HGTV Star Tarek El Moussa's Transformation Sparks Plastic Surgery Rumors

HGTV's Tarek El Moussa has undergone a remarkable personal transformation over the years, and his fans are taking notice—some even speculating he might have had a little help from a surgeon's scalpel. But the reality TV star is having none of it.

El Moussa, widely known for his expertise in real estate and appearances on shows like "Flip or Flop," recently spoke to Fox News Digital about his revamped lifestyle, which he credits for his changed appearance and mindset. And no, he’s not hiding any plastic surgery secrets.

"A lot of people have been telling me I look different, like I got plastic surgery, or I'm wearing a toupee," El Moussa said, laughing off the rumors. "But here's the truth: I grew out my hair, and about four years ago, I made fitness a daily priority—not for vanity, but as a lifestyle."

Oh, and for the doubters out there, he made it clear: "I’m not wearing a toupee, I didn’t get plastic surgery, and I’m not all ‘fake.’" His transformation, he insists, is the result of consistent gym sessions and a focus on health.

The fitness guru trains four days a week using a high-intensity method with his trainer, combining workouts with walking and yoga. "It’s tough, but without pain, there is no growth!" El Moussa explained, adding that the results have been worth the effort as he approaches his 44th birthday.

This transformation wasn’t just about physical appearance. El Moussa shared that his commitment to health came after hitting rock bottom in his early thirties, when he was diagnosed with not one but two forms of cancer—thyroid and testicular. A fan’s observation of a lump on his neck during a show led to his thyroid cancer diagnosis, followed by the discovery of testicular cancer shortly after.

"The scariest part for me was not knowing if I was going to live or die," El Moussa recalled. "At the time, I was young, I had a family, my daughter Taylor, and the fear of not being around to raise her was overwhelming." But today, he’s thriving—cancer-free for a decade and embracing life with his growing family.

The journey hasn’t been all smooth sailing. During his cancer treatments, his marriage to Christina Haack fell apart, leading to their divorce after seven years. Despite the split, the two co-parent their children and continue to collaborate professionally, including on "The Flip Off," a show featuring El Moussa’s current wife, Heather Rae Young.

Now, El Moussa is gearing up for season 4 of his solo HGTV series, "Flipping 101," where he mentors rookie house flippers. Despite his extensive flipping experience, he admits the challenges of the trade keep things interesting, especially when newcomers think they know better. "It makes for a really fun TV show," he said.

For fans looking to dive into real estate, El Moussa offered his "four F's of flipping": Find it, fund it, fix it, and flip it. Sounds simple, right? But as the star says, the process is anything but easy.

Catch the season premiere of "Flipping 101" tonight on HGTV, Max, and Discovery+. Whether you're flipping houses or flipping your lifestyle, Tarek El Moussa is proof that transformation is possible—just don’t expect shortcuts or surgeries.