Denise Richards Discusses Facelift and Life Changes

Denise Richards has openly discussed her facelift, sharing insights into her personal transformation. The actress, known for roles in films like ‘Wild Things’, underwent the procedure in 2025 after facing various challenges, including recovery during a divorce.

Richards explained to Allure her motivation behind the surgery: “I wanted to put things back up, where they were before.” Her previous experience with plastic surgery involved breast implants at 19, but this was her first facial cosmetic procedure. She acknowledged feeling scared due to her public visibility since her 20s, making it impossible to hide such changes.

Richards noted a stark contrast in her appearance post-facelift, describing it as “night and day.” Familiar personalities felt more comfortable discussing their own surgeries with her, though she chose not to mention their names. She highlighted that celebrities’ youthful looks aren’t solely due to serums, workouts, or lasers.

Richards entrusted her facelift to Dr. Ben Talei, allowing him complete artistic control. She recalled saying, “You’re the artist. Whatever you want to do.” Her recovery faced interruptions due to her marital issues, impacting the second week of her healing process. Regardless, she took care of her incisions, witnessing daily improvement.

Aaron Phypers filed for divorce from Richards, leading to a temporary restraining order request that was later made permanent. During this tumultuous period, Richards’ facelift became public knowledge due to a photographer capturing images of her undergoing microneedling for scar treatment. Her ex-husband allegedly spread misinformation about the procedure.

Richards stated, “I want to do [it] for me,” emphasizing her personal choice in getting the facelift. She acknowledged the concerns of her daughters, who initially disapproved of the surgery. Despite their fears and opinions, she expressed the importance of their support, noting that she wanted to maintain her appearance without really changing it.

A previous disagreement with her daughter Sami over cosmetic procedures surfaced. Richards had opposed Sami getting a nose job at 20, explaining that her facelift was different: “For me, he’s just putting things back where they were. I’m not trying to change the way I look; I’m just trying to put things back.”

Richards shares Sami and Lola with former husband Charlie Sheen and is also mother to Eloise, adopted as an infant.

Stephanie Giang-Paunon contributed to this article.