Alexis Bellino, known for her time on "The Real Housewives of Orange County," has undergone a comprehensive facial rejuvenation procedure as she approaches her 50th birthday in January. The reality television personality told People magazine that the goal of the surgery was to achieve a more "youthful and zesty" look heading into her next decade.
The seven-hour operation included a facelift targeting areas such as laugh lines, brows, and the neck. Bellino also had an upper blepharoplasty to address excess eyelid skin and underwent CO2 laser skin resurfacing to stimulate collagen production.
Bellino described her recovery as "brutal," noting it was significantly different from her previous cosmetic surgery, a breast augmentation at age 19, and a sinus surgery in 2011. She stated that while it was not as difficult as she had anticipated, the process was challenging, with the left side of her face taking longer to heal than the right.
Her decision to undergo the surgery was influenced by friends who are a decade older and had similar procedures at age 49. Bellino remarked that these friends "look amazing at 60" and she felt it was wise to "learn from people that are older and wiser than me."
Bellino shared that her children initially urged her against the surgery, referencing her past nickname "Jesus Jugs" and expressing they had "had enough of you and your stuff." She responded by telling them they would understand when they reached 50.
Her husband, John Janssen, whom she married in 2025, also opposed the surgery until he attended one of her appointments. Bellino expressed satisfaction with her decision, stating she no longer feels the need to wear makeup when going out or to worry about her laugh lines.
"If I feel better, then why not? That’s what the doctors are here for," she said.
Bellino also shared updates on her recovery journey on Instagram, posting images from one day to four weeks after the procedure. She referred to the surgery as her "half year ‘happy birthday’ to myself" and echoed sentiments from her late mother, who always considered her 50s her favorite decade. Bellino stated, "I’m loving every minute of my next decade and my ‘refresh.'"