Nene Leakes doesn’t do subtle. Since she first burst onto the scene in the early days of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, she’s been the queen of "telling it like it is." So when the conversation turns to Nene Leakes nose surgery, she isn't the type to hide behind "contouring" or "allergies." She’s been surprisingly open about her trips to the operating room.
Honesty is rare in Hollywood. Especially when it comes to the face.
Most people think she just woke up one day and decided to swap her original nose for a new one. That’s not quite how it went down. It’s been a decade-long saga involving multiple procedures, medical necessities, and a lot of public "shade" that she’s handled with her trademark "I said what I said" energy.
The First "Tune Up" in 2010
Back in the third season of RHOA, Nene invited the cameras into her world—and the surgeon's office. This was 2010. She wasn't just getting her nose done; she also underwent a breast augmentation, a tummy tuck, and some liposuction. She called it a "tune up."
Basically, she wanted to refine things.
The first Nene Leakes nose surgery wasn't a full-blown reconstruction. She was very specific about that. She told anyone who would listen that she didn't want to lose her identity as a Black woman. Her surgeon at the time performed what's called an alar base reduction.
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In plain English? He just narrowed her nostrils.
"I only had my nostrils taken in on the side the very first time," she later explained during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live. She wanted a more streamlined look without changing the entire bridge or profile of her face. It was about subtle enhancement, not a total overhaul. At least, that was the plan back then.
Why the Second Surgery Happened
Fast forward to 2016. Fans noticed something was different. Her nose looked sharper, more defined, and significantly smaller.
Naturally, the internet went wild.
Nene didn't dodge the questions. She sat down with Andy Cohen and dropped the truth: "Yes, I had my nose done again. Yes, I did." But this time, she claimed it wasn't just about vanity. There was a medical component that most people didn't see coming.
She explained that her cartilage was actually growing in a way that caused physical discomfort. "My cartilage was growing in my nose and my tip was touching the top of my lip," she told Cohen. Imagine that. Every time she smiled, her nose would physically hit her upper lip.
This second procedure was more invasive than the first. While the 2010 surgery was just about the nostrils, the 2016 Nene Leakes nose surgery involved moving cartilage around to lift the tip and restructure the internal framework.
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The Medical vs. Aesthetic Debate
There's always a debate when a celebrity cites "medical reasons" for plastic surgery. Is it a convenient excuse? Or a genuine issue?
In Nene's case, she was adamant. She insisted she’s the kind of person who will get surgery just because she wants to—she doesn't need to make up a story. "I'm the kind of girl who will give it to you straight—I got my nose done because I can, and I will, and I will get it done again if I want to," she famously quipped.
Whether it was purely for the "tip-to-lip" issue or a desire for a more "snatched" look, the results were dramatic.
Dealing with the Public Backlash
People can be mean. Social media is a breeding ground for picking apart every millimeter of a celebrity's face.
Nene has faced a mountain of criticism over the years. Some fans missed her "original" face, claiming she was starting to look unrecognizable. Others, like Amanda Seales, have been vocal in their critiques, with Seales once suggesting the surgeries were on a "path of self-destruction."
Nene’s response? Usually a shrug and a "Bling, bling, bling, b****es is mad!"
She’s been very vocal about the pressure women—and specifically Black women—face in the spotlight. She has often talked about how women need to stop judging each other for how they choose to age or "tune up" their bodies.
Real Talk on Confidence
Kinda makes you think about the standards we hold these stars to.
Nene has always maintained that her surgeries were for her, not for the fans or the critics. She admitted she "didn't love" her original nose and wanted to feel more beautiful for herself. Honestly, there’s something relatable in that. Most people have something they'd change if they had the resources.
She just happened to have the resources and a platform to talk about it.
The Evolution Since 2016
It didn't stop with the nose. In 2022, she became an ambassador for Georgia Plastic Surgery and shared her journey with a "Professional BBL" and more liposuction.
The Nene Leakes nose surgery conversation remains the most talked-about, though, because it's the center of her face. It's the first thing you see. Over time, the swelling from that second 2016 surgery settled, and she leaned into a more "IG Baddie" aesthetic, often paired with blonde wigs and heavy contouring.
Some people think she’s had even more work done on her nose since then. While she hasn't confirmed a third rhinoplasty, she has joked that she’ll go back to the surgeon whenever she feels like she needs another "refresh."
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Lessons from Nene's Journey
If you're looking at Nene’s story and wondering what to take away from it, it’s not just about the plastic surgery. It’s about the psychology of it.
- Own your choices. Nene never pulled a "I just changed my makeup" card. She owned it.
- Medical and cosmetic can overlap. Sometimes breathing issues or structural growth (like her cartilage issue) can be the catalyst for a change you wanted anyway.
- Expect the "settle" period. In her 2016 interviews, she was only 13 days post-op and still very swollen. It takes up to a year for a nose to fully heal.
- The "Black-white" balance. Nene has talked about navigating a world where she wants to look like herself—a Black woman—while still fitting into a mainstream Hollywood aesthetic. It's a complicated tightrope to walk.
At the end of the day, Nene Leakes is still Nene. The nose might be different, but the personality hasn't shrunk one bit.
If you are considering a similar path, the most important thing is finding a board-certified surgeon who understands your specific facial structure. Don't go for a "one size fits all" nose. Look for someone who specializes in ethnic rhinoplasty if you want to maintain your heritage while making refinements. Research Dr. Stanley Okoro or similar experts who Nene herself has trusted. Always prioritize your breathing and structural integrity over a specific "look" you saw on Instagram.
The reality is that your face has to function as well as it looks. Nene’s "cartilage growth" story is a reminder that what happens on the inside of the nose is just as important as the bridge or the tip.
Take your time. Do the research. And if you decide to go under the knife, be prepared to stand by your decision just as loudly as Nene does.