Alexis Bellino, the former Real Housewives of Orange County star, has always been open about her cosmetic procedures. Now, at 48, she is urging others to reconsider plastic surgery after experiencing serious complications following multiple breast augmentations. The reality TV star, once infamously known as “Jesus Jug,” has had four breast augmentations, starting at just 19 years old. But after a series of health issues, Bellino is reevaluating her past choices and sharing her story to help others make more informed decisions about cosmetic surgery.
Early Beginnings and Initial Augmentations
Bellino’s journey with breast augmentation began when she was a young college student. “I was the first girl at the University of Missouri to get breast augmentation. It was a big deal for me,” she recalled. At the time, Bellino went against her mother’s wishes and even took out loans to fund the surgery. Over the years, she would go on to undergo three more breast augmentations, with the last one taking place in 2008.
Health Struggles: Capsular Contracture and Ruptured Implant
However, Bellino’s experience with plastic surgery took a turn for the worse when she developed capsular contracture three years ago. Capsular contracture is a condition where scar tissue around breast implants tightens and hardens, leading to discomfort and complications. “I had it corrected in 2022. Unfortunately, about six months after the surgery, the contracture started coming back,” she shared.
As the condition progressed, Bellino began to experience new symptoms, including numbness and tingling in her arm, which led her to seek further medical attention. “My left breast started to lift and swell, and not only was it uncomfortable and hard, but it was now visible in photos,” she explained. Despite the pain and discomfort, Bellino initially hesitated to undergo another surgery.
A Wake-Up Call: Surgery and Recovery
In April 2023, Bellino sought the help of a specialist in Beverly Hills. During surgery, doctors discovered that not only did she have capsular contracture, but one of her implants had ruptured. “The silicone had actually leaked into my left breast. I mean, that’s not a good thing,” she said. Thankfully, doctors were able to remove the ruptured implant and the remaining silicone, replacing them with smaller breast implants and adding surgical mesh to provide additional support.
Bellino now faces a 70% chance of a full recovery, and she is adjusting to her new, smaller figure. Reflecting on the changes, she humorously quipped, “I’m smaller. So the name ‘Jesus Jug’ is gone. I’m sure Tamra can come up with another nickname. It could be ‘Little Jug’ or ‘Little Jesus Jug.'”
A Message to Others: Think Twice Before Surgery
Bellino’s experience has led her to reflect deeply on the decisions she made in her youth. “If I was 19 again, I would tell myself not to do it,” she confessed. “I wish I had kept my small B cup and been okay with it, because now if something goes wrong, I’ll just have surgery.” As part of her healing process, Bellino is committed to warning others, especially her daughter and her fiancé’s daughter, about the risks of breast augmentation. “I’m sorry. Yes, there’s a double standard, I did, but I’m not going to do it. It’s not something I can do because I have to deal with it for the rest of my life now,” she said.
She expressed that her own daughters will not be allowed to undergo breast augmentation surgery. “I hope they understand that this is a serious issue,” Bellino stated. She believes that her story can serve as a cautionary tale for women considering cosmetic procedures, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful consideration before making such permanent decisions.
Moving Forward: Sharing Wisdom and Encouraging Awareness
As Bellino continues to recover from her surgery, she is focused on sharing her experiences to help others avoid the same struggles. “I want everyone to think twice before getting plastic surgery at this time,” she said. “I know it’s funny coming from the Jesus Jug, but wisdom is key. I’m older now, so I’m just speaking from the heart.” Bellino’s story serves as a powerful reminder that cosmetic surgery, while often life-changing, can come with unforeseen risks, and it’s crucial to make informed, thoughtful decisions.
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