Efron revealed that his transformation is the result of a freak accident that occurred in his home.
The actor explained that he slipped while wearing socks, fell into a fountain, and smashed his face against a granite corner. The impact was severe, leaving his jawbone hanging off and rendering him unconscious.
Image Credit – Entertainment Tonight
Before & After
Similarly, rapper Kanye West experienced a dramatic facial transformation after a car crash in 2002, which left him with a fractured jaw and required reconstructive surgery.
This incident, much like Zac Efron’s, significantly altered his appearance and had a profound impact on his career
The Aftermath: Unintentional Transformation
Efron’s jaw injury led to an unexpected side effect—the growth of his masseter muscles, which are responsible for chewing.
“The masseters just grew. They just got really, really big,” he shared in an interview with Men’s Health.
This growth contributed to the noticeable changes in his facial structure, sparking widespread speculation and concern among fans.
Zac speaks on his Jaw, Face Transformation & Accident
“I don’t really read the internet,” Efron told Entertainment Tonight. “It was funny. It sucked. I almost died.” He further elaborated that the accident caused his masseter muscles to grow significantly, altering the shape of his face. Despite the incident, Efron has been undergoing physical therapy to manage the changes.
Fans and Experts Weigh In
While some fans have defended Efron, attributing his new look to the natural aging process, others have speculated about possible cosmetic enhancements.
Celebrity facial plastic surgeon Dr. Sam Rizk offered his opinion, suggesting that Efron may have taken the opportunity to undergo additional procedures following his injury.
“He might have had jaw advancements, a chin implant, or mandibular angle implants,” Dr. Rizk speculated, noting that Efron’s chin appears more prominent than before. “Cheeks don’t get fuller as you age,” Dr. Rizk added, explaining that the changes in Efron’s appearance are unlikely to be solely due to aging.