Treatment Overview
Esthetic Lip Repositioning Surgery in Korea is an advanced cosmetic dental procedure designed to reduce excessive gum display by repositioning the upper lip to a more natural and aesthetically balanced level. This technique gently limits the upward movement of the upper lip when smiling, creating harmony between teeth, gums, and facial features without affecting natural expressions.
Korean dental and maxillofacial specialists are world leaders in minimally invasive smile surgery, combining digital smile design, laser-assisted precision, and micro-suturing techniques for exceptional accuracy and aesthetic results.
Unlike temporary solutions such as Botox injections, esthetic lip repositioning surgery offers a permanent and stable correction for patients whose gummy smiles are caused by upper lip hypermobility or a short upper lip.
This procedure represents the perfect balance of facial aesthetics, dental science, and surgical artistry, resulting in a beautiful, confident smile that feels completely natural.
Purpose & Benefits
The main goal of Esthetic Lip Repositioning Surgery is to permanently correct a gummy smile by limiting excessive upper lip elevation and improving gum-to-tooth proportions.
Purpose
- To reduce the amount of gum exposed when smiling.
- To reposition the upper lip for a more balanced smile line.
- To enhance facial harmony and aesthetic symmetry.
- To create long-term correction for upper lip hypermobility.
- To restore confidence through a natural, proportionate smile.
Benefits
- Permanent Solution: Provides lasting correction for gummy smile.
- Natural Expression: Maintains normal lip movement and smile dynamics.
- Minimally Invasive: No visible scarring or external incisions.
- Fast Recovery: Most patients resume normal activities within a few days.
- Customized Results: Tailored to individual facial anatomy and smile pattern.
- Improved Confidence: Creates a harmonious, camera-ready smile.
- Safe & Predictable: Digital surgical planning ensures precision and safety.
Korean specialists use digital 3D planning and advanced microsurgical techniques to ensure predictable, comfortable, and naturally aesthetic results.
Ideal Candidates
Esthetic Lip Repositioning Surgery is suitable for patients whose gummy smile is primarily caused by upper lip hyperactivity or excessive lip elevation during smiling.
Ideal Candidates Include:
- Individuals with a high or hypermobile upper lip.
- Patients showing 4 mm or more of gum tissue when smiling.
- Those who want a permanent, natural-looking correction.
- Individuals with healthy gums and normal tooth proportions.
- Patients who have not achieved sufficient improvement with Botox or orthodontics.
This procedure is perfect for people who desire a long-term, elegant solution for a gummy smile that complements their natural facial balance.
Possible Risks & Complications
Esthetic Lip Repositioning Surgery is considered a safe and reliable procedure when performed by experienced professionals. However, like all minor surgical treatments, it carries some temporary and manageable risks.
- Mild Swelling or Discomfort: Common for a few days post-surgery.
- Lip Tightness: Temporary until healing stabilizes.
- Minor Bruising: Resolves naturally within a week.
- Slight Smile Stiffness: Improves as tissues adapt and heal.
- Relapse (Rare): Prevented by precise surgical technique and proper healing care.
Korean clinics minimize these risks through laser precision, sterile protocols, and customized digital surgical planning, ensuring safe, consistent outcomes.
Surgical Techniques Used
Korean specialists combine microsurgical accuracy and digital design to achieve natural, long-lasting gummy smile correction through esthetic lip repositioning.
Common Techniques Include:
- Digital Smile Design (DSD): Used to plan ideal lip and gum positioning.
- 3D Facial Imaging: Assesses smile dynamics and lip mobility.
- Mucosal Repositioning Technique: Removes a small strip of inner lip tissue to restrict upward motion.
- Laser or Scalpel Precision: Ensures minimal bleeding and faster healing.
- Microsuturing: Uses fine sutures for clean healing and invisible results.
- AI-Guided Planning: Ensures symmetry and natural smile movement.
- Optional Combination: Can be paired with Botox, gum contouring, or orthodontics for enhanced results.
These techniques allow for precise, comfortable, and aesthetically refined surgical outcomes.
Recovery & Aftercare
Recovery from Esthetic Lip Repositioning Surgery is generally smooth and comfortable, with most patients returning to normal routines within a few days.
Aftercare Guidelines:
- Apply cold compresses during the first 24 hours to reduce swelling.
- Eat soft foods for 2–3 days; avoid hot or spicy meals.
