NEW YORK, June 11, 2025 – Just days after making headlines for her bold runway walk at the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Show, Bethenny Frankel is setting the record straight about her breast surgeries, sharing candid insights in a TikTok video that has already sparked widespread conversation.
The 54-year-old entrepreneur and Real Housewives of New York alum surprised fans earlier this month by strutting the runway in a range of revealing swimwear. From a pink polka dot bikini with a black cover-up (which she later whipped off to reveal a thong) to a denim bikini top paired with black bottoms, and even a leopard print one-piece with a hint of sideboob, Frankel’s confident display drew both praise and criticism — and raised questions about her physique.
Among those weighing in was The View co-host Joy Behar, who made comments about Frankel’s upper body during a segment on the talk show.
Frankel: “They Were Big and Natural — And Flabby”
In response to growing online curiosity, Frankel took to TikTok on Sunday to open up about her cosmetic surgery journey, offering followers a rare, unfiltered look at the procedures she’s had over the years.
“In high school, I had flabby breasts,” Frankel said. “They were big and natural, and they fell off easily. They would fall to the sides, which always bothered me and made me feel frumpy.”
In her 30s, the Skinnygirl mogul decided to undergo a breast augmentation after being told by doctors that implants could create a lifted look without the need for a more invasive breast lift, which typically leaves a “lollipop”-shaped scar. However, she says the results were disappointing.
“One implant became bigger and more bulbous, and it was still flabby,” Frankel revealed. “It didn’t fix the problem.”
Plastic Surgeon Weighs In
According to Dr. John Diaz, a board-certified plastic surgeon who spoke exclusively to Daily Mail Online (but did not treat Frankel), this outcome is not uncommon.
“Fear of scarring is very common,” said Dr. Diaz. “Some patients shop around until they find a surgeon who tells them they can avoid a lift — but that’s often not possible if there’s significant sagging.”
He explained that implants alone can’t always correct sagging tissue. “If the breasts are already drooping, adding volume may only make it more noticeable.”
Successful Surgery at Last
Ultimately, Frankel had the implants removed and underwent breast augmentation performed by another surgeon in New York City. This time, she achieved the outcome she had originally hoped for.
“That was the best thing that ever happened, and that was 15 or 20 years ago,” she shared. “And yes, I still have them — just without implants.”
Frankel also added her signature humor: “My tire is meant to talk — and I’ll keep riding it until it falls off.”
Considering Surgery? Here’s What to Know
Dr. Diaz said that many of his patients feel a renewed sense of confidence after breast surgery and recommends that anyone considering the procedure book a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon.
“I use 3D imaging so patients can visualize their results before going under the knife,” he said. “If your consultation doesn’t include 3D imaging, it’s incomplete.”
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of a breast augmentation in the U.S. is $6,816. However, patients should also account for anesthesia, operating room fees, post-op garments, and any follow-up care.
Frankel’s Message: Honesty and Empowerment
Bethenny Frankel’s transparency about her surgeries adds to a growing conversation around body image, cosmetic enhancements, and aging in the public eye.
As more celebrities begin to speak openly about the procedures they’ve had — successful or otherwise — the stigma around cosmetic surgery continues to fade.
“Do what makes you feel good,” Frankel emphasized in her TikTok. “Just make sure you do it for the right reasons — and with the right doctor.”
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