Eva Mendes and husband Ryan Gosling made a rare appearance on Thursday’s episode of the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon – but fans couldn’t help but notice the duo’s very youthful faces.
The couple’s appearance on the show was their first together in almost a decade, as the actor promoted his latest film, Project Hail Mary.
Gosling, 45, brought Mendes, 52, out as a surprise to celebrate her birthday during the program, as she sported a casual-cool outfit that featured Gosling’s own blue and white striped Louis Vuitton cardigan that he has previously worn.
She completed her look with a pair of dark-wash, flared denim jeans, along with a graphic t-shirt that featured the cover of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s 1980 album, Double Fantasy.
Mendes looked younger than ever, sporting a nude lip and smokey eye before styling her hair in a side part.
And it was her fresh visage that sparked plastic surgery rumors on social media.
‘That’s not Eva Mendes,’ one X (formerly Twitter) user wrote, as another shared: ‘Celebs need to start embracing aging.’
But Gosling’s seemingly fresh face did not go unnoticed either. He took to the stage in a gray blazer, which boasted gold-button detailing, over the top of a black shirt and trousers.
Eva Mendes and husband Ryan Gosling made a rare appearance on Thursday’s episode of the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon – but fans couldn’t help but notice the duo’s very youthful faces
Mendes looked younger than ever – which sparked plastic surgery rumors on social media. Pictured: Mendes in 2019 (left) and 2026 (right)
He had his blond locks messy and tousled but he was also quickly engulfed in rumor of cosmetic tweaks.
‘Oh damn they both look like that now??’ one scoffed, as someone else added: ‘They look like wax figures of themselves.’
So, what might be behind Mendes and Gosling’s apparently altered looks?
The Daily Mail spoke to Oregon-based plastic surgeon Dr. Sean McNally to find out.
Starting with Mendes, he shared that it’s not exactly plastic surgery that’s contributing to her stunning glow.
‘I don’t see evidence of recent facial surgical procedures,’ Dr McNally, who has not treated the actress, told the Daily Mail.
However, he does suspect that she could be doing other cosmetic injections, like Botox or fillers.
Botox, or also known as Botulinum Toxin, is a cosmetic injection that works by blocking the nerve signals to the muscles, which prevents movement. It’s oftentimes used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and aging.
But Gosling’s seemingly fresh face did not go unnoticed either. Pictured: Gosling in 2013 (left) and 2026 (right)
‘I do suspect she’s a consistent user of Botox and fillers,’ Dr McNally, who is the lead provider at Doctor PDX and Réviance in Portland, shared after analyzing pictures and videos.
‘She has little evidence of wrinkles across her forehead which would be very likely at 52 and I suspect fillers to both her lips and midface given their current volume compared to older pictures,’ he said.
This comes as no surprise, as Mendes has spoken about cosmetic treatments in the past, including in an October 2024 interview with The Times.
‘I’m not afraid to try things that are safe, because most of these little treatments, let’s say, are reversible,’ she told the outlet about her beauty regime.
‘If you get Botox, it goes away if you don’t like it. There have been times where I’ve regretted something… and then you just wait it out,’ she added.
In addition, the plastic surgeon believes that Mendes may be utilizing high-end facials, like Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) or BroadBand Light (BBL).
These facials promote youthful-looking skin, helping to get rid of any hyperpigmentation and sun damage.
‘Age spots are a common concern for patients 40+ and while good skin care and sun protection can help, I suspect she’s utilizing IPL or BBL (not technically a laser but filtered light) to help keep those darker skin spots at bay,’ Dr McNally told the Daily Mail.
The doctor added that he believes Mendes looks ‘amazing.’
In the past, the Training Day actress has also revealed on social media that she had mono-threads, per E! News.
The treatment is meant to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and boost collagen production.
In 2021, she took to Instagram to respond to rumors that she had gone under the knife, after sharing an article that claimed she had ‘clapped back’ at someone about the accusations.
She also denied rumors that she took time off of social media to heal from her procedures.
‘All I did was reply to a specific comment on [social media],’ Mendes wrote on her Instagram story at the time, according to E! News. ‘Would never deny that stuff. I’m all for it. All. For. It.’
‘As far as getting work done, I’ll do that whenever I please. But no, that’s not the reason,’ her message continued.
‘The reason is I personally cannot juggle family and social media. So – big shocker – I choose family. Lotsa love to you out there.’
Turning his attention to Gosling, Dr McNally, who has also not treated the actor, had a similar outlook.
‘I don’t see signs of a large surgical procedure but in the last couple of years it appears that he’s utilized filler for his midface,’ he stated.
The expert added: ‘This is a common spot of concern for aging since the fat pad drops and shrinks making people look older and hollow there.’
Gosling has never publicly addressed speculation about his use of tweakments.
The Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for Mendes and Gosling for comment.
