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Karamo Brown says a cosmetic procedure intended to slim his face left him in relentless pain for years, and he’s only now spoken publicly about the physical and professional toll it took.
What went wrong with the buccal fat removal
Brown told People in early June that a 2021 buccal fat removal operation did not heal as expected. Scar tissue formed inside his cheeks and trapped saliva. Over time, that buildup became hard and painful.
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- Blocked saliva drainage: scar tissue prevented normal flow.
- Swelling and tightness: his cheeks would look enlarged or feel rigid.
- Chronic discomfort: the pain persisted through daily life and work.
The actor and host said he kept quiet for years while facing online speculation about fillers and cosmetic work. He now says the silence masked a long struggle with pain.
How weight change and public image influenced his decision
Brown, who joined Netflix’s Queer Eye in 2018, said the pandemic and weight gain played a role in choosing surgery. He believed a slimmer face would change how fans and trolls saw him.
After the operation, the visible effects of the scar tissue became another source of anxiety. As he lost weight, the bulge looked less obvious, but the underlying problem remained.
Impact on his work and daily life
Symptoms intensified while Brown was filming his daytime talk show in 2022. He described dry mouth, swelling and episodes when his facial movement felt restricted during long shoot days.
- Filming multiple episodes in a day increased discomfort.
- Weight loss partly masked the bulging cheeks.
- He changed eating patterns because it helped reduce the sensation of fullness.
Recent corrective surgery and recovery updates
This year Brown underwent a follow-up procedure to address his salivary glands and remove the scar tissue in his cheeks. He reports the surgery has targeted the source of pain.
The goal was to restore normal saliva flow and remove hardened tissue. He described the operation as a necessary step after protracted suffering.
Relationship changes and personal life headlines
Brown has faced other upheaval this year outside health concerns. His former partner, Carlos Medel, confirmed their split on Instagram after dating since 2021.
Medel’s post noted he was single but grateful for friends and family. Brown’s split became public amid his other disclosures.
Workplace tensions on Queer Eye and an allegation
Brown also spoke about friction among the Queer Eye cast during production. He described an environment where problematic conduct was often overlooked rather than challenged.
Following a sexual harassment complaint involving Brown, he says he was separated from some colleagues and did not take part in promotional activity for the show’s final season. He has since stated that he was cleared of wrongdoing.
How he frames the set culture
- He says dismissive attitudes toward behavior made the workplace difficult.
- Brown claims this pattern affected him repeatedly and negatively.
