Lip Repositioning Istanbul: Complete Gummy Smile Guide 2026

Lip repositioning Istanbul has become one of the most sought-after facial aesthetic procedures among international patients — and for very good reason. It is one of the few cosmetic surgeries that delivers a permanent, dramatic improvement to the smile in under an hour, under local anaesthesia, with minimal recovery and no visible scarring.

If you’ve spent years feeling self-conscious about showing too much gum when you smile — a condition known as gummy smile — lip repositioning surgery in Istanbul offers a permanent, natural-looking solution that changes how you feel about your smile for life.

This complete guide covers everything you need to know about lip repositioning in Istanbul: what the procedure involves, who it’s right for, how it differs from other gummy smile treatments, what recovery looks like, and what results you can realistically expect.

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✓ Medically Reviewed

Op. Dr. Uğurlu — Board-Certified Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeon

Istanbul University Çapa Faculty of Medicine · 15+ Years Experience · 3,000+ Procedures

What Is Lip Repositioning Surgery?

Lip repositioning surgery is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that permanently corrects gummy smile by limiting the upward movement of the upper lip when smiling. Rather than removing gum tissue or altering the teeth, lip repositioning addresses the root cause of most gummy smiles — a hyperactive or elevated upper lip that rises too high when smiling, exposing an excessive amount of gum tissue.

During the procedure, a small strip of soft tissue is removed from the inner surface of the upper lip, and the lip is repositioned and sutured in a lower position. This limits the extent to which the lip can rise when smiling — permanently reducing gum display and creating a more balanced, proportionate smile.

The procedure is performed entirely inside the mouth. There are no external incisions, no external scars, and no visible evidence of surgery.

Lip Repositioning Surgery Cost:

UK, USA & Australia Comparison Lip repositioning surgery cost varies
dramatically depending on where you have the procedure — and it is rarely covered by insurance, as gummy smile correction is classified as cosmetic.

Country	Typical Cost
UK Private	£2,500–£4,500
USA Private	$3,000–$6,000
Australia Private	AUD $4,000–$7,000
Istanbul — Estelux	Significantly less

At Estelux Istanbul, lip repositioning surgery cost is 60–70% less than UK, US
and Australian private clinic pricing — and the all-inclusive package covers the
procedure, hotel accommodation, VIP transfers and full aftercare support.

Because lip repositioning is a relatively short procedure (typically 45–60 minutes under local anaesthesia), it is also frequently combined with other treatments during a single Istanbul visit — dental veneers, smile design or other facial procedures — making the trip even more cost-effective.

For a personalised lip repositioning surgery cost quote, contact us via WhatsApp — our team responds within 30 minutes, free and with no obligation.

What Is a Gummy Smile?

A gummy smile — clinically referred to as excessive gingival display — is a condition in which more than 2–4 mm of gum tissue is visible above the upper teeth when smiling. Most dental and aesthetic professionals consider gum display of more than 3–4 mm to be the threshold at which the smile appears disproportionate.

Gummy smile is very common — affecting an estimated 10–25% of young adults — and significantly more prevalent in women than men. For many patients, it causes genuine self-consciousness: covering the mouth when laughing, avoiding photos, smiling with lips closed, or feeling that the smile simply doesn’t reflect how they actually look or feel.

Causes of gummy smile include:

Hyperactive upper lip — the most common cause; the lip rises higher than normal when smiling
Short upper lip — less lip tissue to cover the gum line
Excessive gum tissue (gingival hyperplasia) — too much gum tissue overlapping the teeth
Short clinical crowns — teeth appear shorter because of excess gum coverage
Vertical maxillary excess — excess bone in the upper jaw (less common; requires orthognathic surgery)

Lip repositioning is specifically designed to address hyperactive or short upper lip causes — which account for the majority of gummy smile cases.

Lip Repositioning vs Other Gummy Smile Treatments

Several treatments are available for gummy smile, and the right choice depends on the underlying cause. During your free consultation at Estelux Istanbul, our specialist will assess your specific anatomy and recommend the most appropriate approach.

Lip Repositioning Surgery

Best for: Hyperactive upper lip; short upper lip Procedure time: 30–45 minutes Anaesthesia: Local Results: Permanent Recovery: 1–2 weeks

The gold standard for hyperactive upper lip. Permanent correction with no external scars. Most suitable for patients with 3mm+ gum display caused by lip elevation.

