In a recent interview with Men’s Health, Zac Efron delved into the controversy surrounding what has been termed as “Jaw-gate.”

The actor, known for his role in The Greatest Beer Run Ever, was questioned about the rumors circulating last April suggesting that he had undergone plastic surgery on his jaw.

This speculation arose after Efron appeared different in an Earth Day public service announcement.

Efron candidly admitted that his physical appearance had indeed changed over the years due to an incident in November 2013 when he had a fall at home that resulted in a broken jaw.

This mishap caused his facial muscles, including the masseter muscles, to work harder than before, altering his jawline.

Describing how the muscles in his face were no longer in sync following the injury, Efron likened their coordination to a symphony, which was disrupted by the accident.

While undergoing physical therapy to aid in his recovery, Efron paused this treatment during his time in Australia, where he filmed the second season of his Netflix show, Down to Earth, last year.

Reflecting on the changes in his appearance, Efron shared that his mother informed him about the online buzz surrounding his looks and the speculations of cosmetic enhancements, which the media dubbed as “jaw-gate.”

Preferring to steer clear of social media and public opinions, Efron emphasized that he prioritizes his own perspective over external judgments to maintain focus on his work.

During the conversation, Efron also touched upon his body image, particularly addressing the unrealistic expectations set by his heavily muscled physique in the 2017 film Baywatch, stating that achieving such a look required extreme measures like diuretics.

Acknowledging the toll this regimen took on his well-being, Efron disclosed the adverse effects of overtraining, limited diet, and insufficient sleep, leading to physical and mental health challenges.

Reevaluating his fitness routine amid the pandemic in Australia, Efron adopted a new approach centered around recovery methods such as foam rolling, stretching, yoga, massage therapy, and cold baths to prioritize holistic well-being over extreme physical transformations, according to Men’s Health.