Television personality Karamo Brown, known for his role in “Queer Eye,” has recently opened up about a painful health journey stemming from a cosmetic procedure. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE for this week’s cover story, the 45-year-old discusses the chronic pain he experienced following a buccal fat removal surgery in 2021.
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Brown revealed that the procedure left him with scar tissue that blocked his saliva glands, leading to significant discomfort over several years. “For years, people have been like, ‘Karamo’s had plastic surgery. He has so much filler in his face,'” he explained. “I felt unable to speak out; I was suffering in silence, and no one knew.”
The motivation for the buccal fat removal came after Brown gained approximately 70 pounds during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tired of online criticism related to his weight, he thought that the procedure might enhance his appearance. He now reflects on the decision with regret, stating, “It turned into a year-and-a-half of pain.”
The aftermath of the surgery was more complicated than Brown had anticipated. He faced continual issues with saliva buildup in his cheeks, resulting in hard scar tissue. “There’d be times you’d see me smile, and it was tight,” he shared. The pain escalated further when he began filming his NBC daytime talk show, which concluded after four seasons earlier this year. “I would shoot six episodes a day, and my mouth would get so dry and swollen while filming. It was incredibly challenging,” Brown lamented.
As filming progressed, Brown lost weight, which seemed to help alleviate the visibility of the scar tissue. “The more weight I lost, the less scar tissue you could see,” he noted. However, the underlying pain persisted. “I stopped eating because it helped with the swelling, but I was still dealing with the pain,” he added.
Throughout this difficult period, Brown grappled with the impact of public perception. “People look at you differently, and even if they don’t say anything, you can feel it,” he remarked. He recalled one of his former co-stars making a seemingly innocuous comment about his past appearance, which stung him deeply. “Those types of things affect you. They hurt your feelings.”
Despite enduring chronic pain and mental distress, he remained silent about the plastic surgery. “I felt embarrassed that I did this to myself,” Brown confessed. It wasn’t until he could no longer cope with the physical discomfort that he sought help.
Recently, Brown underwent reconstructive surgery aimed at fixing his saliva glands and removing the persistent scar tissue. He praised his surgeon, Dr. Carl Truesdale, whose efforts have left him feeling significantly better. “I’m smiling better; the saliva isn’t collecting anymore, and the scar tissue’s gone. It’s a relief,” Brown said gratefully.
In addition to addressing the pain, he chose to have a lower blepharoplasty during the same operation. “At 45, I asked if they could tackle my bags under the eyes. They were able to improve them by about 60%,” he said, expressing his satisfaction.
Looking ahead, Brown has decided against pursuing legal action against the initial surgeon responsible for the buccal fat removal, citing advice that it would likely be futile. Instead, he is committed to sharing his story in hopes of supporting others who may be navigating similar struggles. “I know there are others out there suffering with chronic pain,” he said. “I had the resources to find someone who could help me; I want to remind people they don’t have to suffer in silence.”
With a newfound sense of purpose, Karamo Brown’s journey serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding cosmetic procedures and the importance of addressing both physical and emotional well-being. For more insights on his experience, fans can read the full feature in PEOPLE, available this Friday.