Valerie Bertinelli has been unusually candid about aging and body image, speaking openly about the changes her body has undergone. At 65, she seems less concerned with maintaining appearances for others and more focused on honesty and self-acceptance. In a March 24 conversation with Drew Barrymore at 92NY about her memoir Getting Naked, Bertinelli joked that her breasts are “deformed” after multiple surgeries and noted it didn’t matter since she isn’t dating. The moment was humorous, yet revealing: she no longer measures her body by how it pleases others.
Her book extends this openness, tackling topics such as aging, shame, divorce, menopause, and societal pressure for women to remain polished regardless of their circumstances. Bertinelli emphasizes that while confronting these issues isn’t easy, facing them honestly makes life more manageable.
The challenges with her body began after she had breast implants removed in 2024, following years of discomfort. Complications from the removal led to infection, tissue damage, and additional procedures. Despite the difficulties, Bertinelli frames the experience not as a story about appearance but as one about reclaiming control over her life and voice.
In a March 21 Instagram post about Getting Naked, she explained that writing the book allowed her to uncover shame, own it, and stop letting others wield it against her. That mindset seems central to her current perspective.
Rather than chasing perfection, Bertinelli now prioritizes truth, humor, and self-acceptance. She openly acknowledges her body’s imperfections while highlighting the freedom that comes from honesty.
Her approach challenges cultural expectations that women must always appear flawless, encouraging readers to embrace their own authenticity.
By sharing her story, Bertinelli reframes the narrative around aging and body image, showing that vulnerability and transparency can coexist with strength and confidence.
Ultimately, her message is about liberation: choosing self-respect and humor over performance and societal judgment, and finding peace in embracing life—and one’s body—as it truly is.
