7 Non-Surgical Secrets: The Truth About Christie Brinkley And 'Plastic Surgery' At 71

As of December 2025, supermodel Christie Brinkley continues to redefine aging, approaching her 72nd birthday with a look that has captivated the world for decades. The perennial question surrounding her timeless appearance—did she have plastic surgery?—has a nuanced and refreshingly honest answer that she has openly shared in recent years. Her approach is not about going under the knife, but rather a strategic combination of lifestyle, diligent skincare, and advanced, non-invasive cosmetic procedures that target skin laxity and fine lines without the dramatic look of traditional surgery. The reality is that while Christie Brinkley has avoided traditional, invasive plastic surgery, she is a strong advocate for modern, minimally invasive treatments. She has publicly embraced a suite of procedures like Ultherapy and Xeomin, emphasizing that women should feel empowered to take advantage of new non-surgical technologies to look as good as they feel. Her candor offers a modern roadmap for anti-aging, moving the conversation away from surgical extremes to preventative and maintenance-focused cosmetic care.

Christie Brinkley: A Complete Biography and Career Profile

Christie Brinkley’s career is one of the most enduring in the history of modeling, setting a benchmark for longevity and success. Her professional life has spanned over four decades, cementing her status as an iconic American figure.

• Full Name: Christie Lee Hudson (later Brinkley)
• Date of Birth: February 2, 1954
• Place of Birth: Monroe, Michigan, U.S.
• Current Age (as of December 2025): 71
• Career Highlights:
  • Discovered in 1973 in Paris by a photographer.
  • Achieved global fame with an unprecedented three consecutive covers of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue (1979, 1980, 1981).
  • Served as the face of CoverGirl for 25 years, one of the longest cosmetic contracts in history.
  • Appeared on over 500 magazine covers worldwide.
  • Expanded her career into acting (most notably in National Lampoon's Vacation), writing, and business (developing her own skincare and haircare lines).
• Personal Philosophy: She is a long-time vegetarian and an advocate for a healthy, active lifestyle, which she credits as the foundation of her anti-aging routine.

The Truth About Christie Brinkley's Cosmetic Procedures

Christie Brinkley has been transparent about her journey with anti-aging, openly discussing the specific treatments she uses to address the effects of sun damage and time. She has made it clear that her goal is to look refreshed, not "done," and she prefers to utilize non-surgical methods that stimulate the body's natural rejuvenation processes.

The model has explicitly stated that she has not had a traditional facelift or other invasive plastic surgery. Instead, her regimen focuses on two primary, FDA-cleared, non-invasive procedures, along with other popular injectables and treatments. This open approach has resonated with many women who are curious about subtle age-defying options.

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The 'Big Two': Ultherapy and Xeomin

Brinkley credits two specific, non-surgical procedures—Ultherapy and Xeomin—for helping her maintain her remarkably youthful appearance. She has even partnered with Merz Aesthetics to promote these treatments, giving them a significant endorsement in the cosmetic world.

1. Ultherapy (Non-Surgical Skin Tightening): Ultherapy is a non-invasive procedure that uses focused ultrasound energy to lift and tighten the skin on the neck, chin, and brow, and to improve lines and wrinkles on the décolletage. The treatment works by stimulating the production of new collagen and elastin deep within the skin. Brinkley has praised Ultherapy for its ability to provide a gradual, natural-looking lift without any downtime.

2. Xeomin (The 'Naked' Injectable): Xeomin is an injectable neuromodulator, similar to Botox, used to temporarily reduce the appearance of frown lines between the eyebrows. It is often referred to as a "naked" injectable because it contains only one ingredient (incobotulinumtoxinA), unlike some other injectables that contain complexing proteins. Brinkley uses Xeomin to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles in a way that keeps her facial expressions looking natural and not frozen.

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Other Minimally Invasive Treatments She Has Used

Beyond her two favorites, Brinkley has also admitted to "dabbing" with other common cosmetic enhancements, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to anti-aging maintenance.

• 3. Dermal Fillers: She has acknowledged using fillers, but with the specific instruction to her doctor to maintain a natural look. Fillers are typically used to restore volume loss, smooth deep wrinkles, and enhance contours, particularly in the cheeks and around the mouth.
• 4. Lasers and Light Therapy: Brinkley has stated that she "mainly does lasers," which are essential for correcting sun damage, improving skin texture, and promoting collagen production. Laser treatments are crucial for maintaining the skin's surface quality, which is often the first area to show signs of aging.
• 5. Skincare and Exfoliation: She is a strong proponent of daily exfoliation, calling it the most important part of her skincare routine. Regular exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells, allowing products to penetrate better and giving the skin a fresh, radiant glow.
• 6. Sun Protection: Given her history of sun exposure as a model, Brinkley is a vocal advocate for sun safety, especially after revealing she had basal cell carcinoma (a form of skin cancer) removed in March 2024. This experience underscores the importance of her preventative and corrective skin health regimen.
• 7. Diet and Fitness: Her long-standing vegetarian diet (since age 13) and commitment to fitness are the foundational, non-cosmetic elements of her youthful appearance. She often emphasizes that inner health translates to outer radiance.

The Brinkley Philosophy: Why 'Less is More' is the New Anti-Aging Mantra

Christie Brinkley’s openness about her cosmetic choices has positioned her as a role model for a generation of women seeking alternatives to invasive plastic surgery. Her philosophy centers on a few key principles:

Empowerment Through Choice: She believes women should not feel judged for choosing to enhance their appearance. Her message is one of empowerment: "I want all women who may feel like tweaking a little something to know that it's OK to take advantage of the newer non-invasive treatments."

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The Natural Look Goal: Her repeated insistence on not wanting to look "done" highlights a major shift in the beauty industry. The focus is now on subtle enhancements that make a person look like a well-rested, slightly younger version of themselves, rather than an entirely different person.

Maintenance Over Overhaul: Brinkley’s routine is characterized by consistent maintenance. By regularly utilizing procedures like Ultherapy and Xeomin, she prevents severe aging signs from developing, making drastic surgical intervention unnecessary. This preventative approach is becoming the gold standard in modern anti-aging medicine.

In summary, the secret to Christie Brinkley’s enduring youth is not a single, dramatic plastic surgery procedure, but a disciplined, multifaceted approach that combines a healthy lifestyle with the strategic use of cutting-edge, non-surgical cosmetic technology. Her honesty continues to inspire and inform the public about the realistic and effective options available today.