Television personality and former Queer Eye star Karamo Brown is speaking publicly for the first time about a painful medical ordeal that followed a cosmetic procedure he underwent in 2021. In an exclusive interview with People, Brown revealed that a buccal fat removal procedure intended to slim his face after pandemic-related weight gain resulted in years of chronic pain and emotional distress. “There’d be times you’d see me smile, and it was tight,” the entertainer explained. “My cheeks would be big because they were full of saliva, full of scar tissue. I was in the worst pain.”
Brown explained that the condition became especially difficult while filming his daytime talk show and continuing work on Queer Eye. He described episodes of facial swelling, dry mouth and chronic pain that made long filming days challenging. Eventually, he sought treatment from Beverly Hills facial plastic surgeon Dr. Carl Truesdale, who performed reconstructive surgery to remove the scar tissue and repair his salivary glands. Brown also underwent a lower blepharoplasty during the same procedure.
“This doctor did the most amazing work,” he raved to People. “I’m so thankful because I was in pain every night, every day. It was horrendous. Thanks to this doctor, I feel so much better. I’m smiling better, there’s not saliva collecting, the scar tissue’s gone. It’s good.”
What’s happening in your body
Chronic pain after surgery occurs when the body’s normal healing process does not fully resolve discomfort or when complications interfere with recovery. Following a facial procedure such as buccal fat removal, tissues undergo inflammation, repair and remodeling. During this process, nerves, muscles, blood vessels and salivary structures must heal properly.
When scar tissue forms excessively, it can create pressure on nearby tissues and nerves. In Brown’s case, he reported that scar tissue obstructed the normal drainage of saliva from his salivary glands. Instead of flowing normally into the mouth, saliva accumulated in the cheeks, leading to swelling, tightness and pain.
The nervous system can also become sensitized after surgery. This means pain signals continue firing long after the initial injury has healed. The Cleveland Clinic notes that medical experts refer to this as chronic or neuropathic pain. Patients may experience burning sensations, aching, tenderness, pressure or discomfort triggered by everyday activities such as talking, chewing, smiling, or even touching the affected area.
Dr. Diana Rangaves, Pharm.D., tells Blavity Health, “Chronic pain reflects altered processing at both peripheral and central levels, often long after the initial tissue injury has healed.”
Common causes of chronic pain
Several factors can contribute to chronic pain after surgery:
- Scar tissue formation
- Nerve irritation or injury
- Chronic inflammation
- Infection
- Salivary gland obstruction
- Jaw joint disorders
- Psychological stress associated with chronic pain
Most cosmetic procedures heal without major complications. However, when one or more of these factors occur, patients may develop symptoms that persist for months or even years.
Karamo Brown’s symptoms were mental and physical
One of the most likely explanations for the symptoms described by Brown is scar tissue-related salivary gland obstruction. Salivary glands continuously produce saliva to help digest food, lubricate the mouth and protect oral tissues. When scar tissue blocks the ducts that carry saliva into the mouth, pressure can build inside the glands and surrounding tissues.
This pressure may create visible swelling, facial fullness, tenderness and pain. Over time, chronic blockage can trigger inflammation and worsen discomfort. Patients may notice symptoms worsening while eating, speaking or during periods of dehydration. Additionally, psychological stress can amplify physical symptoms. Chronic pain often increases anxiety and emotional distress, which can heighten the body’s perception of pain.
As Brown told People, “I felt embarrassed that I did this to myself. I would never do it now, but I couldn’t live with the chronic pain anymore. I couldn’t live with my mouth swelling up and not being able to talk.”
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosing chronic pain typically begins with a detailed medical history and physical examination. Healthcare providers evaluate when symptoms started, whether pain changes over time, and whether associated symptoms such as swelling, numbness or dry mouth are present.
Diagnostic testing may include:
- Ultrasound imaging
- CT scans
- MRI scans
- Salivary gland studies
- Neurological examinations
- Dental and jaw evaluations
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Some patients benefit from anti-inflammatory medications, while others require specialized pain-management therapies. Physical therapy, massage techniques, nerve blocks and medications used for neuropathic pain can also help.
For patients experiencing structural complications, surgery may be necessary to correct the underlying problem. In Brown’s situation, reconstructive surgery ultimately provided relief. According to his interview, surgeons removed scar tissue that had accumulated within his cheeks and repaired the affected salivary gland structures. This type of intervention is typically considered when conservative measures fail, and imaging or clinical examination identifies a clear anatomical cause for symptoms.
