Has Russian Leader Putin Had A Facelift?

Vladimir Putin has sparked speculation he has had a facelift amid a backlash over his decision to return as Russian president.

The 58-year-old's appearance at the United Russia congress in Moscow set tongues wagging about cosmetic surgery.

Mr Putin appeared to have puffier cheeks, while bags under his eyes that were clearly visible months ago seemed less prominent.

One Twitter user commented: "Putin looks like he's had a facelift. Scary!"

Experts agreed it was possible Mr Putin had gone under the knife.

Beauty writer Alice Hart-Davis, writing in The Times, said: "Putin has often had a rather lean-and-hungry look but at the weekend he looked positively sleek...

"Could he have had his face tidied up a bit in advance of his bid to reclaim the presidency next year?"

The Russian prime minister is notoriously proud of his appearance and has appeared in various macho photoshoots over the years.

Rumours about surgery came amid anger at his plan to return as president next year and make the current incumbent, Dmitry Medvedev , his prime minister.

Russia's finance minister Alexei Kudrin, rebelled at the idea of serving in a new government under Mr Medvedev.

"I do not see myself in a new government," Mr Kudrin said, adding: "I think that the disagreements I have will not allow me to join this government."

Mr Kudrin, an ally of Mr Putin, is regarded as the guardian of financial stability in Russia and was key to seeing the country through the global economic crisis.

He had said earlier this month that he wanted to be part of the new government if it was reforming.

Some believe he would be the most suitable person to lead a pro-reform government and could yet figure in Mr Putin's plans.

Mr Putin and Mr Medvedev have ruled the country together since the former gave up the presidency in 2008 after serving the maximum two consecutive terms.

If he returns as president next year, he could serve up to two more six-year terms - meaning he could be in power for a quarter of a century by the time he is 70.

Mr Medvedev has agreed to lead United Russia's list of candidates for a parliamentary election on December 4.

This is intended to help the party retain a two-thirds majority in the lower house and prepare for him to become premier.

Mr Putin looks sure to be elected president in March because other potential candidates have limited support.

Critics fear his return could lead to economic stagnation and bring back memories of Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev's rule in the 70s and early 80s which preceded the collapse of the Soviet Union.

The prospect has also led to nervousness in the West because Mr Putin is is seen as less liberal than Mr Medvedev and more outspoken.