**Reality Star Jessi Draper Opens Up About Regret Over Cosmetic Surgery**
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Jessi Draper, known for her role in the reality television series *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,* has recently expressed her profound regrets regarding her cosmetic surgery experiences, particularly highlighting fat grafting as her “biggest regret.” In a candid conversation on the podcast *CHEERS! with Avery Woods*, Draper, 34, revealed the challenges and pressures she faces as a public figure.
Draper discussed how constant scrutiny in the public eye has affected her self-image, contributing to her decision to undergo various surgical procedures. She articulated the difficulty of being open about her surgeries, noting the conflicting reactions from the public. “You can’t win,” she said, reflecting on the harsh criticism she faced after choosing to be honest about her experiences. Breezy transparency appears to invite backlash rather than support, leaving many celebrities in a challenging position.
During the podcast episode aired on September 21, Draper made it clear that her recent surgeries have led to a period she described as a “nightmare.” She stated, “I wish I wouldn’t have done my last one,” indicating a strong desire for a simpler life free from such pressures. Draper called for a more understanding attitude from the public, suggesting that acceptance without personalising celebrities’ choices could alleviate some of the burdens they face.
A significant part of Draper’s regret stems from her experience with fat grafting, a procedure that involves transferring fat from one area of the body to enhance another. According to the Mayo Clinic, this technique aims to restore natural curves and fullness. Unfortunately for Draper, the outcome was far from what she had anticipated.
“I didn’t even want it,” she said, recalling how her doctor convinced her to undergo fat grafting during an appointment intended for upper and lower blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery). The decision to proceed without fully understanding the implications has left her feeling frustrated, as she did not consent to the changes that were made to her appearance, particularly the enhancements to her lips and jaw.
The aftermath of the procedure left Draper feeling “swollen and puffy,” particularly during the airing of Season 5 of *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives*. For months, she battled with the effects and ultimately sought Kybella injections to dissolve some of the fat that had been injected. Draper lamented, “It’s been a nightmare for the last nine months trying to fix what happened,” and she strongly advises others against opting for fat grafting.
As a hairstylist and salon owner based in Utah, Draper often finds herself under the spotlight, which can exacerbate issues related to body dysmorphia. She shared, “It’s a weird feeling not to recognise yourself,” admitting the profound impact that public perception and commentary have had on her mental health. This reality was particularly heightened when she viewed footage of herself from the show, where she was compared unfavourably to horror film characters.
Despite her disillusionment with cosmetic enhancements, Draper does want to clarify that she has recently undergone a second breast augmentation procedure to achieve a closer fit to her petite frame. However, she firmly declared that she is no longer willing to pursue any further surgeries, following her assorted experiences.
In earlier reflections, Draper has linked her cosmetic surgery decisions to coping mechanisms following the breakdown of her two marriages. Speaking on *Call Her Daddy*, she revealed that feeling powerless in her relationships led her to seek control through her appearance. “I had two husbands who treated me so badly that [my appearance] was the only thing that I could control,” she explained. This insight highlights the complex emotional layers that contribute to decisions surrounding cosmetic surgery, particularly in the high-pressure environment of reality television.
As Jessi Draper continues navigating her way through public scrutiny and personal grappling with regret, her story serves as a cautionary tale about the potential pitfalls of cosmetic enhancements. Draper’s narrative reinforces the importance of fostering self-acceptance and prioritising mental health amidst societal pressures on appearance.