectomy)
LIP REPOSITIONING
Feel confident about your smile!
Subtle changes for a captivating smile
- It can suppress excessive lifting of the upper lip to alleviate symptoms of a gummy smile.
- The corners of your mouth when you smile create a clean, refined impression.
- Long-term effects can be expected, and since the procedure is performed inside the mouth, scars are less noticeable.
Dentists with extensive academic knowledge and clinical experience in gummy smile treatment perform the procedure.
A gummy smile refers to a condition where a lot of gum tissue is visible when smiling, which can sometimes cause self-consciousness for some people. The term "gummy" in gummy smile comes from "gummy," the adjective form of "gum," meaning gum tissue.
As a general guideline, a gummy smile is considered mild when 3mm or more of gum tissue is visible when smiling. In severe cases, 10mm or more of gum tissue may be exposed.
At Bianca Clinic, Dr. Teppei Tsukiyama, a dentist at Tsukiyama Dental Clinic in Fukuoka, performs the lip repositioning (upper lip mucosal resection) procedure.
Dr. Tsukiyama holds certifications as a "Periodontal Implant Specialist" from the American Academy of Periodontology and as an "Implant Specialist" from the European Implantology Society. He incorporates treatments from the United States and Europe, regions at the forefront of dental care. To provide the best possible treatment tailored to each patient's condition, he actively participates in academic conferences and training seminars, continuously refining his skills through accumulated clinical experience.
Downtime
DOWNTIMERecommended for people like this
RECOMMENDED FOR:Features
CHARACTERISTICSLip Repositioning (Upper Lip Mucosal Resection)
Lip repositioning (upper lip mucosal resection) is a procedure that involves excising and suturing the gingiva on the underside of the upper lip. Also known as upper lip mucosal resection, it involves designing the excision area beforehand, then excising a band-shaped section of mucosa from the underside of the upper lip and suturing it. The goal is to prevent the upper lip from lifting excessively and to correct a gummy smile.
Swelling and pain around the mouth may occur for several days after treatment, but these symptoms are often manageable with pain medication.
If you provide a smiling photo in advance and the examination on the day of your appointment shows no issues, we can proceed with the procedure on the same day. If you have any scheduling considerations before or after the procedure, please feel free to discuss them with us.
A single treatment can reduce a gummy smile.
Lip repositioning (upper lip mucosal resection) is a procedure that removes tissue from the underside of the upper lip to reduce the visibility of gums when smiling. This single treatment typically provides long-lasting results and is ideal for those seeking a fundamental solution to a gummy smile.
There are various treatments for a gummy smile, and Botox injections are one option. They can relax the levator labii superioris muscle, temporarily reducing gum exposure. However, the effects are short-lived, requiring regular treatments.
For those seeking substantial changes, long-lasting lip repositioning (upper lip mucosal resection) is a useful option.
Prevents mouth breathing and promotes oral health
People with gummy smiles tend to have difficulty closing their lips and are prone to mouth breathing. Continued mouth breathing dries out the oral cavity and reduces saliva secretion. Furthermore, excessive gum exposure is another factor contributing to oral dryness.
Saliva has a self-cleansing effect that suppresses bacterial growth in the mouth. When saliva secretion decreases, this self-cleansing function becomes less effective, allowing bacteria to multiply. Increased bacteria due to oral dryness raises concerns about risks such as bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay. Additionally, mouth breathing can make it easier for viruses like those causing colds to enter the body.
Lip repositioning (upper lip mucosal resection) can alleviate a gummy smile, potentially making mouth opening and closing smoother and facilitating easier nasal breathing. Easier nasal breathing helps reduce risks associated with mouth breathing and contributes to maintaining a healthier oral environment.
Benefits
MERITAchieve a natural finish to soften a gummy smile
This procedure involves making an incision inside the lip to remove excess mucous membrane, aiming for a natural finish with minimal visible scarring.
The movement of the upper lip becomes more composed, giving the smile a refined impression.
When you smile, your upper lip won't lift too high, making your gums less visible and creating a balanced mouth area, so you can feel confident in your smile.
Downtime is mild, making it easy to return to daily life
Pain and swelling typically subside within about one week after the procedure. While there are some precautions to take, daily activities such as eating, washing your face, and bathing are generally not significantly affected.
Recommended Features
RECOMMENDED POINTSThere are various causes of a gummy smile.
The primary causes of a gummy smile are the position of the upper lip, tooth length, and tooth position. When the upper lip position is the cause, factors like upper lip thickness or muscle tone may be involved. Individuals with a thin upper lip or well-developed upper lip muscles tend to experience greater lifting of the upper lip when smiling, resulting in increased gum exposure.
Individuals whose tooth length is a factor may be diagnosed with a gummy smile because their visible teeth appear short, resulting in a larger visible area of gum tissue.
When tooth position is the issue, it's often because teeth are too low or protrude too far forward. Additionally, tooth position relates to maxillary bone development; if the maxillary bone develops vertically, it can increase the proportion of gums or cause gums to push up the lips, resulting in a gummy smile.
The causes of a gummy smile vary from person to person; sometimes there is a single cause, while other times multiple factors contribute. At Bianca Clinic, dentists specializing in gummy smile treatment will propose procedures tailored to each patient.
Aesthetic crown lengthening can also be combined with orthodontic treatment.
