The improvement of the gummy smile using the implant spacer technique.

A simple technique for correction of a gummy smile by partially transecting the levator labii superioris, the major lip elevator, and decreasing its cephalic excursion using an implant spacer is presented. Results are given for 21 patients, and 3 representative patients are discussed, in whom a silicone implant with maxillary augmentation with concomitant rhinoplasty; cartilage from the nasal septum with concomitant rhinoplasty; and a silicone implant independent of rhinoplasty without maxillary augmentation were utilized.