Lip Repositioning Using Scalpel Technique for Management of Excessive Gingival Display Due to Short Upper Lip: A Case Report With One-Year Follow-Up.

Authors

Aman Narang, Mehvish Khan, Nitin Tomar, Mayur Kaushik, Roopse Singh

Published in

Cureus. Volume 18. Issue 8. Pages e115103. Epub Aug 24, 2026.

Abstract

Excessive gingival display (EGD), commonly referred to as a gummy smile, represents a significant esthetic concern influenced by the interplay of dentogingival, skeletal, and soft tissue factors. Lip repositioning has emerged as a minimally invasive surgical modality aimed at limiting the superior displacement of the upper lip during smiling. This case report describes the management of a 37-year-old female patient presenting with EGD due to a short upper lip, treated using a conventional scalpel-based lip repositioning technique. Preoperative gingival display of 3 mm was reduced to 0 mm immediately postoperatively. At one-month, six-month, and one-year follow-ups, gingival display was 0.5 mm, 1 mm, and 1.2 mm, respectively, indicating minimal relapse and stable outcomes. Healing was uneventful, and patient satisfaction was high. The findings suggest that lip repositioning is a predictable and effective treatment modality in appropriately selected cases of soft tissue-related EGD.

PMID:
42781671
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 25 Sep 2026.

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