Simon Cowell Removed His Facial Fillers After His Son Had ‘Hysterics’ — Before & After Pics

Simon Cowell, 65, is a TV personality known for shows like “American Idol” and “Britain’s Got Talent.” He has always been in the spotlight, not just for his career but also for his unaging face. Over the years, he used cosmetic enhancements to maintain a youthful look and his changing looks have left many surprised.

The turning point came when Cowell’s young son, Eric, burst into hysterics upon seeing an old photo of his father. This made Cowell reconsider his reliance on fillers, opting for a more natural look. As we delve into his cosmetic journey, we’ll see how his choices have impacted his public image.

Cowell’s Rise to Fame and Early Cosmetic Enhancements

Cowell is well-known for his role in shaping modern TV talent shows. Starting as a record producer and talent scout, Cowell quickly became famous for his blunt and often harsh critiques as a judge on “American Idol” and “Pop Idol.” His sharp tongue and no-nonsense attitude made him a household name.

Cowell didn’t stop there. He went on to judge other popular talent shows like “Britain’s Got Talent” and “The X Factor US.” His influence in the music and TV industries grew, and he became one of the most recognizable faces on television.

By the early 2000s, Cowell was famous for his work and youthful appearance. His dedication to looking young continued through the years, as he openly discussed using Botox and other cosmetic treatments.

As Cowell’s fame grew, so did his commitment to maintaining his youthful looks. This continued well into his 60s, where we see how his appearance changed over the years due to these cosmetic procedures.

Timeline of Cosmetic Enhancements: 2002-2012

In 2002, at 42, Cowell’s face was notably smooth and youthful, thanks to his regular use of facial fillers. His skin looked tight and wrinkle-free, especially around his forehead and eyes.

Photos from this time show a well-defined face with no deep lines, making him appear much younger than his actual age.

By 2005, in his mid-40s, Cowell’s dedication to maintaining his youthful look was evident. Cowell’s skin appeared tight and healthy, reflecting his consistent use of cosmetic treatments.

In 2007, Cowell, nearing his late 40s, still had a remarkably smooth complexion. During an appearance on “Top Gear,” he humorously discussed his cosmetic routines, claiming he was “aging quite well.”

His banter with host Jeremy Clarkson highlighted his commitment to looking youthful, even asking Clarkson to consider similar treatments. Cowell confidently stated he looked good for his age and poked fun at Clarkson for not maintaining his appearance.

In 2009, as Cowell approached 50, his face continued to reflect the results of consistent cosmetic maintenance. His skin appeared firm and tight, especially around his forehead and eyes, where signs of aging are typically first noticeable.

The even complexion and absence of deep lines around his mouth suggested the effective use of facial fillers. His cheeks were full, maintaining a youthful contour, and his overall skin tone looked well cared for.

By 2011 and 2012, in his early 50s, Cowell’s face showed minimal signs of aging. During interviews, he did not shy away from revealing that he relied on Botox and fillers to enhance his appearance.

Photos from this period show Cowell with a confident and polished look. His relaxed and confident demeanor is evident, with a broad smile adding to his youthful appearance.

As Cowell entered his late 50s, his approach to cosmetic enhancements evolved leading to drastic changes in his appearance and lifestyle.

2013-2018: Personal Challenges and New Beginnings

In 2013, Cowell faced significant personal challenges. He confessed to spending weeks alone in his LA home. He worked through the nights and stressed about making “The X Factor” a hit in the US.

In July 2013, news broke of his affair with Lauren Silverman, who was married to Cowell’s close friend, Andrew Silverman. The scandal intensified when it was revealed that she was pregnant with Cowell’s child.

This affair had lasted several years on and off, creating a media frenzy due to the betrayal involved. Cowell later expressed regret over the situation, particularly the hurt it caused his friend.

Despite the controversy, the birth of his son, Eric, in February 2014, brought a new perspective to Cowell’s life. He admitted that becoming a father changed his outlook, saying, “You look at the baby, and you kind of go, ‘This is what happened from it.’”

This new responsibility helped him find stability and happiness. Cowell’s relationship with Silverman and their son brought a sense of normalcy to his previously hectic life. But even with these new developments in Cowell’s life, one thing remained constant: his dedication to keeping his face ageless.

During an interview he did months after the birth of his son, he expressed surprise that the interviewer had never used Botox. He admitted, “I might have had a few bits and pieces done. But not plastic surgery. And I don’t think I’d ever end up dying my hair.”

By 2015, Cowell had started to reconsider his use of cosmetic procedures. He admitted to having had “too much Botox” and experimented with various treatments, including a sheep placenta facial.

His dedication to maintaining his youthful look remained, but he recognized the need for moderation. During this time, former “X Factor” judge Sharon Osbourne poked fun at Cowell’s cosmetic procedures.

She said, “His face is so full of filler it doesn’t move.” Cowell admitted he had gone overboard with Botox and other treatments. He shared a bizarre experience where he was wrapped in cling film and tin foil, covered in oils, and then locked into a tube for an hour.

