Danniella Westbrook has shared another emotional chapter in her long road to recovery, stepping out with visible scars following the latest operation in her ongoing facial reconstruction.
The former EastEnders actress, 52, was photographed in London after undergoing another complex procedure aimed at rebuilding the damage caused by years of health complications and previous drug addiction. While the images reveal fresh bruising and surgical scars beneath her nose, they also highlight her determination to keep moving forward despite an incredibly difficult journey.
Seen for the First Time After Her Latest Operation
Danniella was spotted leaving a celebrity hair salon in London’s Mayfair with rollers still in her hair, dressed casually in a pink T-shirt, patterned cardigan, and beige trousers.
The latest surgery reportedly included an upper vascular flap procedure, lip augmentation, and further reconstruction work designed to restore her facial structure.
Although the fresh scars were clearly visible, Danniella appeared in good spirits as she continued with her day.
“I Have No Bone at All on One Side”
Speaking candidly during an appearance on Vanessa, Danniella explained the extent of the medical challenges she now faces.
She revealed that osteoporosis has significantly damaged the bones in her face, leaving one side without any remaining bone.
“Well, I’ve been through umpteen surgeries. I think I’m coming up to surgery number six at the moment.
“Five or six will be this Thursday. So it’s quite scary,” she explained to the host.
Danniella added: “I’ve had quite a few surgeries to rebuild and refix my face.
“I think since I got older, the osteoporosis has set in on my bones,” she noted, revealing how on one side of her face, she doesn’t have “any bone at all”.
“I’ve had quite a few surgeries to rebuild and refix my face,” she said.
According to Danniella, surgeons eventually plan to implant a custom metal cheekbone to replace the missing bone and provide permanent structural support.
At the moment, temporary fillers are helping maintain the shape of her face while doctors prepare for the more complex reconstruction.
Another Six Operations Still Ahead
Despite already undergoing around six major procedures, Danniella says her journey is far from over.
She revealed she still expects to undergo approximately six more surgeries over the next 18 months, returning to the operating theatre roughly every two to three months.
One of the next procedures will focus on correcting changes to her upper lip.
She explained that surgeons will create tissue from the inside of her cheek and reposition it to rebuild the area while avoiding additional visible scarring on the outside of her face.
“It’s another 18 months of surgery after surgery after surgery,” she admitted.
A Heartbreaking Admission
Away from the physical recovery, Danniella also opened up about the emotional impact of living with such dramatic facial changes.
“I hate looking in the mirror,” she confessed.
The actress said she recently underwent a facelift simply to realign both sides of her face after they had become noticeably uneven.
Her honesty struck a chord with viewers, offering a rare glimpse into the emotional toll that accompanies years of reconstructive surgery.
Hoping to Return to Acting
Despite everything she has endured, Danniella remains focused on rebuilding both her health and her career.
Before undergoing one of her major operations earlier this year, she shared an optimistic message with fans.
“Big day for me heading down for a very long surgery right now to rebuild my face. Then I can get back to work.”
The former EastEnders star has previously said she dreams of returning to Albert Square one day, explaining that she hopes to make a comeback once her reconstruction is complete and she feels she “looks like the way she is supposed to.”
For now, her recovery continues one operation at a time, with each procedure bringing her a step closer to that goal.