Botox for Gummy Smile

Best for: Mild gummy smile; patients wanting temporary solution first Procedure time: 5–10 minutes Anaesthesia: None required Results: 3–6 months Recovery: None

Botox injected into the muscles that elevate the upper lip temporarily limits their movement. Effective for mild cases. Results last 3–6 months and require regular repeat treatments. Many patients try botox first before committing to permanent lip repositioning.

Gum Contouring (Gingivectomy)

Best for: Excessive gum tissue covering the teeth Procedure time: 30–60 minutes Anaesthesia: Local Results: Permanent Recovery: 1–2 weeks

Removes excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth crown. Addresses a different cause than lip repositioning — best for patients whose gummy smile is caused by gum overgrowth rather than lip elevation. Can be combined with lip repositioning.

Orthognathic Surgery

Best for: Vertical maxillary excess (skeletal cause) Procedure time: Several hours Anaesthesia: General Results: Permanent Recovery: Several months

Required only for the small minority of gummy smile cases caused by excess jaw bone. Not appropriate for most patients.

How Lip Repositioning Surgery Is Performed

Lip repositioning in Istanbul at Estelux is performed as a day procedure under local anaesthesia. You are awake and comfortable throughout, and can return to your hotel the same day. Lip repositioning Istanbul at Estelux is performed
as a day procedure under local anaesthesia.

Step 1: Local Anaesthesia

The upper lip area is numbed with local anaesthetic. You will feel pressure during the procedure but no pain. Most patients report the anaesthetic injection as the only uncomfortable moment.

Step 2: Tissue Marking

The surgeon carefully marks the precise area of tissue to be removed on the inner surface of the upper lip, taking into account the current gum display, the desired result, and the natural anatomy of the lip. This stage is critical to achieving a natural-looking outcome.

Step 3: Tissue Removal

A precisely calculated strip of mucous membrane is removed from the inner upper lip. The size and position of this strip directly determines the final result — how much gum display is reduced and how natural the repositioned lip looks.

Step 4: Suturing

The lip is sutured in its new, lower position using dissolvable sutures. The sutures are placed on the inner surface of the mouth — completely invisible from the outside.

Step 5: Recovery and Discharge

You rest for approximately 30 minutes after the procedure before discharge. Most patients return to their hotel with mild swelling and no significant pain. The procedure leaves no external marks, cuts or scars.

Total procedure time: 30–45 minutes Discharge: Same day Anaesthesia: Local only

Who Is a Good Candidate for Lip Repositioning?

Lip repositioning in Istanbul is suitable for patients whose gummy smile is caused by a hyperactive or elevated upper lip — which accounts for the majority of gummy smile cases. Lip repositioning Istanbul is ideal for patients whose gummy smile is caused by a hyperactive or elevated upper lip.

✓ You may be a good candidate if:

More than 3–4 mm of gum is visible when smiling
Your gummy smile is caused by excessive lip elevation
You are in good general health
You have healthy teeth and gums
You want a permanent solution
You have realistic expectations about results

✗ Lip repositioning may not be the right option if:

Your gummy smile is caused by excessive gum tissue (gingivectomy may be more appropriate)
Your gummy smile has a skeletal cause (orthognathic surgery required)
You have active gum disease or poor dental health
You have unrealistic expectations about the degree of improvement

During your free consultation, our specialist will assess the precise cause of your gummy smile and recommend the most appropriate treatment — or combination of treatments — for your individual anatomy.

What Results Can I Expect?

Lip repositioning in Istanbul produces permanent correction of gummy smile. Most patients achieve a reduction of 3–5 mm in gum display, creating a significantly more balanced and natural-looking smile. Lip repositioning Istanbul produces permanent correction — most patients achieve 3-5mm reduction in gum display.

What changes:

Less gum visible when smiling
More natural, proportionate smile
Lips rest at a slightly lower position at rest (subtle change)
Smile looks more like the smile you see in posed photos

What doesn’t change:

The shape and size of your teeth
The appearance of your gums at rest
The position of your lips at rest (minor change only)

Results are permanent — the repositioned lip does not return to its original position. Some mild relaxation may occur in the first 6–12 months as the tissues settle, but the correction remains long-term.

Recovery After Lip Repositioning Surgery

Recovery from lip repositioning in Istanbul is straightforward and relatively comfortable compared to most cosmetic surgery procedures.

Days 1–3

Mild to moderate swelling of the upper lip. Some patients experience temporary difficulty smiling fully — this is expected and resolves as healing progresses. Soft food diet recommended. Dissolvable sutures in place.

