Hyperactivity of the upper lip elevator muscles (such as the levator labii superioris) can result in excessive gum exposure during smiling, often referred to as a ‘gummy smile’. Similarly, overactivity of the mentalis muscle can cause involuntary chin dimpling or puckering, which may be functionally or socially distressing for some individuals. Treatment with Botulinum toxin can be used to modulate the muscle activity responsible for these expressions. This may be clinically appropriate where patients experience persistent muscle tension, involuntary contractions, or psychosocial discomfort associated with exaggerated facial movement. In both cases, the treatment is minimally invasive, well tolerated, and can form part of a broader facial muscle balance plan following medical consultation.
