Cosmetic surgery experts reveal secrets behind Elon Musk's £100k drastic transformation

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Many cosmetic experts believe the world's richest man, Elon Musk, has gone under the knife to reverse his ageing.

The business mogul behind Tesla and X once had a receding hairline, plumper chin and tired-looking appearance, but in recent years, he has experienced somewhat of a glow-up. Speculation into his drastic transformation first arose in 2023 and has since heighted following the US Election, with a focus on his fuller head of hair and tighter jawline.

The tech mogul is now 53 years old, but resurfaced photographs of him from decades ago show him looking even older. For Musk, who has an estimated net worth of around $164billion (£129billion), the cost of suggested plastic surgery would just be a drop in the ocean. But what do the experts think he's had done, and how much could it have cost?

Cosmetic surgery expert Clare Sweeney, at CM Aesthetics, believes first and foremost that multi-billionaire Musk has undergone a hair transplant, or possibly multiple. She told The Mirror: "One of the most noticeable changes in Musk's appearance is his hair. In his earlier years, he had significant hair thinning and a receding hairline. Today, he boasts a full head of thick hair. No amount of lotions, potions, or magic wands could produce such a dramatic transformation."

Clare believes this strongly suggests Musk has undergone a hair transplant, likely a follicular unit extraction (FUE) procedure. She said a high-quality hair transplant can cost anywhere from £10,000 to £30,000, depending on the number of grafts required. In addition to the transplant, Musk may have followed up with treatments such as PRP therapy, vitamin injections or NAD+ therapy to encourage hair growth and maintain the results, she explained.

Clare also noted that Musk has a more "sculpted jawline and chiseled features", which may have been achieved by chin or jaw implants or dermal fillers. "Given the natural yet more refined appearance of his jaw, it is likely that he has opted for fillers rather than implants," she explained. The cosmetic expert is almost certain that Musk has had Botox, to achieve fuller cheekbones. She said: "It's possible that Musk initially enjoyed the results but may have overdone treatments in later sessions."

The Essex-based aesthetician said Musk's eyes appear "more refreshed and youthful", which suggests he may have had tear trough fillers.

"Although some speculate that Musk has had a neck lift, it seems unlikely given that he doesn't appear to be an ideal candidate. Instead, a combination of Botox and fillers could have been used to maintain the appearance of a tighter, more youthful neck," Clare said. She added that given the ongoing maintenance required for all of these treatments, it's possible Musk has spent upwards of £100,000 on his new look.

"While Musk's transformation is impressive, it's essential to remember that less is more when it comes to cosmetic enhancements. Overuse of fillers and Botox can lead to an unnatural appearance. Looking at Musk today, it seems he may have enjoyed the initial results so much that he continued treatments beyond what was necessary," Clare said. "That being said, his facial and hair transformations are a testament to the power of modern aesthetics."

Plastic surgeon and senior medical director, Dr Omar Tillo, also praised Musk's drastic transformation. He told The Mirror: "Elon's transformation is great and he looks amazing for his age." Dr Tillo believes the social media mogul "likely undergoes regular aesthetic treatments", as well as potentially previously going under the knife. Like Clare, he thinks Musk has Botox to smooth his forehead lines and crow's feet, along with skin-boosting treatments such as polynucleotides, laser treatment and fillers.

"His hairline transformation over the years suggests he may have had hair transplants, as his previously receding hairline now appears much fuller," Dr Tillo agreed. The surgeon, who owns CREO Clinic, said it is likely Musk may have undergone a neck lift or facelift to tighten his jawline. "One procedure that has been trending recently is blepharoplasty (eyelid lift), and it appears Elon may have had this done to remove excess skin around the eyes, giving him a fresher, more rejuvenated look," Dr Tillo said.

Top plastic surgeon Dr Riccardo Frati said Musk's appearance is now "fresher and more defined in comparison to his older photos", in particular, in shots of him with Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni in 2024. "His face, neck and jawline look chiselled and fresh, and his body looks thin and toned," the surgeon told The Mirror. He puts this down to weight-loss injections, which Musk previously admitted to using in a bizarre X post when he dubbed himself "Ozempic Santa".

"Since he started using Ozempic, he may have developed the so-called 'Ozempic face', losing significant weight causing abdominal excess skin," Dr Frati explained. He said Musk may have FaceTite - a procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to tighten skin and reduce fat - to define his neck and jawline.

"This procedure would get rid of excess skin following Ozempic treatment and progressive ageing," Dr Frati said. The surgeon also noted that Musk's nose appears more smooth and defined now, and said he may have had a rhinoplasty.