Lip repositioning (upper lip mucosal resection) can be performed as a standalone procedure, but we may also recommend combining it with aesthetic crown lengthening or orthodontic treatment.
Aesthetic crown lengthening is a procedure that extends the visible portion of the tooth, known as the crown. This may involve removing gum tissue to expose more of the tooth's length or reshaping part of the tooth or surrounding bone.
If tooth position contributes to a gummy smile, orthodontic treatment may be used to align the teeth. The approach varies depending on the dental condition; for example, if the front teeth protrude, braces may be applied to reposition them vertically.
Combining various treatments can achieve a natural finish and help you achieve a more beautiful smile.
Achieve comprehensive cosmetic enhancement, including lip repositioning (upper lip mucosal resection).
Lip repositioning (upper lip mucosal resection) alters the appearance of the mouth area, which in turn changes the overall look of the face. If you have concerns about specific features—such as the balance with your nose or the appearance around your eyes—please consult with a doctor at Bianca Clinic.
Bianca Clinic offers a variety of treatment options. Through thorough consultations, we listen to your preferences and guide you toward your ideal results using injectable treatments or surgical approaches. We can also propose treatments tailored to you after assessing your bone structure and overall facial balance.
Treatment area
TREATMENT AREAupper lip
Treatment Process
CONTENT OF TREATMENTDoctor-led counseling and examination
We listen to your concerns and determine the most suitable approach. We also share with you the changes and results you can expect from the treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about the procedure, please ask the doctor.
If we can confirm the condition via photos beforehand and the examination on the day reveals no issues, treatment can be performed on the same day with the patient's consent.
Anesthesia
We apply topical anesthesia followed by local anesthesia before performing the procedure. We will confirm the anesthesia has taken effect before proceeding, so please rest assured. If you have concerns about pain, please consult with us beforehand.
treatment
The mucous membrane inside the upper lip is excised and sutured. The procedure takes approximately 40 to 45 minutes. Absorbable sutures are typically used, so suture removal is not necessary.
Aftercare
We will carefully explain the final result of your lip area and provide detailed instructions on how to care for it and what to watch out for after the procedure. Please schedule follow-up appointments at 1 week, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks after the procedure.
Lifestyle Beautyis
proposed.
Our goal is to move you beyond satisfaction.
Responding to the desire for greater beauty and health,
What can we do for the well-being of our patients?
Providing total beauty to make your life shine,
That is our policy.
Go to BIANCA and you'll find a smile.
That's the kind of place we're aiming for.
【Treatment Details】Lip Repositioning (Upper Lip Mucosal Resection)
【Estimated Treatment Period and Number of Sessions】Typically 1 session ※May vary depending on your condition.
【Cost】¥385,000 ※This treatment is self-pay (not covered by insurance).
【Risks and Side Effects】Infection, recurrence, swelling, bleeding, pain, hypersensitivity, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lip Repositioning (Upper Lip Mucosal Resection)
Q&ACan upper lip mucosal resection make the philtrum longer?
Having an upper lip mucosal resection does not lengthen the philtrum, the area below the nose. Immediately after gummy smile treatment, some patients may feel discomfort in their smile due to pain or swelling, but this sensation subsides over time.
How long does it take for pain and swelling to subside after upper lip mucosal resection?
Pain around the upper lip typically lasts 1 to 2 days after surgery, while swelling usually subsides in 3 to 4 days. While pain tolerance varies from person to person, most patients find that pain medication allows them to carry on with their daily activities without difficulty.
On the day of the procedure, you may experience light bleeding mixed with saliva, along with some pain and swelling. These symptoms will subside within about a week. If you experience pain or swelling, applying an ice pack can help reduce it.
When can I eat after the treatment?
Avoid biting your lips until the anesthesia wears off, as you may not feel it. Also, refrain from eating hard foods, foods that break into hard pieces, highly spicy foods, or hot foods. Choose soft foods instead. We will explain detailed post-operative dietary guidelines thoroughly during your examination.
When can I start washing my face, showering, and bathing?
For oral procedures, washing your face, showering, and bathing are all possible as usual. However, when washing your face, please be careful not to rub the area around your upper lip too hard.
Is brushing possible after lip repositioning (upper lip mucosal resection)?
Refrain from brushing your upper teeth for at least one week, as they are close to the surgical site. We will prescribe a mouthwash for disinfection. You may brush the back surfaces of your upper teeth and your lower teeth, taking care to avoid contact with the surgical site.
Is a gummy smile hereditary?
A gummy smile isn't necessarily hereditary, but since the shape of the gums and bone structure can be influenced by genetic factors, it can sometimes be passed down.
If you have concerns about your child's smile, we recommend consulting a dentist around ages 4 to 6, when jaw growth is most responsive to intervention. Starting treatment by around age 12 may help prevent a gummy smile and potentially reduce the cost of orthodontic treatment.
Are there cases of relapse after lip repositioning (upper lip mucosal resection)?
Generally, this treatment offers long-lasting results, but some reports indicate that effects may gradually diminish after more than three years. However, individual results vary, so please consult your physician.
Is it possible to revert to the original state after receiving treatment?
Reversing lip repositioning (upper lip mucosal resection) is extremely difficult. Furthermore, since there may be little mucosa left to remove, undergoing a second procedure for correction is often impractical. To achieve satisfactory results in a single procedure, choose a physician with proven experience and technical skill.
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