Female celebrities have been keeping up with their cosmetic routines lately, and many are now reflecting on the days before Botox lip flips entered their beauty playbooks.
The Cleveland Clinic describes the lip flip as a nonsurgical treatment that creates the illusion of fuller lips. While marketed as painless and affordable, the procedure can bring side effects ranging from nausea and dizziness to swelling and even bleeding. It also tends to be more affordable than traditional fillers (per Longevita).
Unlike lip fillers, which involve injecting hyaluronic acid directly into the lips for instant volume, a lip flip uses Botox to relax muscles in the upper lip. This creates a fuller appearance without actually increasing volume.
The fuller-lip effect typically kicks in after Botox is injected into the lip corners and edges, with final results appearing about a week post-procedure.
Lately, more celebrities have opened up about this faster, subtler alternative to fillers, sharing glam wins and not-so-glam lip mishaps with their fans.
As the lip flip trend continues to surge, here’s a look at 30 famous faces who tried it out.
#1 Zac Efron
When Zac debuted a dramatically altered jawline, he attributed it to masseter muscle growth following a severe jaw injury.
However, internet sleuths couldn't help but notice how differently his lips and smile dynamic behave now, sparking massive viral speculation about cosmetic muscle-relaxing treatments around his lower face.
However, internet sleuths couldn't help but notice how differently his lips and smile dynamic behave now, sparking massive viral speculation about cosmetic muscle-relaxing treatments around his lower face.
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2points
#2 Lady Gaga
Gaga has never hidden her love for facial experimentation, once admitting she went through a phase of being completely obsessed with dermal fillers. However, her modern aesthetic has shifted drastically toward a more high-fashion, refined look.
Her current pout features a beautifully lifted upper border that looks flat and crisp rather than puffy, making her a prime example of switching heavy fillers for muscle-relaxing precision.
Her current pout features a beautifully lifted upper border that looks flat and crisp rather than puffy, making her a prime example of switching heavy fillers for muscle-relaxing precision.
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1point
#3 Kylie Jenner
The queen who single-handedly started the lip filler era has officially entered her natural-glam epoch. Kylie recently made headlines by admitting she "dissolved" a massive amount of her old dermal fillers.
Her new, significantly more understated look perfectly illustrates Hollywood's shift from overfilled "duck lips" to the elegant, movement-based lip flip.
Her new, significantly more understated look perfectly illustrates Hollywood's shift from overfilled "duck lips" to the elegant, movement-based lip flip.
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1point
#4 Lindsay Lohan
Lindsay’s recent Hollywood comeback has been dubbed one of the greatest "glow-ups" in pop culture history.
After years of sporting the heavy, over-plumped look typical of the 2010s filler craze, she debuted a completely refreshed, elegant face.
Her lips are still beautifully defined, but they move naturally and sit perfectly flat, highlighting the modern trend of dissolving old product and opting for a soft lip flip instead.
After years of sporting the heavy, over-plumped look typical of the 2010s filler craze, she debuted a completely refreshed, elegant face.
Her lips are still beautifully defined, but they move naturally and sit perfectly flat, highlighting the modern trend of dissolving old product and opting for a soft lip flip instead.
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0points
#5 Ariana Grande
From Nickelodeon teen star to global pop diva, Ariana’s aesthetic evolution is always under the microscope.
Over the years, her smile has transitioned to look incredibly symmetric and plush, avoiding the classic "inflated" filler look in favor of a perfectly balanced, flipped upper lip line.
Over the years, her smile has transitioned to look incredibly symmetric and plush, avoiding the classic "inflated" filler look in favor of a perfectly balanced, flipped upper lip line.
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0points
#6 Megan Barton-Hanson (Love Island UK)
UK Love Island alumni are notorious for high-drama cosmetic transformations, but Megan stands out for being fiercely transparent.
She has openly mapped out every procedure she’s ever had, helping her massive social media following understand exactly when a celebrity transitions away from heavy structural fillers toward softer, muscle-relaxing alternatives.
She has openly mapped out every procedure she’s ever had, helping her massive social media following understand exactly when a celebrity transitions away from heavy structural fillers toward softer, muscle-relaxing alternatives.
