Brittany Cartwright Shares Recovery Journey After Surgery

Reality TV star Brittany Cartwright has taken to social media to reveal her recent surgical procedure, sharing a candid glimpse into her recovery process. The 36-year-old star of “The Valley” posted a mirror selfie on Instagram showing her stomach wrapped in compression bandages with two surgical drains attached. While she didn’t explicitly state the nature of the procedure, her lighthearted caption, “When they said ‘remove what no longer serves you,’ I took it literally,” suggested a significant personal transformation. In the comments section, Cartwright elaborated that this was something she “wanted to do for years” and finally took the step for herself, expressing happiness with her decision despite still being in recovery.

The bathroom selfie sparked considerable speculation among her followers about the specific procedure she underwent. Many fans noticed what appeared to be a compression bra in addition to the abdominal bandages, leading to theories that Cartwright may have had a tummy tuck or possibly had breast implants removed. This wouldn’t be Cartwright’s first cosmetic procedure, as viewers of “Vanderpump Rules” might recall her breast augmentation from season 4 – a surgery that was financed by her now-estranged husband Jax Taylor, from whom she filed for divorce in August 2024. Fellow “Valley” costar Kristen Doute showed support in the comments, congratulating Cartwright on “dropping that dead weight” and tagging two prominent Beverly Hills plastic surgeons, further fueling speculation about the nature of the procedure.

Despite the physical challenges of recovery, Cartwright has been finding comfort in the sweet gestures from her 4-year-old son Cruz, whom she shares with Taylor. She shared a heartwarming update on her Instagram Stories showing a single rose her son had picked from their garden to keep by her bedside during her recovery. “He comes in throughout the day to gently give me hugs and kisses,” she wrote, offering followers a glimpse into the tender moments that are helping her through this healing process. These small acts of kindness from her young son appear to be providing emotional support as she navigates the physical demands of post-operative recovery.

Cartwright has previously been open about her thoughts on future cosmetic procedures, particularly regarding her breasts. On a March episode of her podcast “When Reality Bites,” she addressed frequent comments about her chest, explaining that it had been nearly a decade since her initial breast augmentation. She noted that weight fluctuations, especially after having her son, had significantly impacted her body, with her breasts being “one of the first places that I gain weight in.” This candid discussion about her body came with the admission that she was “definitely looking into” breast revision surgery “for the future,” specifically mentioning she would “definitely go smaller” if she proceeded with another procedure.

The reality star’s openness about her surgical journey reflects a broader trend among celebrities who choose to share their cosmetic procedures with fans. Rather than hiding behind vague explanations or denying work done, Cartwright has chosen transparency, acknowledging both the physical and emotional aspects of her decision. Her approach emphasizes that the procedure was something she did for herself after years of consideration, framing it as an act of self-care rather than a response to external pressures. This perspective aligns with evolving attitudes toward cosmetic procedures, where many view such decisions as personal choices that can contribute to improved self-confidence and wellbeing.

As Cartwright continues to recover, her social media updates provide a window into this transitional period in her life. Coming just months after filing for divorce from Taylor after five years of marriage, this surgical procedure appears to be part of a larger personal transformation. Her cryptic but positive comments about feeling “stronger (and lighter) every day” suggest both physical and emotional healing taking place simultaneously. While fans eagerly await more details about her surgery and results, Cartwright’s promise to “share more soon” indicates she plans to continue her tradition of authenticity with her followers, maintaining the relatability that has endeared her to audiences throughout her reality TV career.