From a facelift to a tummy tuck, fan favorite Real Housewife of New Jersey Dolores Catania is taking the “real” of Bravo’s reality TV franchise (the new season airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m.) to a new level—letting us in on every single plastic surgery she’s had done, as well as the next one she’s thinking about getting. “I was really afraid of turning 50, but I feel good about it,” she shared with us via phone from, you guessed it, the Garden State. “I’ve learned a lot about staying young and healthy. I know more now than I ever did. I’m embracing it.”
You’ve been very open about your cosmetic surgeries. What is your advice to anyone who might be considering a procedure like a tummy tuck, which you had last year?
I’ve had a facelift, too, so I can speak on the neck up and the neck down. You have to be mentally and physically ready. If you’re considering getting a tummy tuck, the timing has to be right and so does the doctor—you really have to research the doctor and his or her work, and speak to patients who have gone to them, too. It’s also important that, when you get home, to have help and a plan in place. You’re not going to be picking up anything or doing any strenuous work, which is the biggest thing. The downtime is a big factor in healing. How you use your downtime and how you handle your downtime is a huge factor in how you’re going to heal, which is the biggest deal.
Were there any surprises that you weren’t expecting when you were going through the healing process?
I’m no stranger to plastic surgery. I’ve had lipo, I had a breast augmentation, I had a Brazilian butt lift, and, like I told you, I had a facelift. But, with a tummy tuck, you have to be patient. There’s no going home and walking around after a tummy tuck—you have to take the time to recover and rest.
Are there any other cosmetic surgeries you’re thinking about getting done?
Oh, yes, I’m considering getting a thigh lift.
You’re very into beauty. Any products that you love and swear by?
I have Kristen Hanenian, @skinguru1, in my phone. She is my go-to skin expert and she is up on everything and knows everything—a true skin-care guru. She is the reason my skin looks the way it does.
What does your typical glam consist of when filming Housewives?
My big thing is that I don’t look good without a tan! I always make sure I have some color. I don’t want to overdo it and I’m not a tanorexic, but I like to have a little color, so a spray tan is nice and so is a good blow-dry. I have a lot of hair and I cannot manage that part by myself. I usually have hair extensions in, to be honest. Marissa Stissi is my hand-tied extension girl, but I have a whole team. I’ve learned that you don’t want to see yourself on camera and be sorry your hair and makeup didn’t look nice for that scene. I do show up many times [for filming] with no makeup and natural. But, when there’s an event or a trip, I like to look nice.
Can you share any secrets about what viewers might be able to expect for the new season?
Explosive, emotional, raw. And, you get to know us all a lot better. There’s no international trips. There are no big events because of COVID. There’s nothing but us…just us.