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#7 Nicole Kidman
Nicole Kidman is the undisputed queen of Hollywood aesthetic discussions. After famously stating that she stepped away from heavy Botox to regain control of her face, fans noticed her expressions became much more natural.
Her current smile, which nicely balances her upper lip without that stiff "frozen" look, perfectly demonstrates how Hollywood veterans are using micro-doses of Botox to refine their smile dynamics.
Her current smile, which nicely balances her upper lip without that stiff "frozen" look, perfectly demonstrates how Hollywood veterans are using micro-doses of Botox to refine their smile dynamics.
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0points
#8 Melania Trump
While the media usually fixates on her signature "fox eyes," her highly controlled, sharp smile is a masterclass in facial maintenance.
While aging typically thins out the upper lip, Melania’s lip line remains remarkably visible and structured, fueling endless social media debates about the subtle cosmetic tweaks favored by political elites.
While aging typically thins out the upper lip, Melania’s lip line remains remarkably visible and structured, fueling endless social media debates about the subtle cosmetic tweaks favored by political elites.
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0points
#9 Kamala Harris
Could the U.S. Vice President be utilizing the cleverest trick in modern aesthetic medicine?
Commentators have noted that even during her most animated speeches and bursts of laughter, her upper lip never thins out into nothingness, and her gums stay perfectly hidden.
In the world of social media analysis, this is frequently cited as the ultimate "invisible" preventative Botox work.
Commentators have noted that even during her most animated speeches and bursts of laughter, her upper lip never thins out into nothingness, and her gums stay perfectly hidden.
In the world of social media analysis, this is frequently cited as the ultimate "invisible" preventative Botox work.
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#10 Taylor Swift
As the biggest pop star on the planet, every single frame of Taylor’s red carpet appearances is over-analyzed.
Observers have noted that during her early career, her upper lip completely disappeared whenever she gave her signature wide smile.
Today, even when laughing mid-concert, her top lip retains its shape and structure perfectly - sparking viral TikTok theories about an expertly executed, hyper-subtle lip flip.
Observers have noted that during her early career, her upper lip completely disappeared whenever she gave her signature wide smile.
Today, even when laughing mid-concert, her top lip retains its shape and structure perfectly - sparking viral TikTok theories about an expertly executed, hyper-subtle lip flip.
0points
#11 Miley Cyrus
Following Miley's show-stopping Grammy appearances, the internet absolutely erupted with theories about her smile.
While casual fans blamed new veneers, cosmetic injectors quickly pointed out that her upper lip doesn’t pull upward as drastically as it used to when she laughs, a classic sign of targeted Botox relaxing the muscle.
While casual fans blamed new veneers, cosmetic injectors quickly pointed out that her upper lip doesn’t pull upward as drastically as it used to when she laughs, a classic sign of targeted Botox relaxing the muscle.
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#12 Joe Jonas
Joe broke the heavy stigma surrounding men and plastic surgery by becoming a proud, official ambassador for Xeomin (a popular Botox alternative).
He openly preaches that men should feel comfortable softening lines around their mouth and eyes, and his completely natural-looking smile is the perfect blueprint for the modern male tweakment.
He openly preaches that men should feel comfortable softening lines around their mouth and eyes, and his completely natural-looking smile is the perfect blueprint for the modern male tweakment.
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#13 Selena Gomez
Internet detectives and TikTok aesthetic experts are constantly analyzing her evolution.
Since Selena herself candidly admitted in Instagram comments that she uses Botox, her upper lip's transformation has become a prime talking point.
When she smiles, her upper lip no longer disappears, serving as a textbook example of a subtle lip lift effect without adding heavy volume.
Since Selena herself candidly admitted in Instagram comments that she uses Botox, her upper lip's transformation has become a prime talking point.
When she smiles, her upper lip no longer disappears, serving as a textbook example of a subtle lip lift effect without adding heavy volume.
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#14 Simon Cowell
The infamous talent judge famously admitted he went way too far with heavy fillers and Botox at one point, stating he ended up looking "like something out of a horror show."