This “detoxing” treatment was something he eventually realized was “torture.” He also tried vitamin injections, believing they would help keep him looking young.

In 2018, Cowell took a different approach to cosmetic enhancements. He reportedly visited Dr. Jean-Louis Sebagh, a well-known cosmetic surgeon, for a Silhouette Soft Lift. This over $2000 procedure was dubbed a 21st-century facelift.

It involved sewing bioplastic-infused thread into his face and neck and tugging it to get rid of sagging skin. Cowell described the procedure as “painful” but effective in removing sun damage and “unplugging all the crap.”

Despite these treatments, Cowell began emphasizing the importance of having clean, healthy skin over using fillers and Botox. He acknowledged that overdoing cosmetic procedures could be harmful and shifted towards a more balanced approach.

As he approached his late 50s and early 60s, his face remained wrinkle-free. However, his appearance attracted the wrong kind of attention.

2019-2024: Embracing a More Natural Look

In 2019, Cowell’s appearance continued to attract public attention. Despite his youthful look, many noticed his overly tight skin and lack of wrinkles, making comments and jokes about his appearance.

One user on social media exclaimed, “What has Simon Cowell done to his face??? 😳 Stop with the fillers please ✋.” Another commented, “What did Simon Cowell do to his face 😂😂? He looks like [an] action figure.”

Some also criticized his teeth, with one saying, “Simon Cowell’s new teeth appear to be made of unobtainium” and another quipping, “Simon Cowell’s teeth are brighter than my future.” Even after these kinds of reactions, Cowell continued using fillers.

In 2020, the TV mogul experienced a life-changing accident while riding an electric bike. He broke his back, which required surgery and a lengthy recovery period. Cowell reflected on the accident, saying it was a wake-up call about his health.

He realized how unfit he had been and saw the accident as a reason to reassess his lifestyle. During his recovery, his partner Silverman and son Eric provided crucial support, helping Cowell get through this challenging time.

In January 2022, news emerged that Cowell had popped the question to Silverman on Christmas Eve 2021. He proposed in front of their then 7-year-old son, Eric. The proposal marked a huge step in Cowell’s life, as he had previously declared he was not the marrying type.

By April 2022, Cowell was done using facial fillers, prompted by his son Eric’s reaction to old photos of him. “Eric was in hysterics. Enough was enough. There is no filler in my face at all now. Zero,” Cowell revealed.

Reflecting further on his past with fillers, Cowell admitted what he had realized in hindsight. “There was a stage where I might have gone a bit too far. I saw a picture of me from ‘before’ the other day, and didn’t recognise it as me first of all,” he revealed.

Reflecting on that period, he noted how “everyone was having their faces pumped full of this and the other,” suggesting just how widespread cosmetic fillers had become.

He has since shifted to a more natural approach. “But actually, for me now, a lot of it comes down to healthy eating and drinking tonnes of water,” he said.

Cowell also opened up about the struggles he faced following his serious accident in August 2020. Fearing he might never walk again, he battled depression and even considered therapy.

Since then, with a three-stone weight loss (about 42 pounds) and a renewed focus on wellness, he appears healthier and more refreshed than he has in years.

Although his face still appeared youthful, it showed more natural signs of aging, like crow’s feet and slight wrinkles around his mouth.

In April 2023, Cowell shared that planning his wedding to Silverman had been straightforward, thanks to their long-term relationship. He hinted that the wedding would be a small affair, avoiding the chaos of large events.

By April 2024, Cowell announced that “Britain’s Got Talent” was back, with himself, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and Bruno Tonioli returning to the judging panel.

Despite his previous statements about quitting Botox, Cowell’s appearances later in the year suggested he might still be using some cosmetic treatments. His look remained smooth and youthful, although less artificially so than before.

In September 2024, Cowell appeared calm and collected with his arms crossed at the “America’s Got Talent” (AGT) red carpet event. His cheeks looked naturally plump, adding color to his face, while a slight asymmetry in his lips gave him a relaxed look that contrasted with his previously enhanced appearance.

In another shot against the “AGT” backdrop, Cowell posed in a fitted t-shirt. His eyes looked soft and expressive, with subtle creases and crow’s feet adding to his relaxed look.

Cowell sat confidently at the judge’s table, wearing tinted glasses and a casual dark t-shirt. His broad smile and natural facial contours gave him a refreshed look, while the stubble along his jawline added to his rugged charm.

Posing with athletes Jordan Chiles and Simone Biles, Cowell wore a sleek gray blazer and a warm smile. His expressive face, especially around the eyes and cheeks, highlighted his slimmed-down features, giving him a laid-back yet polished vibe.

By October 2024, Cowell appeared to embrace a laid-back lifestyle in London. In this photo, he rides a bike in a black puffer jacket and dark sunglasses. A slight smile and rugged salt-and-pepper beard add a mature touch, while his neatly trimmed hair completes the relaxed, outdoor look.

Simon Cowell’s transformation—from Botox and fillers to a wellness-focused lifestyle—shows his shift from chasing youth to embracing authenticity and self-care, proving he can age gracefully while staying true to himself.