Although Mickey Rourke was once celebrated as a Hollywood sex symbol, it seems those days are long gone.

The actor, pictured arriving at the Venice film festival, was almost unrecognisable as he attempted to conceal the damage caused to his face.

But not even a pair of sunglasses could mask the toll a boxing career has clearly taken on the star  - despite undergoing the knife in an attempt to correct his haggard look.

Unrecognisable: Mickey Rourke's appearance has changed dramatically since his heyday in 1990 (right)

Arriving on the red carpet to promote his new film, a split lip and greasy hair did little to enhance his appearance.

Rourke was in Venice for the premiere of The Wrestler, in which he plays Randy 'The Ram' Robinson, a past-his-prime professional who tries for one last shot at glory.

The part is not such a stretch for the 9 1/2 Weeks star, who took an extended break away from Hollywood to become a full-time boxer for five years.

Rourke is also preparing to reprise his role as Marv in the upcoming Sin City sequel alongside Jessica Alba, Clive Owen, Rosario Dawson and Brittany Murphy.

Rourke's haggard look has worsened after several attempts at surgery

Johnny Depp, Rachel Weisz and Antonio Banderas are also rumoured to be starring in the latest instalment of the graphic novel adaptation.

While Rourke has enjoyed a Hollywood resurgence in recent times, he has said of his chequered past: 'I have nothing but regrets.'

One, perhaps, is passing over the Bruce Willis role in 1994 hit Pulp Fiction.

And another may well be is his decision to turn to a plastic surgeon in an effort to unscramble his face after years of punches and pummelling in the ring.

He has admitted: 'I went to a certain kind of doctor. I believed it would make things different.'

Shabby: The actor went for the 'unkempt' look at the premiere of new film The Wrestler at the Venice film festival