Brooke Shields Opens Up About Unauthorized Vaginal Procedure in New Memoir

In her forthcoming memoir, Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old: Thoughts on Aging as a Woman, Brooke Shields candidly reveals a shocking experience with her plastic surgeon.

The 59-year-old actress shared that she underwent a labia reduction surgery on the recommendation of her gynecologist to address discomfort, bleeding, and chafing she had endured since high school. Shields explained that the procedure, considered cosmetic, was not covered by insurance.

However, during a post-surgery checkup, her surgeon proudly informed her of an additional procedure—a vaginal rejuvenation—that she had not consented to. This procedure, designed to tighten the vaginal area for sexual reasons, left Shields feeling violated.

“I was dumbfounded by the irreversible invasion,” Shields told Us Weekly. She likened the experience to a form of assault, emphasizing that there had been no medical or personal reason for the additional procedure.

Shields also revealed that she kept the incident from her husband, Chris Henchy, for a long time, feeling a deep sense of shame. Eventually, she chose to share her story in her memoir to help destigmatize conversations about women’s health and challenge societal taboos. “Shame is no longer an option,” she stated.

This isn’t the first time Shields has spoken out about personal trauma. In her 2023 documentary Pretty Baby, she revealed she was raped in her 20s by a Hollywood executive. Her memoir, set to release on Tuesday, delves further into the challenges of aging and the societal pressures women face.

By addressing these sensitive topics, Shields hopes to inspire change in the way women’s health is discussed and treated.