His recent journey to dial it back, dissolve the heavy work, and opt for softer, muscle-relaxing alternatives makes him the ultimate cautionary-turned-success story.
His recent journey to dial it back, dissolve the heavy work, and opt for softer, muscle-relaxing alternatives makes him the ultimate cautionary-turned-success story.
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0points
#15 Chloe Ferry (Geordie Shore)
This iconic MTV star was once the poster child for the "over-filled" British reality TV look.
Her recent public journey to scale back on facial enhancements, dissolve her old lip product, and embrace a more mobile, naturally flipped lip shape has generated massive support and viral engagement across Instagram and TikTok.
Her recent public journey to scale back on facial enhancements, dissolve her old lip product, and embrace a more mobile, naturally flipped lip shape has generated massive support and viral engagement across Instagram and TikTok.
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0points
Everything You Need to Know About the Botox Lip Flip
Lip Flip vs. Lip Filler: What’s the actual difference?
It all comes down to volume vs. movement. Lip filler is a cosmetic treatment that injects a gel (usually Hyaluronic Acid) to add structural volume and plumpness to the lips.
A Lip Flip uses micro-doses of Botox (usually just 4–10 units) to relax the muscle above the upper lip. This causes the lip to gently roll outward, revealing more of your natural "pink lip" without adding any artificial volume.
How long does a Lip Flip last?
Because the muscle around your mouth (orbicularis oris) is constantly moving when you talk, eat, and smile, Botox wears off faster here than on the forehead.
On average, a lip flip lasts 2 to 3 months, whereas lip fillers can last anywhere from 6 to 12 months.
Why is it so hard to drink through a straw after a Lip Flip?
This is the most talked-about side effect on TikTok! Because Botox temporarily relaxes the muscles responsible for puckering, you might experience mild "dribbling" or struggle to seal your lips around a straw for the first 1 to 2 weeks. Don't worry, it’s completely temporary and fades as your muscles adjust.
Can you reverse a Lip Flip if you don't like it?
Unlike Hyaluronic Acid fillers, which can be instantly dissolved using an enzyme called hyaluronidase, a Botox lip flip cannot be reversed. If you aren't happy with the results, you simply have to wait 8 to 12 weeks for the neurotoxin to naturally wear off and metabolize out of your system.
Will a Lip Flip fix a "gummy smile"?
Yes, absolutely! In fact, that is one of the primary reasons people get it. Relaxing the upper lip muscle prevents the lip from pulling too far upward when you laugh or smile, effectively lowering the lip line to hide the gums.
#16 Meghan Trainor
Meghan Trainor didn’t hold back when describing her cosmetic journey, calling it the “most painful thing” she’s ever experienced. But, she added, “the movement is coming back” to her face (per PEOPLE).
During the December 12, 2024, episode of Today with Hoda and Jenna, the Grammy winner opened up about her experience with a Botox lip flip.
“I got what’s called a lip flip,” she told co-host Jenna Bush Hager. “It was my first ever. And everyone was like, ‘You’re gonna love it, you little lips.’ And I didn’t love it because I couldn’t smile and I was like [makes frozen face].”
On the November 20 episode of her Workin’ on It podcast, Trainor, 31, admitted she had “got too much Botox and I need help."
She confessed to using Botox on her forehead and receiving filler above her lip due to insecurity. “Someone convinced me with my little lips that if you did a lip flip, you put filler right above your upper lip, that you could have a beautiful flip,” she recalled.
“And I could have one for the first time in my whole 30 years of living it was not true.”
“I cannot smile anymore,” Trainor said, before teasing fans with another big reveal: “Here’s another clickbait move I’m trying to make: I’m getting a boob job.”
During the December 12, 2024, episode of Today with Hoda and Jenna, the Grammy winner opened up about her experience with a Botox lip flip.
“I got what’s called a lip flip,” she told co-host Jenna Bush Hager. “It was my first ever. And everyone was like, ‘You’re gonna love it, you little lips.’ And I didn’t love it because I couldn’t smile and I was like [makes frozen face].”
