Denise Richards has always been an open book, sharing her life honestly with fans through her social media and also reality TV shows. The actress, 55, recently opened up about undergoing a facelift for the first time, sharing intimate details about the experience in a refreshingly honest interview – and even allowing her surgeon to post striking before-and-after photos.
In a joint Instagram post, her doctor, Dr. Ben Talei, praised Denise as "one of the most lovely and beautiful people to ever walk this earth," describing the procedure as a comprehensive restoration designed to preserve her natural character rather than change it.
© InstagramHe highlighted subtle refinements, from forehead contouring and eyebrow organization to deeper structural lifting using advanced techniques, emphasizing a holistic approach to facial rejuvenation.
Rather than shying away from the conversation, the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum leaned into it. Speaking candidly to Allure, she explained why she chose to publicly discuss her facelift.
© Instagram"I could have gotten away with, 'Oh, she looks so much better after her divorce'… But I would want to know what other women are doing," she said. "It's not just serums. It's not just eating right and working out and doing all these lasers and stuff like that."
© Getty ImagesFor Denise, the decision wasn't taken lightly. Having been in the public eye since her early twenties, she admitted she felt intense pressure about how the procedure might be perceived.
© Variety via Getty Images"I was terrified," she revealed, acknowledging that a dramatic change would be impossible to conceal given how familiar audiences are with her face.
Initially considering work on her neck alone, Denise ultimately chose a full-face approach after discussing options with her surgeon. She likened the process to restoring art or renovating a home. "If you're going to refurbish a painting, you don't do half a painting," she said. "It might look weird that my neck looks good, but then it doesn't match the rest."
© InstagramSeeing her pre-surgery photos sealed the decision. "I was like, 'Yeah, no – I do need a facelift,'" she admitted.
She said initially her daughters were sceptical about her decision. "My oldest daughters were not happy that I was doing it," she shared. "But I think now they understand, and they see that I still look like me…I told them that this is something that I want to do, and you may not agree with my decision, but I just want your support."
