Valerie Bertinelli has opened up about her body image and health struggles during a recent live discussion with Drew Barrymore in New York City. The candid conversation centred around Bertinelli’s new memoir, *Getting Naked*, in which she reflects on her experiences with breast implants and the subsequent complications she faced when opting for their removal.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Valerie-Bertinelli-032826-3-a45ded3e5ef644d885b565ad275a5fbe.jpg)
At the age of 65, Bertinelli shared with an audience at the 92nd Street Y that the journey with her breasts has been anything but straightforward. The actress revealed that her breast implants, which she initially acquired in the 1980s due to feelings of insecurity about her breast size, were causing significant issues. “I mean, if you read the book, you’ll know that my boobs are deformed, and I talk very extensively and graphically about how deformed they are,” she stated during the conversation with Barrymore, who is a frequent co-host on *The Drew Barrymore Show*.
Bertinelli reminisced about a private conversation with Barrymore regarding her struggles. She recounted the moment she showed Barrymore the results of her surgeries, highlighting that Barrymore’s honest reaction was refreshing: “Oh yeah, that’s bad.” The actress expressed her gratitude for Barrymore’s supportive nature, stating, “I love her honesty; it’s like, I can trust this woman.”
In her memoir, published on March 10, Bertinelli recounts the evolution of her feelings towards her breast implants. Initially, she enjoyed the new look but later grew to detest them. “At a certain point, I had gained and lost so much weight that I felt like they were down to my belly button. I was like, ‘I just want my small boobs back,’” she explained to PEOPLE during an exclusive interview.
After experiencing a fall, Bertinelli decided to have her implants removed in 2024. This decision, however, led to unforeseen complications. Following the removal, she developed a severe infection, prompting her to undergo multiple additional surgeries. “The look on my doctor’s face when he finally saw me made me think, ‘Oh s—. I guess I should have come in earlier,’” she recalled, adding that the situation escalated to the point where her breast became infected and “started to cave in on itself,” describing it as becoming a “crater.”
Despite the struggles she has faced, Bertinelli maintains a positive outlook on her life. “I have to have one more surgery to even them out,” she stated lightheartedly, suggesting that only her cats are currently noticing her physical changes. With a playful comment about having to date someone who wears glasses, she added that appearances were not her primary concern.
Bertinelli indicated that her focus is now on what truly brings her joy, such as supporting her son, Wolfgang Van Halen, as he performs with his band. She affectionately noted how his bandmates call her “Mama Wolf.” In addition, she expressed excitement about her recent culinary ventures, including the launch of her digital platform, *Valerie’s Place*, and the simple pleasure of spending time with her pets.
Throughout her conversation, Bertinelli reflected on broader themes of self-acceptance and resilience in the face of adversity. “I’m a senior taking care of seniors,” she said, while smiling, indicative of her determination to embrace this stage of her life.
As she continues to navigate her own journey of self-discovery, Bertinelli’s story resonates with many, demonstrating the importance of openness, honesty, and focusing on what truly matters in life.