Vladimir Putin has long been at the centre of cosmetic surgery rumours, and after a recent parade appearance, people are noticing a bout of lumpy filler and smoothed wrinkles. The Russian leader, who has historically worked hard to maintain his strongman image by engaging in activities like shirtless horse riding and martial arts, now appears to be turning to the plastic surgeon's needle.
Expensive Cosmetic Procedures
Experts predict that Putin has spent thousands of pounds on an ever-changing array of cosmetic procedures. Following a string of intense health rumours, investigators believe he is using regular injectables and facial-enhancing surgeries to mask visible signs of aging. While the Kremlin has never commented on the work, onlookers have long pointed to his wrinkle-free forehead, unnaturally plump cheekbones, and altered eye area.
Russia's liberal New Times magazine previously raised the question in an article titled: 'What has happened with Putin's face?'. Four plastic surgeons agreed that it was likely that Putin has undergone Botox in his forehead, an eye-lift on his lower lids, and an injection of firming filler into his cheekbones. Others believe that his alleged use of steroids has altered his appearance.
History of Speculation
Rumours surrounding Putin's cosmetic habits first exploded in 2011, when he turned up to a meeting in Kiev with black eyes. The speculation grew so rife that his spokesman issued a denial, saying: 'It's probably just how the light fell. The prime minister is tired.' By the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, the public had become convinced the premier had altered his look permanently. Having spent a decade with a relatively gaunt, sharp face, he suddenly had a dramatically plumped, pillow-like appearance.
Cosmetic surgeon Dr Jennifer Owens believes that the world leader's face could be showing tell-tale signs of cosmetic work. Despite being 73, Putin's temples, cheeks and jawline appear 'fuller and smoother' — the areas where people usually lose volume as they age. She told The Sun: 'In earlier images he appeared to have more pronounced under-eye bags, and that degree of improvement would be unlikely to happen naturally with age. His temples, cheeks and jawline also appear fuller and smoother despite these areas typically losing volume with age.'
Surgical and Non-Surgical Procedures
The expert also noted that she believes he has had a combination of surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures. She explained: 'These may include lower blepharoplasty to address under-eye bags and full-face muscle relaxants (aka Botox) to soften dynamic lines while maintaining movement and lighten the pull down on the lower face.' A lower blepharoplasty alone can cost anywhere between £2,000 and £6,000, while Botox injections and chin filler could reach up to £1,200 each. Dr Owens also predicts he has had biostimulators around his temples, cheeks and jawline to help restore structure and fullness by triggering natural production of collagen and elastin. Costing around £800 per session, often needing multiple sessions, it is clear the leader is willing to fork out on his looks.
Despite his expensive efforts to look invincible, critics claimed the Russian leader looked notably weak and 'decrepit' during a recent military appearance. Observers pointed out his visibly swollen, puffy face during Moscow's Victory Day Parade in Red Square. Ukrainian commentator Anton Gerashchenko took to social media to mock the man who has brought war to his country, saying: 'The face of a victor and the leader of a superpower. It seems sanctions have even reached Putin's Botox.' Fellow commentator Alexey Kopytko added: 'At the parade, the centre of attention was not the leader of a superpower, but a tired old man with shifty eyes whom they still tolerate. And he senses it. A short, decrepit man bending under the weight of a burden he can no longer lift.'
