The new-look Silvio Berlusconi, who boasted of cosmetic surgery on his eyes at a fashion show this week.

Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi has acknowledged he recently had cosmetic surgery -- but said it was only under his eyes.

The billionaire premier dropped out of public view for nearly a month beginning at the end of December, prompting speculation he might be ill.

A doctor first said Berlusconi had a touchup around his eyes, but then denied he knew anything about it.

Chatting at a reception Wednesday for Italian designers during high fashion week in Rome, Berlusconi acknowledged having cosmetic surgery, but quickly added it was "only under the eyes."

The admission comes days after the left-leaning L'Espresso reported that Berlusconi underwent extensive plastic surgery on his face and neck.

The newsweekly said the operation took place in a Swiss clinic in late December and was led by a top California surgeon.

Berlusconi's convalescence was complicated by swelling around one of his eyes, the magazine said.

The premier's office declined to comment on the reports.

Berlusconi said Wednesday he lost 22 pounds on a rigid diet and can now wear clothes he had not worn in a long time.

The premier, who said a few years ago that he successfully battled prostate cancer, also said he did not have a tumor.

"I'm feeling very well," Berlusconi said, dismissing speculation his absence was caused by illness as "pure political backbiting".

"Someone who has cancer couldn't lead this life," he said, referring to his busy work and travel schedule. "Let them go ahead and talk, it will lengthen my life."

Wearing his trademark double-breasted blue suit, Berlusconi assured the fashion industry of his support, noting Italy's exports had been hurt by the strong euro. He said the government would fight knockoffs of Italian fashion.

He said the industry brings "Italian good taste, style of life and way of thinking to the whole world."

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