On the November 20 episode of her Workin’ on It podcast, Trainor, 31, admitted she had “got too much Botox and I need help."
She confessed to using Botox on her forehead and receiving filler above her lip due to insecurity. “Someone convinced me with my little lips that if you did a lip flip, you put filler right above your upper lip, that you could have a beautiful flip,” she recalled.
“And I could have one for the first time in my whole 30 years of living it was not true.”
“I cannot smile anymore,” Trainor said, before teasing fans with another big reveal: “Here’s another clickbait move I’m trying to make: I’m getting a boob job.”
-1point
#17 Anna Redman
Despite the many horror stories circulating online, Bachelor Nation’s Anna Redman shared a positive perspective on her Botox lip flip experience.
“Once upon a time… I got a lip flip,” she wrote in a reel on Instagram, posting her before-and-after pics. “If you have a gummy smile and want more lips without filler, this is a great option. I’m OBSESSED.”
“Once upon a time… I got a lip flip,” she wrote in a reel on Instagram, posting her before-and-after pics. “If you have a gummy smile and want more lips without filler, this is a great option. I’m OBSESSED.”
-2points
#18 Kyle Richards
Kyle Richards of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills recounted her experience with a lip flip gone awkward, which she got alongside Teddi Mellencamp. The cosmetic tweak left both of them unable to pucker up (per Bravo TV).
Despite the unexpected effect, Richards was able to laugh it off during an episode of the Hot Mic podcast.
“We were crying, laughing, and we were trying to whistle, and I was like, whistling is not an option anymore!” she joked. “We were just up laughing all night... those moments really help when you're going through tough times.”
Despite the unexpected effect, Richards was able to laugh it off during an episode of the Hot Mic podcast.
“We were crying, laughing, and we were trying to whistle, and I was like, whistling is not an option anymore!” she joked. “We were just up laughing all night... those moments really help when you're going through tough times.”
-2points
#19 Shannon Beador
Shannon Beador shared her positive Botox lip flip results shortly after filming herself shaving her face in 2019 (per OK! Magazine).
The Real Housewives of Orange County alum posted three Instagram stories documenting the before-and-after results and noted, “I'm already noticing a difference.”
Beador has also undergone CoolSculpting on her back and arms, a non-surgical fat-freezing treatment (per OK! Magazine).
She said those areas are a “tough area for gals over 50!”
The Real Housewives of Orange County alum posted three Instagram stories documenting the before-and-after results and noted, “I'm already noticing a difference.”
Beador has also undergone CoolSculpting on her back and arms, a non-surgical fat-freezing treatment (per OK! Magazine).
She said those areas are a “tough area for gals over 50!”
-2points
#20 Ariana Madix
Ariana Madix opened up on Page Six’s Virtual Reali-Tea podcast about her history with lip enhancement, emphasizing that she likes to “keep things at a minimum” (per PEOPLE).
“I just got a little bit in my lips because they were getting really crusty on the inside. I never go more than 0.5 at a time... Because I never want to look crazy,” said the 40-year-old Love Island USA host.
After fans speculated about changes to her appearance, the Vanderpump Rules alum responded with a post listing all the work she’s had done: “I’ll tell you what I’ve had! tox in 11’s, outer brow, and my neck. ellevate for my neck in 2019 by @theneckdoctor. minimal lip filler bc my face is too small to handle very much and filler in my chin.”
She added, “absolutely no filler anywhere else and def no bleph yet. Hope this helps! I’ll keep y’all posted if I do anything else.”
“I just got a little bit in my lips because they were getting really crusty on the inside. I never go more than 0.5 at a time... Because I never want to look crazy,” said the 40-year-old Love Island USA host.
After fans speculated about changes to her appearance, the Vanderpump Rules alum responded with a post listing all the work she’s had done: “I’ll tell you what I’ve had! tox in 11’s, outer brow, and my neck. ellevate for my neck in 2019 by @theneckdoctor. minimal lip filler bc my face is too small to handle very much and filler in my chin.”
She added, “absolutely no filler anywhere else and def no bleph yet. Hope this helps! I’ll keep y’all posted if I do anything else.”
-2points