Russian Prime-Minister Vladimir Putin has displayed a suspiciously smooth and wrinkle-free face over the past few years, but this week the rumour mill went into overdrive as the 59-year-old debuted a freshly smoothed forehead and rosy cheeks at the annual question and answer TV show, where he spoke to the Russian population live. Following his appearance, Twitter was flooded with viewers wondering what had changed about his face.

The question over Putin’s use of Botox injections was first put forward in October when he showed up to a Kiev meeting sporting a bruise around one of his eyes, a spokesperson denies use of any cosmetic enhancement, saying ‘It’s probably just how the light fell, the Prime Minister is tired.’ However, that wasn’t enough to quash the rumours among the Russian media, who questioned outright their leaders changing appearance, the New Time magazine asked plainly; ‘What has happened with Putin’s face?’

Plastic surgeons commented on his appearance, suggesting that he had probably had some kind of cosmetic surgery, most likely Botox injections around his forehead to get rid of frown lines, dermal fillers into his cheeks to make them look plumper and rosier, and possibly an eye lift on his lower lids, to make him appear more youthful. Putin may be hoping to boost his public profile after announcing in September that he would be standing for re-election next year.