Physicians evaluating similar patients often attempt to determine whether pain is primarily mechanical, inflammatory or nerve-related. If scar tissue is restricting movement or blocking ducts, surgery may offer the best chance for improvement. During corrective procedures, surgeons carefully remove problematic tissue while preserving healthy structures.
What is buccal fat removal?
Per the Cleveland Clinic, buccal fat removal is a cosmetic surgical procedure that reduces fullness in the lower cheeks. The procedure targets the buccal fat pads, naturally occurring pockets of fat located deep within the cheeks.
During surgery, a small incision is typically made inside the mouth. The surgeon then removes part of the buccal fat pad to create a more sculpted or angular facial appearance. Because the incision is located inside the mouth, visible scarring is usually minimal.
Like any surgical procedure, buccal fat removal carries risks. Potential complications include infection, bleeding, nerve injury, asymmetry, salivary gland damage and excessive scar tissue formation. While serious complications remain relatively uncommon, Brown’s experience underscores the importance of thoroughly discussing risks and benefits with a qualified, board-certified surgeon before proceeding.
What does living with chronic pain do to a person?
Living with chronic pain affects far more than physical comfort. Research from the CDC has shown that chronic pain can influence nearly every aspect of daily life.
People with chronic pain often experience disrupted sleep, fatigue, difficulty concentrating and reduced productivity. Activities that once seemed simple – such as eating, exercising, socializing or working – can become exhausting.
The emotional consequences can be equally significant. Chronic pain is strongly associated with anxiety, depression, frustration and feelings of isolation. Many people struggle with the fact that others cannot see their pain, which can leave them feeling misunderstood or dismissed.
For public figures like Brown, additional pressure comes from constant public scrutiny. “I was a big boy, and everyone online liked to tell me how much of a big boy I was,” he told People. “So, I was like, ‘Okay, maybe if I slim out my face, I’ll be cute.’ It turned into a year-and-a-half of pain.”
When to see a doctor
Persistent post-surgical pain is a critical indicator that should never be ignored, as it often signals underlying issues that require immediate medical attention. Anyone experiencing ongoing discomfort after a procedure should consult a healthcare professional, particularly if their symptoms steadily worsen rather than improve over time.
While some pain is expected during the initial healing phase, certain warning signs warrant urgent evaluation. These include increasing swelling, an unexpected fever, spreading redness, foul-smelling drainage, sudden numbness, facial weakness, difficulty eating or difficulty swallowing. Furthermore, any pain that severely interferes with daily activities or disrupts your sleep cycle warrants a professional assessment.
Even if these symptoms seem mild or manageable initially, ongoing discomfort that lasts for weeks or months deserves a thorough medical evaluation by your surgical team or a primary care physician. It is a common misconception that enduring chronic pain is just a normal part of “toughing out” a recovery. In reality, early intervention is vital because it allows doctors to identify potential complications before they escalate into much more serious, long-term health problems.
By addressing these warning signs proactively, healthcare providers can adjust your treatment plan, implement targeted pain management strategies, and significantly improve your overall long-term outcomes and quality of life.
Bottom line
Karamo Brown’s story offers an important reminder that cosmetic procedures, while often safe, are still medical interventions that carry risks. His experience with scar tissue buildup, salivary gland obstruction and years of chronic pain demonstrates how complications can affect both physical health and emotional well-being. Fortunately, Brown ultimately found relief through reconstructive surgery and now hopes his story encourages others to seek help when they are struggling. The lessons from Karamo Brown’s chronic pain journey underscore the value of informed decision-making, proper medical follow-up and open conversations about chronic pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Karamo Brown have biological children?
Yes. Brown has a biological son named Jason. He learned he was Jason’s father when the child was nine years old and later gained custody.
What is the ideal age for buccal fat removal?
Johns Hopkins Medicine shares that there is no universally ideal age for buccal fat removal. Most candidates are adults whose facial development is complete, typically in their 20s or older.
Citations
Cleveland Clinic. (2022, June 17). Buccal fat removal: What it is, recovery & before & after. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23396-buccal-fat-removal
Cleveland Clinic. (2023, November 13). Neuropathic pain (nerve pain): What it is, causes & symptoms. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15833-neuropathic-pain
Dowell, D., Ragan, K. R., Jones, C. M., Baldwin, G. T., & Chou, R. (2022). CDC clinical practice guideline for prescribing opioids for pain—United States, 2022. MMWR. Recommendations and Reports, 71(3), 1–95. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.rr7103a1
Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Buccal fat removal. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/cosmetic-procedures/buccal-fat-removal
People. (n.d.). Karamo Brown opens up about plastic surgery and chronic pain. https://people.com/karamo-brown-opens-up-plastic-surgery-chronic-pain-exclusive-1198935