If you’ve been anywhere near TikTok or Twitter lately, you’ve probably seen the chatter about the lil nas x face situation. It’s wild how quickly things move. One day he’s posting a thirst trap or a high-fashion YSL Beauty campaign, and the next, everyone is dissecting his bone structure like they’re board-certified surgeons.
But seriously, what is actually going on?
The internet has this weird obsession with "fixing" or "finding" things wrong with famous people. With Lil Nas X—born Montero Lamar Hill—the conversation usually flips between two extremes: people convinced he’s had "work" done and genuine concern over a very real health scare that popped up in 2025.
Honestly, the guy can't catch a break.
The Hospital Visit That Had Everyone Spooked
Let's talk about the most serious thing first. In April 2025, Lil Nas X posted a video that genuinely freaked people out. He was in a hospital bed, wearing a gown and a Von Dutch cap, telling his followers that he had "lost control" of the right side of his face.
It wasn't a joke. It wasn't a rollout for a new single (though with him, you never truly know until the credits roll). He literally couldn't smile on one side.
In the clips, he was trying to laugh, but only half of his mouth would move. He captioned it, "I’m so cooked." While he kept his trademark humor—telling fans not to be sad but to "shake ur ass" for him instead—the reality was pretty heavy. He actually had to cancel his headlining set at the Outloud Music Festival at WeHo Pride because of it.
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Was it Bell’s Palsy?
Medical experts and fans immediately jumped to Bell’s palsy. If you aren't familiar, it’s a condition where the facial nerve becomes inflamed, leading to sudden, temporary weakness or paralysis. It’s scary because it looks a lot like a stroke, but it’s usually linked to viral infections.
- Symptoms: Drooping eye, inability to smile, "stubborn" eyelid.
- Recovery: Usually takes weeks or months.
- The Outcome: By mid-April, Montero was telling fans he was "already getting better." He mentioned he was chewing a lot to strengthen the muscles.
It’s a reminder that even when you’re a global superstar with access to the best skincare on the planet, your body can still just... glitch.
Did He Actually Get Plastic Surgery?
Now, let’s pivot to the vanity side of the lil nas x face discourse. Every time he drops a new photo where his jawline looks a bit sharper or his skin looks a bit more "glass-like," the plastic surgery accusations start flying.
You've probably seen the TikToks. The "before and after" shots comparing his 2019 "Old Town Road" era to his current look.
Here is the thing: Lil Nas X is a master of makeup and lighting. Most of what people point to as "filler" or "implants" is actually just high-end artistry. He’s been a brand ambassador for YSL Beauty and has done campaigns for Fenty Skin. When you have Rihanna’s team teaching you how to use "Fat Water" and "Hydra Visor," you’re going to look different than you did as a teenager in Atlanta.
He hasn't confirmed any cosmetic procedures. Most of the "changes" people see can be attributed to:
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- Weight fluctuations: Leaning out makes the jawline pop.
- Professional Makeup: Contouring is a hell of a drug.
- Maturation: He’s 26 now. Faces change naturally from 19 to 26.
- Lighting: Never underestimate the power of a professional ring light.
He’s even poked fun at the rumors himself. That’s his whole brand—taking what people say about him and turning it into a meme.
The Evolution of the "Montero" Aesthetic
We also have to talk about how he uses his face as a literal canvas. This isn't just about "looking good" for Lil Nas X; it’s about performance art.
Think back to the 2021 Met Gala. He wasn't just wearing a suit; his face was adorned with pearls and crystals. Or the "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)" video where he played every single character. Through the use of CGI and heavy prosthetics, he transformed his face into everything from a snake-human hybrid to a Marie Antoinette-inspired judge.
When an artist is that willing to distort their appearance for a music video, people start to lose their grip on what his "real" face actually looks like.
Tattoos and Misconceptions
Another common question: Does he have face tattoos?
Technically, no. While he’s been seen with "ink" on his face in various music videos and photoshoots, they are almost always temporary or part of a character. His first actual tattoo was a small symbol on his inner wrist back in 2022. He's stayed away from the "rapper face tat" trend that people like Post Malone or 21 Savage made famous.
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He likes the clean look. It makes it easier for him to transition from "high-fashion model" to "demonic prince" depending on the week.
Skincare: The Secret to the Glow
If you want the "lil nas x face" glow, it’s less about surgery and more about a consistent routine. He’s been pretty vocal about his 3-step process.
Basically, he keeps it simple. He uses the Fenty Skin Total Cleanser to get the makeup off (essential when you're wearing as much as he does for shows). Then he follows up with a toner and a moisturizer with SPF.
He also swears by under-eye patches and face masks before big events. It sounds basic, but consistency is usually the part most people fail at.
What We Can Learn From His Journey
Watching the way the public reacts to his face is a case study in modern celebrity culture. We are so used to filters and "Instagram Face" that when someone has a medical issue or just ages into their features, we assume it's a "conspiracy" or a "botched job."
Lil Nas X has shown a lot of resilience here. He handled a terrifying facial paralysis episode with more grace and humor than most of us would. He used it to connect with his fans rather than hiding away until he was "perfect" again.
Next Steps for You:
- Check the source: Before believing a "plastic surgery" TikTok, look at the date of the photos being compared.
- Focus on health: If you’re experiencing any sudden facial drooping like Montero did, don't wait for a "sign"—see a doctor immediately, as early treatment for things like Bell’s palsy is crucial.
- Simplify your routine: You don't need a 12-step program to get clear skin; a cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF are the real MVPs.
The bottom line? The lil nas x face is a mix of good genetics, top-tier skincare, and a lot of creative experimentation. Whether he's dealing with a health hurdle or rocking a full face of YSL, he’s doing it on his own terms.