Karamo Brown Says Plastic Surgery Went Wrong: “Queer Eye” Star Reveals Botched Procedure

Karamo Brown is sharing details about a painful plastic surgery complication that he says affected him for years. In an interview with People published on Tuesday, June 2, the Queer Eye star said a buccal fat removal procedure he underwent in 2021 led to scar tissue forming in his cheeks, which blocked saliva from draining properly. Brown said the buildup caused swelling, tightness and severe pain, adding that there were times when his cheeks appeared enlarged because they were full of saliva and scar tissue.

Brown, 45, said he chose to have the procedure after gaining about 70 pounds during the COVID-19 pandemic and facing criticism online about his appearance. He said he hoped slimming his face would make him feel more confident, but instead the experience turned into “a year-and-a-half of pain.” He explained that the discomfort worsened after the 2022 debut of his daytime talk show, The Karamo Show, when he was filming multiple episodes a day while dealing with a dry mouth and swollen cheeks.

The reality television personality said he later lost 70 pounds in an effort to make the scar tissue less visible. According to Brown, the weight loss did not solve the underlying issue, but it made the bulging in his cheeks appear less noticeable. He also said the pain affected his eating habits and daily comfort.

Brown added that he has since undergone a corrective procedure to address the saliva glands and remove scar tissue from his cheeks. The update marks the latest development in a difficult period for the TV personality, who has also dealt with changes in his personal life and professional tensions in recent months.

In February, Brown’s ex, Carlos Medel, confirmed their split in an Instagram post after the two began dating in 2021. Brown has also been at the center of behind-the-scenes discussion surrounding Queer Eye. In his People interview, he described the set of the Netflix series as a difficult work environment and said poor behavior was often excused instead of being addressed professionally. Brown said the situation affected him repeatedly and negatively.

The comments come after the end of Queer Eye’s 10th season, which premiered on January 21 and marked the show’s final season. Brown was the only member of the Fab Five not to promote the season before its release. He also said he was cleared of wrongdoing in connection with the behind-the-scenes complaint that had contributed to the tension.

Brown’s revelations add a personal and emotional layer to his recent public profile, highlighting both the physical toll of a cosmetic procedure gone wrong and the challenges he says he has faced in his career and personal life.