- Do not stretch or overuse facial muscles (avoid wide smiles for 1–2 weeks).
- Maintain oral hygiene with gentle rinsing using a prescribed mouthwash.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol during the healing period.
- Attend follow-up visits for suture removal and smile evaluation.
Full healing occurs within 2–3 weeks, with natural smile results becoming visible shortly after.
Results & Longevity
Esthetic Lip Repositioning Surgery provides a long-term, natural-looking improvement in smile harmony and gum visibility.
Expected Results
- Reduced gum display and improved lip positioning.
- Balanced gum-to-tooth ratio and facial symmetry.
- Enhanced smile aesthetics and self-confidence.
- Natural, relaxed smile with preserved lip mobility.
Longevity
- Results are permanent in most cases with proper care and oral health maintenance.
- Follow-up checkups ensure long-lasting stability and aesthetic excellence.
- Natural tissue adaptation maintains results without stiffness or relapse.
Korean dental surgeons ensure that every outcome is biologically stable, aesthetically balanced, and artistically refined.
Treatment Process in Korea
Korea’s Esthetic Lip Repositioning Surgery combines high-tech digital planning, advanced surgical techniques, and artistic smile design to deliver flawless results.
Step-by-Step Process
- Consultation & Smile Analysis: Dentist evaluates gum exposure, lip mobility, and facial proportions.
- Digital Planning (DSD): Simulates the new lip position and ideal smile proportions.
- Local Anesthesia: Ensures complete comfort throughout the procedure.
- Mucosal Tissue Adjustment: A small strip of inner lip tissue is removed to restrict elevation.
- Tissue Repositioning & Suturing: Lip is repositioned closer to the gum line with fine sutures.
- Healing & Evaluation: Regular follow-ups ensure proper healing and smile adaptation.
- Final Smile Review: Dentist confirms symmetry, natural motion, and balanced aesthetics.
The entire procedure typically takes 45–60 minutes, with immediate visible improvement once healing begins.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Global Expertise in Aesthetic Smile Surgery: Specialists trained in cosmetic oral and facial anatomy.
- Advanced Digital Workflow: Integration of 3D imaging, DSD, and surgical simulation.
- Microsurgical Precision: Ensures minimal discomfort and fast recovery.
- Natural, Long-Lasting Results: Permanent improvement with preserved facial expression.
- Comprehensive Treatment Planning: Often combined with contouring or orthodontic correction.
- High Patient Satisfaction: Korean clinics are globally trusted for aesthetic precision and safety.
Korean dental surgeons combine medical expertise, digital innovation, and artistic vision to create perfectly balanced, natural smiles.
Unique Korean Methods & Technology
- AI-Based Lip Motion Analysis: Digitally measures lip elevation during smiling.
- 3D CBCT Facial Mapping: Ensures surgical harmony with bone and gum anatomy.
- Laser-Assisted Surgery: Minimizes bleeding and accelerates healing.
- Micro-Suture Techniques: Provides scar-free, seamless tissue healing.
- Digital Smile Simulation: Allows preview of post-surgery smile before treatment.
These advanced systems make Korea the global leader in precision-driven, esthetic lip repositioning and gummy smile correction.
Cost Range
The cost of Esthetic Lip Repositioning Surgery in Korea varies based on the degree of gum exposure, surgical complexity, and additional combined treatments.
- Mild Lip Repositioning (Localized Correction): ₩1,000,000 – ₩1,800,000 (USD $750 – $1,350)
- Standard Full Lip Repositioning Surgery: ₩2,000,000 – ₩3,500,000 (USD $1,500 – $2,600)
- Comprehensive Gummy Smile Correction (with Contouring/DSD): ₩4,000,000 – ₩6,000,000 (USD $3,000 – $4,500)
Most Korean clinics include consultation, digital smile analysis, anesthesia, surgery, and post-operative care in their packages, providing outstanding precision and value.
Popular Clinics
- Seoul National University Dental Hospital: Specialists in surgical gummy smile correction and facial balance design.
- Asan Medical Center (Seoul): Renowned for minimally invasive lip repositioning and DSD-guided surgery.
- Yonsei University Dental Hospital: Experts in functional aesthetic dentistry and smile reconstruction.
- Samsung Medical Dental Center: Offers AI-assisted surgical planning and facial harmony evaluation.
- MizMedi Dental Clinic (Gangnam): Focuses on natural, symmetrical smile transformations with precision lip repositioning.
