• Karamo Brown revealed that a 2021 buccal fat removal procedure led to long-term complications, including chronic facial pain and swelling.
• The Queer Eye star said scar tissue formation obstructed saliva drainage, contributing to persistent discomfort and functional difficulty.
• Brown recently underwent reconstructive surgery to treat salivary gland complications and remove scar tissue, and is now speaking publicly about his recovery journey.
Television personality and Queer Eye star Karamo Brown has revealed that a buccal fat removal procedure performed in 2021 led to years of chronic facial pain and complications involving scar tissue and saliva gland obstruction.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the 45-year-old said the condition resulted in persistent swelling and discomfort that affected his daily and professional life. Brown has now undergone reconstructive surgery to correct the complications and is sharing his experience after previously remaining silent about his condition.
According to PEOPLE, Karamo Brown underwent buccal fat removal after gaining around 70 pounds during the COVID-19 pandemic and becoming self-conscious about changes in his appearance.
The Queer Eye star said the procedure led to complications involving facial swelling, tightness while smiling, and persistent discomfort linked to scar tissue formation and saliva buildup in the cheeks.
Brown told PEOPLE that symptoms worsened during filming of his daytime talk show and later seasons of Queer Eye, where swelling and dry mouth at times affected his work and daily routine.
Buccal fat removal is a cosmetic facial procedure that carries risks such as infection, nerve injury, and excessive scarring.1
In some cases, scar tissue may restrict normal tissue movement and interfere with saliva drainage, leading to swelling, tightness, discomfort, or repeated inflammation.1 These complications can also affect eating and speaking in persistent cases.1
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) advises patients to fully understand surgical risks, expected outcomes, and recovery timelines before undergoing elective cosmetic procedures.1
Brown told PEOPLE that he recently underwent reconstructive surgery performed by facial plastic surgeon Dr. Carl Truesdale to treat scar tissue buildup and salivary gland-related complications linked to his earlier buccal fat removal procedure.
The surgery helped improve saliva drainage and reduce chronic swelling. During the same operation, he also underwent a lower blepharoplasty to address under-eye bags.
Brown said the procedure eased his symptoms after years of ongoing pain and discomfort.
Brown’s experience highlights the importance of seeking timely medical evaluation when persistent pain, swelling, or functional issues develop after cosmetic procedures.1
In his interview with PEOPLE, he said, “I was suffering for years in pain and no one knew.”
He added that sharing his story is meant to encourage others experiencing similar complications to seek treatment rather than ignore prolonged symptoms, and to make informed decisions before undergoing elective cosmetic surgery.
Reference:
1. StatPearls Publishing. “Buccal Fat Pad and Buccal Fat Removal.” National Library of Medicine (NCBI Bookshelf), 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/
(Rh/TP/MSM)
