After years of speculation about changes to his appearance, Karamo Brown is opening up about what was really happening behind the scenes. In a new interview with People, the 45-year-old Queer Eye star revealed that a buccal fat removal procedure he underwent in 2021 left him dealing with chronic pain, swelling and complications that lasted for years.
Brown shared that he initially pursued the procedure after gaining about 70 pounds during the pandemic and feeling self-conscious about facial fullness. What he expected to be a quick cosmetic treatment turned into what he described as “a year-and-a-half of pain.” According to Brown, the procedure caused damage to his salivary glands and led to extensive scar tissue throughout his cheeks, preventing saliva from draining properly.
Below, the standout details from his experience, why buccal fat removal took off and what went wrong.
The Complications Lasted for Years
“For years, people have been like, ‘Karamo’s had plastic surgery. He has so much filler in his face,’” Brown told People. “I was suffering for years in pain and no one knew.”
The swelling and scar tissue altered the appearance of his face and led to persistent discomfort. Brown explained that saliva would build up inside his cheeks, creating visible fullness and tightness when he smiled.
During this time, he continued filming both Queer Eye and his daytime talk show while privately managing the complications.
Why Buccal Fat Removal Took Off
While the procedure has been around for a long time, buccal fat removal rose in popularity in the early 2020s as patients sought a more sculpted look and sharper cheekbones. The surgery removes part of the buccal fat pad, a naturally occurring pocket of fat located deep within the cheeks.
While the procedure can create a slimmer facial contour in select patients, some plastic surgeons have cautioned against the trend, noting that facial volume naturally decreases with age and that removing too much fat can leave the face looking hollow over time.
Finding Relief
Recently, Brown underwent corrective surgery with Beverly Hills, CA facial plastic surgeon Carl Truesdale, MD (who did not perform his original procedure), and was able to repair the damaged glands and remove much of the scar tissue. He says the surgery dramatically improved both how he looks and how he feels.
While undergoing the reconstructive procedure, Brown also chose to have a lower blepharoplasty. “To be really transparent with y’all, I was like, ‘While we under, can you get rid of my bags?’” he told the outlet. He added that the surgeon “got rid of like 60 percent of my bags.”
Now, the TV host says he hopes sharing his story will help others who may be struggling with chronic pain or complications following a cosmetic procedure. “You don’t have to suffer alone,” he said, adding that he wishes he had spoken openly about his experience sooner.
