Denise Richards Reveals 'Shocking' Facelift Transformation

The actress opens up about her plastic surgery, divorce recovery, and family reactions.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 4:03pm

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Denise Richards, the 55-year-old actress known for roles in "Wild Things" and "Melrose Place", has revealed details about her recent facelift procedure. Richards underwent the surgery in 2025, describing the transformation as "shocking" and "night and day". She opened up about the trust she placed in her surgeon, Dr. Ben Talei, as well as the pushback she received from her daughters about the decision. Richards also discussed how her recent divorce from Aaron Phypers complicated her recovery process.

Why it matters

Richards' candid discussion about her facelift sheds light on the realities of aging in Hollywood, where celebrities often face immense pressure to maintain a youthful appearance. Her story highlights the personal and professional factors that can influence someone's decision to undergo cosmetic surgery, as well as the complex family dynamics that can arise.

The details

According to the interview, this was the first time Richards had cosmetic surgery on her face, though she had previously gotten breast implants at age 19. She said she "wanted to put things back up, where they were before" and emphasized the trust she placed in her surgeon, telling him "You're the artist. Whatever you want to do." However, Richards' recovery was complicated by the fact that she "started going through [her] divorce 10 days after [she] had surgery." Her ex-husband, Aaron Phypers, later disclosed the facelift and claimed it was "botched", which Richards called "really ridiculous."

  • Richards underwent the facelift procedure in 2025.
  • She filed for divorce from Aaron Phypers on July 7, just 10 days after her surgery.
  • Richards' initial request for a temporary restraining order against Phypers was granted in July.
  • The "Melrose Place" star's request for a permanent restraining order was granted in November.

The players

Denise Richards

A 55-year-old actress known for roles in films like "Wild Things" and "Starship Troopers". She recently underwent a facelift procedure and has been open about the experience.

Dr. Ben Talei

The surgeon who performed Richards' facelift, whom she placed full trust in as "the artist" to do what he felt was best.

Aaron Phypers

Richards' ex-husband, who filed for divorce from her on July 7, 2025, just 10 days after her facelift surgery. Phypers later disclosed the procedure and claimed it was "botched".

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What they’re saying

“My face was in his hands. You're the artist. Whatever you want to do.”

— Denise Richards, Actress

“Going through my divorce, my ex disclosed that I'd had a facelift. He had a photographer show up outside an appointment where I had some microneedling on my scars. So [my ex] told someone that I had a facelift, and said it was botched, which is really ridiculous.”

— Denise Richards, Actress

“My oldest daughters were not happy that I was doing it. But I think now they understand, and they see that I still look like me. I think they were just worried, in general, of [me] having surgery. They were telling me I didn't need it. I was too young.”

— Denise Richards, Actress

What’s next

The judge in Richards' divorce case will decide on whether to grant a permanent restraining order against her ex-husband, Aaron Phypers, in the coming months.

The takeaway

Denise Richards' candid account of her facelift journey highlights the complex personal, professional, and family dynamics that can surround cosmetic procedures, especially for public figures. Her story underscores the importance of open communication, trust in medical professionals, and finding support during major life transitions.