Plastic surgeons explain Gwen Stefani's “unrecognizable” new face – and how much it cost

Gwen Stefani caused a stir after appearing on The Voice last night in an “unrecognizable” new look.

The 55-year-old superstar ditched her trademark icy platinum locks for new warm blonde wavy locks with distinctive bangs.

But fans were quick to comment that there was something else different about her appearance besides the hair and dress, pointing to her plumper and smoother facial expression.

Some speculated that she may have undergone cosmetic procedures. One said it was “out of control” and another compared her new look to Sabrina Carpenter.

Dr. Corey Maas, a facial plastic surgeon in San Francisco, suggested that the fuller look of her face may be due to fillers, which plump wrinkles, smooth lines and restore volume to the face.

He also hinted that Gwen may have had a lower face lift, saying he didn't see any loose skin on her lower jaw, which he would expect in someone her age.

Gwen Stefani is pictured above in 2006, left, and then last night on The Voice. Plastic surgeons suspected that her face and lips were treated with fillers, and some also suggested that she had a mini facelift. In the left picture she is 37 years old – in the right she is 55 years old

A lower facelift, also called a mini facelift, involves making incisions around the ear and then pulling on the skin in the lower third of the face to tighten it. The procedure is used to reduce sagging and wrinkles in the lower facial area.

Fillers, on the other hand, are substances that are injected into the face to restore volume and make a younger person appear. As we age, the face begins to lose volume – often in our late 20s.

He also suggested that the lack of deep lines and wrinkles on her face, which appear in people in their late 20s, may be related to the use of Botox.

There has been a lot of speculation about Gwen over the years regarding her appearance. Surgeons also suspected that she had a nose job in the 1990s.

During rhinoplasty, or rhinoplasty, surgeons reshape the nose—sometimes to improve its appearance, especially in photographs. This is done by making an incision on the inside of the nose and then repositioning or removing tissue.

Dr. Gary Linkov, a plastic surgeon also in New York City who reviews celebrity plastic surgery for his YouTube channel, suspects she has spent more than $428,000 on at least nine procedures over the years on her face – including two brow lifts.

Dr. Maas told DailyMail.com after looking at pictures of Gwen on The Voice: “It's true that people with bangs, pulling them down causes them to focus more on the middle of the face and concentrate below the eyes, which results in (cheeks and midface) appearing slightly fuller.

“But I also wouldn't expect (that area) to be that full on someone her age, so she probably had some filler.”

He added: “Her jaw also clearly indicates work, a 55-year-old woman simply doesn't have a jaw like that.”

“I think she may have had a facelift on the lower part because it really tightens her jawline and chin and hers are almost perfect.”

Dr. Michael Bassiri-Tehrani, a facial plastic surgeon in New York City, agreed with suggestions that she had had fillers, telling DailyMail.com: “As we age, we tend to lose some facial fat.

“But we don't see that with Gwen, so it's possible she opted for tasteful fillers to maintain the fullness of her cheeks.”

He added: “Her face looks a little rounder and fuller in the cheeks than before, which (also) supports this idea.” But of course bangs could play a role in her appearance.”

Gwen is pictured above in two pictures, according to plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Linkov suggested that she had undergone a nose job. The bridge of the nose or central area appeared to be thinner

He also shared these pictures of Gwen to hint that she may have had a facelift. The surgery involves making incisions around the ears and tightening them, which can cause changes in the appearance of the earlobe and the tragus, the tongue-like projection on the outer ear (circled).

Dr. Joel Kopelman, a facial plastic surgeon also in New York City, also suggested that she may have undergone a lower facelift or mini-facelift.

He told DailyMail.com: “From my perspective as a facial plastic surgeon, it is possible that Gwen Stefani has had a minor facelift.”

“This is less invasive than a traditional facelift and also focuses on the lower half of the face and jawline, tightening sagging skin and restoring youthful contours.”

“Looking at Gwen's current appearance, particularly her smooth jawline and lack of sagging cheeks and neck, a mini facelift may have contributed to these results.”

“This type of procedure typically results in a subtle, natural lift that complements her overall appearance – leaving her looking refreshed and youthful without dramatically altering her signature look.”

Gwen Stefani herself has not publicly commented on the allegations that she has undergone cosmetic procedures.

But she's known for her love of makeup and has even started her own brand — GXVE, pronounced “Give” — which sells cruelty-free and vegan-friendly makeup products like lipsticks, highlighters, and eyeshadows.

Speaking about her love of makeup in a 2017 interview with InStyle, she said, “I would always be ashamed of (wearing makeup).”

“People would say, ‘You’re wearing a mask, what are you trying to hide?’ No, I just love makeup. I just think I look better when I have it on.'

A spokesperson for Gwen did not respond to a request for comment from DailyMail.com.

After seeing pictures of her on The Voice, one viewer commented: “I think it's more than just the wig… look at her face, the fullness and the smoothness.” She's had some work done and the fillers are out of control.”

A second person said: “I find it particularly disappointing to see some of the girls we've come to know as rebellious, unique and adventurous personal style advocates turning into these expressive, plump, hunched up, rebuilt clones who clinging to youth.”

And a third added: “I like Gwen and she was always beautiful and very talented. “I really hope she stops working now or slows down.”

The No Doubt frontwoman had to cancel her concert in August this year due to an undisclosed injury.

She returned to The Voice at the end of September this year.