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- What happened after the fall that ruptured an implant
- Symptoms that signaled a serious infection
- Repeat surgery and the damaging aftermath
- Slow rebuilding: additional surgery and lingering asymmetry
- Bertinelli’s reflections and what she wants readers to know
- Practical takeaways for anyone considering implants
Valerie Bertinelli has opened up about a terrifying complication from breast implants after a fall at home left her facing infection, multiple surgeries and months of recovery. In her new memoir, the actress describes the injury, the medical drama that followed and the uneven healing that still has her planning more corrective work.
What happened after the fall that ruptured an implant
Bertinelli says she fell down a flight of stairs and landed on her chest. She felt a sharp pop and knew an implant had likely ruptured.
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- Six weeks after the accident she underwent surgery to remove the damaged implants.
- The removed implants were hard and coated, a shock to the actress.
- At first recovery seemed normal for the first two weeks.
Symptoms that signaled a serious infection
After the operation, her recovery turned alarming. Her right breast rapidly changed color and began to swell.
- Discoloration: shades of green, yellow and blue, then dark purple.
- Systemic signs: dizziness and fever developed.
- Local worsening: severe throbbing pain and fluid leaking from sutures.
She initially tried home remedies and rest. By Monday the condition had deteriorated enough to require more urgent care.
Repeat surgery and the damaging aftermath
On her return to the surgeon, doctors removed the infected material and the remaining implant tissue. The operation came just three and a half weeks after the first procedure.
The infection had eaten into surrounding tissue and left what her doctor called a form of “cratering.” Bertinelli describes the appearance as truly disturbing. She called the scene “gross” and likened it to a horror-film wound.
Details of the injury to breast tissue
- An open wound the size of a misshapen coin appeared near her nipple.
- The defect was more than an inch deep in places.
- Her nipple was barely attached and required reconstruction.
Slow rebuilding: additional surgery and lingering asymmetry
About seven months after the second operation, Bertinelli had a third surgery. Surgeons placed a small implant and performed restorative work on what remained of her nipple.
Despite that progress, both breasts look different. The left implant sits over the muscle and is larger. The right breast is uneven and misshapen. She plans a fourth procedure to try to restore balance.
Bertinelli’s reflections and what she wants readers to know
She writes candidly about fear and gratitude. “That weekend scared the piss out of me,” she admits, and calls herself fortunate to have survived the infection.
After a lifetime of scrutinizing her appearance, this episode forced a new perspective on body image and medical risk.
Practical takeaways for anyone considering implants
Her story underlines known, though uncommon, risks of breast augmentation. If you have implants or are thinking about them, consider these points:
- Watch for sudden changes: discoloration, swelling, discharge or fever.
- Seek prompt medical attention if infection is suspected.
- Discuss revision plans and realistic outcomes with a board-certified plastic surgeon.
- Understand that multiple procedures may be needed after complications.
