Daisy Kelliher has built her brand on honesty—no filters, no body modification apps, and no pretending to be anything other than what she is. So when the Below deck The star decided to get a rhinoplasty, she approached it the same way she approaches everything else: with honesty and intention. Although she says she’s been thinking about improving her nose “for as long as I can remember,” the decision wasn’t rooted in insecurity or obsession. Instead, it was about timing, confidence, and feeling mentally, emotionally, and financially prepared. From choosing transparency over secrecy to navigating the swelling (and crediting a pre-op salmon sperm for minimal bruising), Kelliher explains why she felt right in the moment—and why she has no regrets.
What made you decide to get a rhinoplasty and how long have you been thinking about it?
“I’ve wanted a rhinoplasty for as long as I can remember. It wasn’t something I was obsessed with… I didn’t mind my nose, I just didn’t particularly like it and the timing was right, so I decided to go for it. Often when you make a change like that, you wish you’d done it sooner and it’s hard to think about that – but you have to be ready for your time. So even though I thought about it for a long time, the timing was right now. I didn’t have the best nose—yes, it wasn’t the worst—but I didn’t like it, and once I made the decision I knew it was right for me.
I’m a big believer in doing things that make you feel good. We’re only here for one life, so we should make the most of it. And I have no doubt that this decision will make me happier and more confident. The planning was relatively short—just a few months. Once I make a decision, I go for it. I would have done it sooner, it was too difficult with my schedule!’
Not everyone is transparent about cosmetic surgery, what made you decide to do it?
“I honestly hadn’t decided. Going into the surgery, my original plan was if someone asked me, I would be honest… but I didn’t feel like I owed anyone the information just because I’m a public figure. But the day after the surgery, I was thinking about it and I thought, ‘I’m not ashamed of it and I’m excited.’ I thought it was easier before than later.”
I talked to my manager and we decided it was the right decision. I’ve built my brand on being authentic, I do reality, I don’t use filters or body tuning apps, I’ve shared my sister’s accident and my egg freezing journey, so I felt it was what I owed my audience and it made sense. I knew everyone would be really interesting and supportive, I just wanted the decision to be mine and not feel pressure just because I’m in the public eye. I definitely made the right decision.”
Can you share your experience before the surgery?
“I was so busy trying to figure it out, so I didn’t feel anything. I think the thing I was most nervous about was that I hadn’t met my doctor or gone to the hospital. I was also really nervous because it’s my facebut I was also excited and eager to get it over and done with so I could begin my healing journey. But mostly I was too busy to think about it!’
How is your recovery going?
“It’s going so well, the hospital was so great. The day after my surgery, I was in a lot of pain, definitely my worst day. I should have asked for more pain meds sooner. But since then, it’s been a breeze! I think I’m one of the lucky ones. I had a lot of swelling, but almost no bruising around my eyes. I had weeks before my surgery and I think it helped so much!
Now, I am on day five post-op and the swelling has gone down so much. There is only a little on my cheeks and zero pain or discomfort. It was a breeze compared to my breast augmentation. I’m really excited to get the cast out and see the results!”