Days 4–7

Swelling reducing noticeably. Most patients feel comfortable in public. Smiling feels more natural.

Week 2

Most patients return to normal activities including exercise. Some residual swelling may remain but is not visible to others.

Month 1–3

Final results becoming fully visible as all swelling resolves. The repositioned lip settles into its natural position.

Return to normal activities: 24–48 hours (desk work) Return to exercise: 1–2 weeks Diet restrictions: Soft food for 1 week Avoid kissing/lip strain: 2–3 weeks Final results visible: 1–3 months

Lip Repositioning Istanbul for Australian Patients

Australian patients considering lip repositioning Istanbul benefit from significant cost savings — Australian private clinics charge AUD $4,000–$7,000 for this procedure, often not covered by Medicare as gummy smile correction is classified as cosmetic. Direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to Istanbul take approximately 20–22 hours.

Lip Repositioning Istanbul: Cost and Package

At Estelux Istanbul, lip repositioning is offered as both a standalone procedure and in combination with other facial aesthetic treatments — including gum contouring, rhinoplasty, or deep plane facelift. Lip repositioning Istanbul at Estelux is significantly more affordable than equivalent procedures in the UK, USA or Western Europe.

Our all-inclusive lip repositioning Istanbul package includes:

✓ Pre-operative assessment ✓ Lip repositioning procedure by specialist surgeon ✓ Local anaesthesia ✓ Same-day discharge ✓ Hotel accommodation (1–2 nights) ✓ VIP airport transfers ✓ Personal patient coordinator (24/7 WhatsApp) ✓ Post-operative care kit ✓ Remote follow-up support

For a personalised quote, contact us via WhatsApp. Our team responds within 30 minutes — free, no obligation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lip repositioning surgery painful?

The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia — you will feel no pain during surgery. The anaesthetic injection is the most uncomfortable moment. Post-operatively, most patients describe the discomfort as mild and manageable without strong medication.

How long does lip repositioning last?

Lip repositioning produces permanent results. The repositioned tissue does not return to its original position. Some mild settling occurs in the first few months, but the correction is long-lasting.

Will there be any visible scars?

No. All incisions are made inside the mouth on the inner surface of the upper lip. There are no external incisions and no visible scars.

How much gum display will remain after surgery?

This depends on your individual anatomy and starting gum display. Most patients achieve a reduction of 3–5 mm — bringing gum display within the normal aesthetic range of 0–2 mm. Your specialist will discuss realistic expectations during your consultation.

Can lip repositioning be reversed?

Technically yes — though reversal is rarely requested. The repositioned tissue can be released surgically if the result is not satisfactory. In practice, most patients are very happy with their results.

Can I combine lip repositioning with other procedures?

Yes — lip repositioning is frequently combined with gum contouring, rhinoplasty, smile design or other facial procedures. Combining procedures during a single Istanbul visit saves time and reduces overall cost.

How long do I need to stay in Istanbul?

Most lip repositioning patients stay 2–3 days in Istanbul. The procedure is same-day, with a rest day at the hotel before flying home.

How soon will I see results?

Initial improvement is visible immediately — though swelling affects the appearance for 1–2 weeks. Final, fully settled results are visible at 1–3 months as all swelling resolves.

Is lip repositioning suitable for men?

Yes — lip repositioning is performed for both men and women. Gummy smile affects men less commonly than women, but when present it can be equally troubling aesthetically.

What is the difference between lip repositioning and a lip flip?

A lip flip uses botox to relax the muscles that elevate the upper lip — producing a temporary 3–6 month effect. Lip repositioning is surgical, permanent and more comprehensive. Most patients who want a long-term solution choose lip repositioning.

Why do patients choose lip repositioning Istanbul over their home country?

Lip repositioning Istanbul offers significant cost savings — 50-60% less than UK or US private clinics — combined with experienced specialist surgeons and
all-inclusive packages.

How much does lip repositioning surgery cost?

Lip repositioning surgery costs £2,500–£4,500 in the UK, $3,000–$6,000 in the USA and AUD $4,000–$7,000 in Australia. At Estelux Istanbul, the all-inclusive package — procedure, hotel, transfers and aftercare —
costs 60–70% less than private clinic pricing in these countries.

Getting Started

Contact Estelux Istanbul via WhatsApp for a free, no-obligation consultation. Send your photos and questions and our specialist team will respond within 30 minutes — seven days a week.

WhatsApp: +90 552 813 86 86