Camille Grammer, former star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, recently underwent breast implant removal surgery and is embracing a more natural look. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Grammer, 56, shared her journey and decision to remove her implants after decades of maintenance and health concerns.
“I don’t want to be defined by my implants,” Grammer stated, expressing a desire to move away from aesthetic trends and prioritize her health. She initially got implants in her early 20s, following a popular trend among young actresses. However, she admits to being unaware of the long-term maintenance required.
Grammer has undergone three breast implant surgeries throughout her life. Sixteen years ago, she considered removal but opted for replacements due to concerns about scarring. The resulting implants were larger than desired, leading to immediate disappointment.
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Camille Grammer before and after breast implant removal. (Camille Meyer/Instagram)
Her second set of implants ruptured, causing silicone leakage into her lymph nodes, requiring annual monitoring. This health scare, coupled with the physical discomfort of increasing back and neck pain due to the implants’ weight and her experience with menopause, solidified her decision to remove them.
“Going through menopause my breasts were getting bigger and bigger naturally,” Grammer explained. The added weight of the implants became unbearable, prompting her to tell her husband, “This is ridiculous, I’m over it. I can’t deal with this anymore.”
The removal surgery provided Grammer with a sense of liberation. She feels free from the physical burden and societal pressures associated with breast implants. “New Year, new look,” she captioned a recent bikini photo on Instagram, expressing her satisfaction with the natural aesthetic.
Grammer thanked her Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, Dr. Robert Cohen, for the successful procedure. Dr. Cohen, a certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast and body esthetic surgery, confirmed Grammer’s discomfort stemmed from the implants’ weight, unnatural appearance due to scar tissue (caps contracture), and disproportionate size.
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Dr. Robert Cohen, Camille Grammer’s plastic surgeon. (Courtesy Beverly Hills Center)
Dr. Cohen recommended a reconstructive approach without implants, utilizing Grammer’s natural breast tissue and fat grafting. The two-step procedure involved implant removal and subsequent scar tissue removal, breast lift, and fat grafting. The result is a more natural and aesthetically pleasing look that aligns with current beauty standards.
Dr. Cohen observed a shift away from exaggerated cosmetic enhancements toward a more natural aesthetic. Grammer’s decision resonated with many, garnering support from fellow reality TV stars and social media users. She encourages women considering implant removal to research thoroughly and consult with qualified professionals.
For young women contemplating breast augmentation, Grammer advises education on the long-term maintenance and potential health risks. “It’s very good to educate them to know that you have to go through maintenance that is every 10-12 years to replace the implant,” she emphasized. Grammer firmly believes in a more natural approach to beauty and would not encourage her own daughter to get implants. She advocates for informed decisions and prioritizing health and well-being over fleeting trends.
