Danniella Westbrook Undergoes Extensive Facial Reconstruction in Dubai
Former EastEnders actress Danniella Westbrook appeared almost unrecognisable as she left hospital with a visibly swollen face on Tuesday. The 52-year-old star has undergone extensive facial reconstructive surgery at the Gargash Hospital in Dubai, marking the latest chapter in her long medical journey.
Major Surgical Procedures and Medical History
Westbrook's recent surgery involved a comprehensive transformation, including a full face lift, neck lift, brow lift, lip reconstruction, and nose reconstruction. This procedure comes just weeks after she was rushed to hospital with serious breathing difficulties in December, complications stemming from years of issues related to her collapsed septum.
The actress has undergone multiple reconstructive operations over the years in attempts to address her 'collapsing' face, a condition attributed to her previous cocaine addiction and osteoporosis. Her most recent surgery was performed by Dr Parviz Sadigh, a surgeon who has operated on Westbrook previously.
Career Impact and Recent Health Challenges
Westbrook's health issues have significantly impacted her professional life. She was recently recast in the film Tales From The Trap, where she was set to play a gun-selling gangster granny opposite Love Island star Liv Hawkins. The role marked what would have been her return to screen acting after not appearing in film or television since mid-2016.
Sources close to the actress revealed in December that she was forced to seek emergency medical attention due to respiratory struggles, which ultimately led to her withdrawal from the film project. Slow Horses star Kim Tiddy has since taken over the role.
Long-Term Medical Journey and Previous Procedures
Westbrook's facial reconstruction journey spans many years. In 2023, she underwent multiple procedures in Turkey including a thread lift, liposuction in her cheeks and lips, fat grafting on her chin, and jawline etching. She had waited seven years to find a surgeon willing to operate due to the severe condition of her septum.
The actress has previously revealed she needed five operations to correct her facial issues and had planned to have the surgery done through the NHS, though she ultimately paid for the procedures herself despite receiving offers of free treatment from clinics worldwide.
Addiction History and Recovery
Westbrook's well-documented battle with cocaine addiction led to her septum collapsing in 2002 from excessive drug use. At the height of her addiction, reports suggested she consumed up to five grams of cocaine daily, spending approximately £250,000 on the substance.
The actress, who is now sober, has been working to rebuild her face as part of her ongoing recovery journey. Her drug use previously affected her EastEnders career, with producers terminating her contract in 1996 due to her cocaine addiction.
Television Career and Recent Appearances
Westbrook first appeared in EastEnders in 1990 at age 16, becoming a household name. Since leaving the soap, she has participated in numerous reality television shows including I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here in 2003, Dancing On Ice in 2010, and Celebrity Big Brother in 2016, where she won the competition. She also made an appearance on Channel 4's Hollyoaks in 2013.
In an Instagram post last month, Westbrook expressed gratitude to her surgeon, writing: 'A massive amount of love and respect to my Amazing surgeon @parvizsadigh for all his hard work. Everyday I grow and glow xxxx thank you and roll on Feb for the next operation.'
