Valerie Bertinelli Says Breast Surgery Left Her with “Crater” After Infection

Valerie Bertinelli is speaking openly about a painful and deeply personal health journey, offering a rare look at the physical and emotional challenges she has faced in recent years.

In a candid conversation with Drew Barrymore on March 10, 2026, and in her new memoir Getting Naked: The Quiet Work of Becoming Perfectly Imperfect, the 65-year-old actress shared details of complications following breast implant removal surgery.

Bertinelli originally got breast implants in the late 1980s. Decades later, after a fall in 2024 and growing discomfort with how they looked and felt, she chose to have them removed. What began as a decision rooted in self-care quickly turned into a difficult medical ordeal.

After the explant surgery, Bertinelli developed a serious infection. She described the aftermath in stark terms, saying her breast “caved in on itself,” leaving what she called a “crater.” Since then, she has undergone four corrective surgeries and expects at least one more to address unevenness and ongoing structural issues.

Despite the severity of the experience, Bertinelli has approached the situation with honesty and humor. She joked about her appearance, calling her breasts “deformed,” but quickly brushed off concerns about dating. “I’m not dating, so it doesn’t matter,” she said, adding that only her cats see her without clothes anyway.

Her comments reflect a broader shift in her outlook. Following her split from writer Mike Goodnough in late 2024, Bertinelli has focused on self-acceptance and emotional well-being, embracing what she describes as choosing “peace over perfection.”

In her memoir, she deliberately shares graphic and unfiltered details about her surgeries. Her goal is to challenge unrealistic expectations around aging and body image, especially for women in the public eye.

Bertinelli also highlighted the importance of honest friendships during difficult times. She recalled showing Barrymore the results of her surgeries, and instead of offering polite reassurance, Barrymore responded bluntly: “Oh yeah, that’s bad.” Bertinelli said she appreciated the reaction, seeing it as a sign of trust and genuine care.