The Real Housewives of New Jersey star opens up about her transformative Renuvion procedure and its impact on her self-esteem.
Dolores Catania is entering 2025 with a renewed sense of confidence, thanks to a body-contouring treatment that has helped her feel sexier and more empowered in her own skin. The 53-year-old Real Housewives of New Jersey star recently shared her experience with PEOPLE, revealing how a minimally invasive procedure on her knees has made a significant difference in both her appearance and self-esteem.
For years, Catania struggled with loose skin on her knees, a concern that affected her confidence. “I’ve always wanted the loose skin on my knees fixed,” she said. “Until now, there was nothing that worked.” However, that all changed when she discovered Renuvion, a cutting-edge treatment that uses a combination of radiofrequency and thermal laser technology to tighten skin from beneath the surface. Intrigued by the science behind it, Catania decided to give it a try.
The results surpassed her expectations. “For so long, I had such a lack of confidence because of my knees,” Catania admitted. “I always noticed when people would look at them, and sometimes they seemed a little shocked by what they saw.” Now, six weeks after the procedure, she feels more confident than ever. “It has definitely been an issue for me for a long time until now. And it gets better after the treatment.”
Catania, who has always been open about her journey with cosmetic treatments, stressed the importance of transparency. “I feel that it’s my responsibility to let someone else know if I did something that worked,” she explained. “Honestly, I don’t pay attention to the scrutiny because there are so many people who thank me for doing the research, being honest, and sharing my experience.”
The procedure itself was relatively straightforward. “After the procedure, you need to stay out of the gym for at least a week,” Catania explained. “You have to keep your knees wrapped and elevated. Don’t overdo it — let yourself heal. Bruising and pain were minimal. Swelling is to be expected, but as far as procedures go, this was the least discomfort I’ve ever had.” She added, “I don’t even think I took a Tylenol, to tell you the truth.”
Embracing her newfound confidence, Catania recently attended a Renuvion event at Art Basel in Miami, where she proudly showed off her knees in a dress with a daring slit. “I felt very proud to sit there and show my knees for the first time,” she shared. She also reflected on the impact of body confidence on relationships, recalling a conversation with Dr. Mendieta during the event. “He explained that a lot of women stay in relationships because of their lack of confidence in their bodies,” Catania noted, laughing when asked if she had ever felt the same. “No, I stay in them for other reasons.”
Looking ahead to 2025, Catania is also excited about her upcoming appearance on The Traitors season 3, set to premiere on January 9 on Peacock. “When you get to the castle, you have no contact with the outside world except for one phone call home a week for 30 minutes,” she said. “The missions are crazy, and Alan [Cumming]’s costumes are mind-blowing. I’m excited for people to see me outside of my regular cast and witness how I got along with everyone. It was the best experience of my entire life.”
While The Traitors is a highlight for the upcoming year, Catania calls her Renuvion procedure the defining moment of 2024. “My Renuvion procedure is my highlight of this year,” she shared. “I’ve been good and transparent, and I stand behind Renuvion in every way. I love it.”
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