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Lip Repositioning Surgery for Nonskeletal Excessive Gingival Display: A Clinical Case Report
Meiya Suo1, Yu Huan1, Chenghong Cao1
1Stomatological Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China, jlu.edu.cn.
Case Reports in Dentistry
|July 30, 2026
Summary
Lip repositioning surgery effectively treats gummy smiles caused by hyperactive upper lip muscles. This minimally invasive procedure significantly reduces excessive gingival display, offering predictable and satisfying esthetic results.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Plastic Surgery
- Aesthetic Medicine
Background:
- Excessive gingival display, or gummy smile, is an esthetic concern.
- Hyperactivity of upper lip elevator muscles is a common cause.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the successful management of a gummy smile using lip repositioning surgery.
- To evaluate the efficacy and predictability of the procedure for muscular hyperactive gummy smiles.
Main Methods:
- A 28-year-old female patient with 4mm dynamic gingival exposure underwent conventional lip repositioning surgery (LRS).
- The procedure involved partial-thickness mucosal excision and closure with PTFE sutures to limit lip mobility.
- Preoperative assessment ruled out altered passive eruption.
Main Results:
- Gingival display reduced from 4mm to 1mm at 2 weeks and 1.5mm at 1 year, meeting success criteria (≤2mm).
- The patient reported high satisfaction with the harmonious dentolabial relationship.
- No complications like scarring, paresthesia, or relapse were observed.
Conclusions:
- Lip repositioning surgery is a safe and minimally invasive option for gummy smiles due to muscle hyperactivity.
- Accurate diagnosis and case selection are key to successful outcomes.
- LRS provides predictable, excellent short-to-medium-term esthetic results.
