Ever looked at an old photo of Elon Musk from the PayPal days and wondered if you’re looking at the same person? It’s a trip. Seriously, the Elon Musk side profile from 1999 compared to 2026 is like comparing a base model sedan to a Cybertruck.
He didn't just age. He evolved.
Some people call it a "glow-up." Others call it the best money can buy. Honestly, when you’re the richest person on Earth, your face becomes a bit of a hardware project, doesn't it? Whether it’s the hair, the jaw, or the "Ozempic Santa" vibes he joked about, the changes are written all over his silhouette.
The Hairline That Came Back from the Dead
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Or rather, the hair on the head.
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Back in the late 90s, Elon was dealing with some pretty aggressive male pattern baldness. We’re talking significant frontal thinning. If you check out his side-view photos from the Zip2 era, the recession was deep. Most guys in that spot just accept the chrome dome and move on.
But Elon isn't most guys.
Experts like Dr. Michael May from the Wimpole Clinic have pointed out that hair doesn't just "un-thin" itself naturally. The general consensus among hair restoration surgeons is that Musk likely had multiple procedures. We’re talking maybe 5,000 to 5,500 grafts in total.
If you look closely at the side of his head in certain lighting, there’s a faint, linear scar. This usually points to a Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT). That's the older method where they take a strip of skin from the back. Later on, he probably moved to FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) for those smaller touch-ups.
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Basically, he didn't just stop the hair loss; he reversed it. It’s arguably one of the most successful hair transplants in history because it actually looks natural now.
The Mystery of the Sharpening Jawline
Have you noticed how much more "chiseled" his lower face looks lately?
In his early 30s, Musk had a softer, rounder jaw. It was a bit "doughy," for lack of a better word. Fast forward to his recent appearances, like that viral video with Giorgia Meloni, and he looks like he was sculpted out of granite.
How does that happen at 54?
- Weight Loss Drugs: Elon hasn't been shy about this. He literally tweeted about being "Ozempic Santa" and mentioned taking Mounjaro. When you lose 30 pounds, your jawline is the first thing to show up for work.
- The "Ozempic Face" Correction: Rapid weight loss can make your skin sag. Some plastic surgeons, like Dr. Jordan Terner, suspect Musk might have had a subtle neck lift or "wattlectomy" to keep things tight.
- Fillers or Implants: There’s a lot of chatter about jawline contouring. Dermal fillers can sharpen the angle of the mandible (that corner under your ear) to create a more masculine, dominant side profile.
The Upside-Down Smile and Facial Symmetry
Elon has this very specific way of smiling. People call it the "inverted" or "upside-down" smile. It’s most visible from the side or a three-quarter view.
It’s not necessarily surgery; it’s mostly just facial anatomy. His zygomaticus muscles (the ones that pull the corners of your mouth up) seem to work a bit differently than the average person's. Plus, there’s speculation he’s had dental work—likely veneers—to brighten and align his teeth, which changes how his lips sit at rest.
Why the Elon Musk Side Profile Matters
It sounds shallow to obsess over a billionaire’s chin, but there’s a psychological layer here. In the tech world, looking "optimized" is a status symbol.
A sharp side profile signals vitality and discipline. When you’re leading companies that are trying to get to Mars or stick chips in brains, looking like a tired, aging dude doesn't fit the brand. He’s essentially treated his own body like a Tesla software update.
Version 1.0: Receding hair, soft features.
Version 2.0: Thick hair, better suit, still "human."
Version 3.0 (Current): High-definition jaw, dense hair, bio-hacked aesthetic.
What Most People Get Wrong
People love to say "he just got a nose job." Honestly? Probably not.
If you look at the bridge of his nose from the side, the structure hasn't changed that much. Most of the "new" look comes from the weight loss and the hair density. When your face gets thinner, your nose naturally looks more prominent or "refined" because there’s less padding around it.
Also, don't underestimate the power of a good skincare routine and maybe some light Botox. His skin is remarkably smooth for a guy who reportedly works 100-hour weeks and sleeps on factory floors.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Own "Glow-Up"
You don't need a billion dollars to improve your profile, but you can learn from the "Musk Method":
- Address hair loss early: Treatments like Minoxidil or Finasteride (if your doctor clears them) work way better if you start before the hair is gone.
- Focus on body fat percentage: A "weak jaw" is often just a jaw hidden under a layer of fat.
- Posture is huge: Elon’s side profile often looks better because he’s conscious of how he stands in front of cameras. "Tech neck" ruins even the best jawlines.
If you’re looking to analyze your own features or just curious about the tech behind these changes, start by taking a high-quality side-profile photo in natural light. It’s the easiest way to see what’s actually going on with your own "hardware."
Next Steps for You
- Audit your photos: Take a look at your own side profile from five years ago vs. today to identify any gradual changes in jaw definition or hair density.
- Consult a professional: If you're considering hair restoration or skin tightening, look for surgeons who specialize in "natural" results rather than the over-filled look.
- Check the data: Research the long-term effects of GLP-1 medications (like Mounjaro) on facial volume if weight loss is your primary goal for a sharper look.