Real Housewives of New Jersey star Jacqueline Laurita, 55, has shared graphic images of her recovery from a facelift and neck lift procedure. The reality TV personality posted photos on Monday showing her face wrapped in a large ivory bandage, with blood-filled drains and breathing tubes visible.
Laurita underwent a five-hour surgery in Newport Beach, California, with Dr. IP. She told fans she felt 'fantastic' after the procedure, though noted that part of her face had not yet 'woken up.' She explained she was keeping her head elevated and using Aquaphor on her face to aid healing.
The star said her catheter would be removed that evening, with drains coming out the next day before she returned home. She also revealed that fellow Real Housewives of Orange County alum Lynne Curtin was recovering at the same facility, describing her as 'still a little groggy.'
Laurita wanted to show fans 'the reality of how this process goes and how we heal.' She received supportive messages from castmates including Kelly Dodd, Dolores Catania, and Teresa Giudice.
In a separate interview, Laurita addressed her past criticism of former co-star Melissa Gorga's cosmetic procedures, clarifying that her issue was not with the surgeries themselves but with Gorga allegedly lying about them. She said she felt 'used' by Gorga despite being a 'good and supportive friend.'
