Former EastEnders actress Danniella Westbrook has revealed the shocking extent of her latest reconstructive surgeries, including having ribs relocated to her cheeks and undergoing multiple facial reconstructions. The 52-year-old star, known for playing Sam Mitchell, continues her battle to reverse the devastating physical damage caused by years of cocaine addiction.
Latest Surgical Procedures in Dubai
Westbrook shocked fans this week when she emerged from a Dubai hospital with her face severely swollen, bruised, and wrapped in bandages. The actress underwent a comprehensive surgical package including a full face, neck, and brow lift, plus lip and nose reconstruction. This represents just the latest chapter in her extensive surgical history aimed at repairing damage from her past drug abuse.
Rib Relocation to Cheeks
In one of her most extreme procedures, Westbrook announced in 2022 her intention to have a rib inserted into her cheek to help reconstruct her face. She revealed to The Sun that constant trolling about her appearance motivated this decision, with cruel messages suggesting she was "so ugly" and should "go and kill yourself." The actress believed this gruesome-sounding procedure would not only improve her facial appearance but also help with breathing and sinus issues.
Multiple Breast Augmentations
The actress has undergone at least seven breast augmentation surgeries, increasing from a 34B to a 34DD. On Channel 5's Celebrity Botched Up Bodies, Westbrook admitted wanting her breasts to resemble "huge footballs," despite medical advice that her frame was too small for such dramatic implants. She reportedly insisted surgeons go bigger regardless of the warnings.
History of Surgical Complications
Near-Fatal Botched Operation
In 2015, Westbrook nearly died following a botched operation that left her with screws for teeth after her cheekbones "wasted away" due to severe osteoporosis. She explained in 2018 that surgeons needed to take bone from her skull to create a plate for her face, but couldn't proceed because her existing bone wasn't strong enough to support the attachment.
Complete Tooth Removal
During her time in the Celebrity Big Brother house, Westbrook required emergency hospital treatment for agonizing tooth pain. The bone hadn't properly closed around screws in her mouth, necessitating three secret dental visits during filming. This led to her contracting septicaemia, which required a seven-week hospital stay, and ultimately resulted in all her teeth being removed and replaced with dentures.
Initial Nose Reconstruction
Westbrook's surgical journey began with nose reconstruction after her septum collapsed in 2002 following years of cocaine abuse. In her 2006 autobiography, she revealed having her eroded septum and columella replaced, marking the start of what would become an extensive series of cosmetic procedures.
Recent Surgical Attempts and Regrets
Turkish Procedures
In 2023, Westbrook traveled to Turkey for her fifth facial reconstructive surgery, undergoing a thread lift involving 1,200 threads inserted into her face. She also attempted a nose job using 200 threads, though this failed to straighten her nose as intended.
Fat Transfer Nightmare
The actress underwent a fat transfer procedure where surgeons took fat from her back, sides, and stomach to inject into her face for symmetry. However, she soon regretted this decision, describing the ordeal as a "living nightmare" due to complications and unsatisfactory results.
2025 Surgery and Recovery
Westbrook underwent additional facial surgery in 2025, reporting that doctors were pleased with her progress despite an infection complication. She wrote about being "officially clear to move on to stage 2" of her recovery, expressing gratitude to her medical team.
Current Status and Future Plans
Westbrook's latest surgery was performed by her trusted surgeon Dr. Parviz Sadigh, who has conducted multiple operations on the actress. In an Instagram post last month, she expressed excitement about upcoming procedures, writing: "Every day I grow and glow. Thank you and roll on Feb for the next operation." The actress continues her surgical journey while dealing with the physical and emotional consequences of both her past addiction and the extensive medical interventions required to address its damage.
