When 65‑year‑old actress Valerie Bertinelli stepped onto a 92Y stage to promote her memoir Getting Naked: The Quiet Work of Becoming Perfectly Imperfect, she didn’t shy away from one of the most intimate topics of her life: her breasts. In a candid interview, Bertinelli revealed that her breasts are “deformed” after a series of surgeries, and she explained why she chose to remove the implants she had carried since the early 1980s.
Early Implants and Public Perception
Bertinelli’s journey began when she first opted for breast implants in the early 1980s, a time when the cosmetic industry was booming and many actresses sought a more “Hollywood” look. The implants were meant to enhance her figure, but they soon became a source of ridicule. In her memoir, she recalls how friends and colleagues would mock her, calling the implants “little quarters,” “itty‑bitty titties,” and “tiny boobies.” These comments left her feeling self‑conscious and anxious about her body’s appearance.
She writes that she “took it all to heart” and feared the changes her body was undergoing. Instead of embracing the new look, she dreaded it, feeling that she had no clear idea of what she was supposed to look like. The constant criticism made her feel that her body was “wrong,” a sentiment that lingered for years.
The 2024 Removal Process
After decades of living with the implants, Bertinelli decided it was time to remove them. In 2024, she underwent a total of four surgeries to finally rid herself of the implants that had been in her body for over 40 years. The decision was driven by a combination of health concerns—her implants eventually ruptured—and a desire for bodily autonomy.
During the removal process, she described the experience vividly: “I couldn’t believe they had been in my body. I went home bandaged and sore, with drains under my arms, uncomfortable but hopeful.” The first two weeks after surgery were surprisingly positive, but complications arose when her right breast began to show signs of infection and swelling a week later.
Despite the challenges, Bertinelli’s determination to reclaim her body remained strong. She has since shared her story publicly, hoping to inspire others who might be facing similar decisions.
Emotional Journey and Public Disclosure
Beyond the physical aspects, the emotional toll of her surgeries was significant. In her memoir, she discusses how the removal process forced her to confront her body’s imperfections and the societal pressures that had shaped her self‑image. She states, “My boobs suck, but I’m not dating, so it doesn’t matter,” a statement that underscores her acceptance of her body’s current state and a rejection of external validation.
She also revealed that she had tried Botox as part of her aesthetic journey, an experience she described as “freaked out.” The combination of botox and implant rupture led her to reevaluate her relationship with cosmetic procedures. By sharing these details, Bertinelli encourages open conversations about body image and the often‑hidden struggles behind the glamorous façade.
Lessons Learned and Future Outlook
Bertinelli’s story is a powerful reminder that beauty standards are not universal and that personal well‑being should take precedence over societal expectations. She emphasizes the importance of listening to one’s body and making choices that align with personal comfort rather than external approval.
Looking forward, she plans to focus on her health and well‑being, while continuing to write and speak
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