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Did Rick Ness Undergo Plastic Surgery On His Nose? no hard evidence supports a nose job but a 2023 injury required surgery.
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Rick’s single after splitting with Leese Marie and focusing on his mining comeback.
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He’s overcome a cocaine addiction that followed his mom’s death showing real grit.
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His Gold Rush hiatus was about healing from personal lows not walking away for good.
Rick Ness, the tough-as-nails star of Discovery’s *Gold Rush*, is back in the spotlight, but this time it’s not just about his mining abilities. As Season 15 begins in 2025, fans can’t help but focus on one thing—his nose. It’s definitely sparked curiosity, leading many to wonder if he’s had any work done.
There’s been plenty of chatter going around, with some suggesting he’s had plastic surgery to change his look. However, there’s no concrete evidence to suggest that Rick’s gone under the knife.

Back in 2023, he suffered a serious injury from mining equipment in Alaska that required surgery to fix. That’s a long way from a voluntary cosmetic procedure. Nevertheless, the speculation continues, especially since his face has changed over the years, leaving fans eager to uncover the truth.
Did Rick Ness Undergo Plastic Surgery On His Nose?
Let’s get straight to the point—is there any truth to the rumors that Rick Ness had plastic surgery on his nose? Online discussions, particularly on Reddit, are full of theories, yet there hasn’t been any official confirmation from Rick or his team regarding these cosmetic surgery claims. What’s clear is that he’s been through quite a bit physically.
That accident in 2023 left his nose in need of repair, and he’s talked openly about past injuries like the crash in Season 10 that severely damaged his jaw and knocked out some teeth. Many believe that these incidents, rather than surgery, might explain why his nose appears different.
Others attribute the changes to natural aging or lifestyle choices. Without Rick confirming anything, it’s largely speculation, but it seems more plausible that life’s challenges have shaped his appearance rather than any surgical intervention.
Does Rick Ness Have A Girlfriend Or Wife?
When it comes to his love life, Rick’s had his share of ups and downs. He was in a relationship with Leese Marie, who joined *Gold Rush* in 2021 and quickly became a fan favorite.
They made a great couple for a while, but by 2023, they parted ways. Leese’s vague posts on social media hinted that their breakup wasn’t smooth, although Rick has stayed tight-lipped about it.
Since then, there’s been no indication that he’s seeing anyone new. Instead, he’s been focusing on his mining career and working through some tough personal years. For now, it looks like Rick’s riding solo, prioritizing his professional life over romance.
Does Rick Ness Have A Drug Addiction Problem?
Rick Ness has been candid about facing some difficult times, which have included struggles with substance use. Following his mom’s death from cancer in 2018, he fell into a deep depression and acknowledged using cocaine during a particularly low period. This took a toll on him both financially and physically.

Some fans speculate that his altered looks, especially his nose, could be linked to past drug use, since long-term cocaine use can cause damage to nasal tissue. However, Rick has made significant changes in his life. He took a break, got sober, and made a strong return in Season 14, being open about his past mistakes on screen. His willingness to share his journey has garnered him a lot of respect.
Why Did Rick Ness Leave ‘Gold Rush’?
So, what led to Rick stepping back from *Gold Rush*? It wasn’t a simple decision to quit; it was about his well-being. After Season 12, he hit a low point. Dealing with the loss of his mother, along with depression and substance issues, left him exhausted. He opted out of Season 13 to take some time for himself and heal. Mining can be a harsh life, and he knew he wouldn’t be able to keep performing at his best if he was struggling mentally.
This time off proved beneficial as he came back in Season 14 with renewed determination, even selling his mom’s house to fund his comeback. It was a risk, but Rick has never been one to shy away from a challenge.
Why Does Rick Ness’ Face Look Different On ‘Gold Rush’?
Now, back to the question of why Rick looks different lately. Fans really took notice during Season 14, and it’s still a big topic in 2025. Some swear there’s been plastic surgery, but it’s more likely tied to his history of accidents and his battles. That mining incident, along with earlier crashes, could have changed his features over time.
Throw in some weight loss, the effects of aging, and possibly the aftermath of drug use, and you have a guy who doesn’t quite resemble the Rick from Season 3. He’s been through a lot, and it shows—less the towering figure in the room, more a survivor with stories etched on his face.