Gummy Smile / Lipstick Lines

About the service

Smooth Lip Lines & Balance Your Smile with Expert Care

A confident, radiant smile is often in the details—and at Beauty by Dr. Kay in Pasadena, we specialize in correcting gummy smiles and fine lipstick lines with precision and care. These subtle signs of aging or muscle overactivity can disrupt facial balance, but with advanced injectable treatments, you can restore harmony and youthfulness without surgery.

Using industry-leading products from Galderma, Evolus, Merez, and Allergan, we deliver custom treatments designed for natural-looking results. Botox or similar neuromodulators can relax the hyperactive muscles responsible for a gummy smile, while dermal fillers gently smooth vertical lip lines—also known as smoker’s or lipstick lines—caused by volume loss and repeated movement.

With a meticulous approach and deep expertise in facial aesthetics, Dr. Kay and her team ensure your smile reflects your inner vitality. Schedule your consultation today to experience why patients across California trust us for subtle, elegant enhancements.

Schedule a Consultation

More info:

For gummy smiles, small amounts of Botox or similar neuromodulators are injected into the muscles controlling upper lip elevation. This relaxes the muscle, preventing excessive upward movement and reducing gum exposure.

For lipstick lines, hyaluronic acid-based fillers are gently placed into the fine lines surrounding the mouth. These fillers restore lost volume, smooth out creases, and hydrate the skin from within—delivering soft, natural-looking results without stiffness.

Gummy smiles (excessive gum display while smiling)

Lipstick lines / smoker’s lines (fine vertical lines around the mouth)

Perioral volume loss

Skin laxity around the lips

Aged or dehydrated lip contours

Frequently Asked Questions

A gummy smile occurs when excessive gum tissue shows above the top teeth. Botox from trusted brands like Allergan or Evolus can relax overactive lip muscles to restore balance.

Fine fillers from Galderma or Merez, like Restylane Silk and Belotero, replenish volume and smooth vertical lip lines for a youthful, hydrated appearance.

No, they’re temporary but long-lasting. Botox effects last 3–4 months, while lip line fillers last 6–12 months based on the product and individual metabolism.

Yes—Dr. Kay uses top products from Allergan, Evolus, and Galderma, tailoring each treatment based on the patient's needs, facial dynamics, and desired duration of results.

Absolutely. Dr. Kay’s conservative approach ensures enhancements look subtle and natural—just a softer, more balanced version of you.

Juvederm Ultra Plus XC is a dermal hyaluronic acid filler used to add volume to the face, especially in the lips. Produced by Allergan, Juvederm Ultra Plus XC is approved to restore moderate-to-severe facial volume loss. This filler contains lidocaine, a local anisthetic that reduces pain.

Juvederm Ultra Plus XC is an excellent choice to add volume to the lips and provide a natural, beautiful pout. Most patients start with 1 syringe in their initial treatment, and may return for further syringes if they would like additional volume.

Heading 1

Heading 2

Heading 3

Heading 4

Heading 5

Heading 6

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.

Block quote

Ordered list

Item 1
Item 2
Item 3

Unordered list

Item A
Item B
Item C

Text link

Bold text

Emphasis

^Superscript

_Subscript

testimonials

What our Patients Say About Us

“I’ve been going to Dr. Kay for five years, and the results have been truly life-changing. From fillers (under-eye, jawline, cheeks, lips, temples, chin) to PRP for my scalp and breast augmentation scars, every treatment has been natural, subtle, and customized to my face. As an actress, it's essential my expressions stay intact—at 33, people are shocked I’ve had work done. Dr. Kay is truly the best—her techniques, precision, and global expertise set the standard. Yes, she may be more expensive, but it's worth every penny when it’s your face. I’ve never had to dissolve anything, and my confidence has never been higher. 💖💖”
‍-Margo, Graff

B&A 1

B&A 2

“Dr. Kay is the absolute best, and her staff is always so warm and welcoming. I always have a great experience at every appointment. I love that Dr. Kay offers specials each month, and her Stay with Kay program is a no brainer especially if you are dedicated to routine Botox and overall maintenance. Her skincare products are also awesome. I use the Vit. C Serum, Deep Blue Hydration., and Neck Firming Therapy cream. Dr. Kay's work is flawless, and I always get so many compliments after my visits with her. She is such a sweetheart and so is her manager Carmen and the rest of the staff. Highly recommend!!”
‍- Kelly R.

B&A 1

B&A 2

“Absolutely had a great experience at Dr. Kay’s office.Everyone in her team was extremely nice and helpful. I was immediately happy with my results. I have another appointment in the next couple weeks and I am excited to see the finished results! Definitely recommend if you want to leave the office feeling happy with your results!” - Anna F.

B&A 1

B&A 2

“Dr. Kay and her team are the best option for facials, anything injectable and general skincare and maintenance. I come here because I know I’m getting the absolute best care from knowledgeable, carefully and informative injectors! With Dr. Kay I get a specific plan that is right for my goals and budget. I get all my questions answered and leave her office feeling empowered! Join the VIP program! You won’t regret it. I received my first microdermabrasion facial as well as Botox for my traps, wrinkles and platysma bands.”- Sophie R.

B&A 1

B&A 2

“Dr. Kay is truly exceptional! I’ve been a follower on Instagram, admiring her work, and I finally had the opportunity to experience it firsthand. Her products and services are top-notch. Personally, I underwent a nose job as a teen, and unfortunately, the initial results left me feeling insecure. Thanks to Dr. Kay’s renowned liquid Rhinoplasty, she transformed my nose into my dream look in just 20 minutes! I’m incredibly thrilled with the results, and her supportive staff only adds to the positive experience. My confidence has seen a significant boost. Without a doubt, I highly recommend Dr. Kay!”
- Gil A.

B&A 1

B&A 2

“I participated in a Radiesse study for lower face balancing for Dr. Kay’s Modern Aesthetic Theory.
I always appreciate Dr. Kay’s direct communication, professionalism and expertise. I also had her address some changes in under eye filler that I had and wasn’t happy with. You never want to go just anywhere with regard to aesthetics and under eyes. I did wait a while longer than I expected to be seen, however, overall I’m happy with the results. Subtle, and natural.”
- Rebecca F.
‍

B&A 1

B&A 2

“I have been treated by Dr. Kay for the last 8 months doing a Sculptra study.
I had previously been using fillers to help with what I thought was volume loss throughout my face. With this one Sculptra study, Dr. Kay has essentially given me a face lift without using any fillers or adding volume to my face. I trust Dr. Kay and her staff to keep me looking my best without changing my overall look. I’m incredibly happy with my services!.”
- Rose L.

B&A 1

B&A 2

“I love Dr. Kay! She came recommended by a friend who manages a med spa, as the #1 doctor for facial injections. I drive all the way from the Palisades for Botox and fillers... she does a beautiful job creating a natural look to help me look like my best self. 💖 Thank you for helping me look as young as I feel.”
- Laura N.

B&A 1

B&A 2

“I highly recommend Dr. Kay. I am 65 and I was quite honestly pretty nervous for my appointment. Everyone in the office made me feel safe, excited, and comfortable..”
‍- Alison H.

B&A 1

B&A 2