Former "Queer Eye" contestant« Karamo Brown has been a public figure for over two decades. In recent years, the media personality has been dogged by rumors of plastic surgery. Now, several months after the end of the popular Netflix series, he is openly discussing the chronic pain and other issues that arose as a result of buccal fat removal.
Karamo Brown has denied rumors of plastic surgery. O'Connor/AFF-USA.com / MEGA
In June 2026, Brown gave an interview to PEOPLE magazine. During the conversation, long-standing rumors about extreme plastic surgery surfaced, and the former "Queer Eye" star not only confirmed she had undergone plastic surgery but also described the pain she experienced after having buccal fat removed.
He began: "For years, people would say, 'Karamo has had plastic surgery. He has so much filler in his face.' I'd say, 'You know what? I can't say anything because you can't argue with trolls.' But I was in pain for years, and no one knew.".
Regarding his motivation for the procedure, Brown said he gained about 70 pounds (approximately 32 kg) during the 2020 pandemic. He believed he would look better if his face became slimmer. However, instead, "it turned into a year and a half of pain.".
Brown experienced complications during the procedure.
MEGA Credit: Mega
After buccal fat removal, Brown experienced complications in the form of scar tissue and saliva buildup. The 45-year-old says, "There were times when you'd see me smile, and my smile would be strained. My cheeks would be big because they were full of saliva and scar tissue. I was in terrible pain.".
After that, in 2022, Brown landed his own syndicated daytime talk show. Unfortunately, the surgery he underwent made filming the show difficult. He said, "I was filming six episodes a day, and sometimes during filming, my mouth would get really dry and swollen.".
Taking matters into his own hands, Brown lost 70 pounds (about 32 kg) during the show's second season, stating, "The more weight I lost, the less scar tissue was visible.".
He added, "The scars and drool were still there, but since I'd lost weight, it looked more or less normal. I stopped eating because it made me feel better when the scars went down." Brown also revealed that his "Queer Eye" co-stars made snide comments about his changed appearance.
In his words, "People start looking at you differently, and they don't say anything, but you feel it. It was as painful as how I perceived myself. I even remember one of my former co-stars [on the show "Queer Eye"] watching an old clip from the last season and saying, 'Oh, look how handsome he used to be.'".
Brown continued: "I was like, 'Okay, girl, I get your little taunt, but that's okay.' These things hurt. They hurt feelings.".
The "Queer Eye" contestant later underwent a repeat procedure.
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Brown continued to share touching details of his treatment, confirming that he had reversed the effects of a previous, unsuccessful surgery. Discussing the reasons behind his decision, he explained, "I was ashamed that I had done this to myself. I would never do it again, but I couldn't live with chronic pain anymore. I couldn't live with a swollen mouth and the inability to speak.".
Speaking about his experience after a recent surgery, he stated, "This doctor did an amazing job. I'm so grateful because I was in pain every night and every day. It was horrible. Thanks to this doctor, I feel so much better. I smile more often, my drool is gone, and the scar tissue is gone. It's amazing.".
Brown also revealed that he underwent blepharoplasty during the same procedure. He candidly shared, "To be honest, I said, 'While we're under anesthesia, can you remove my bags under my eyes?' I'm 45! He removed about 60% of my bags.".
Karamo Brown broke up with his girlfriend in 2025.
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA
Brown began dating a photographer Carlos Medel in 2021, after breaking off his engagement to the director in September 2020 Ian Jordan. However, according to US Weekly, she and Medel split in February 2025, with the photographer confirming the breakup on social media.
Then, towards the end of the year, Brown appeared on Watch What Happens Live and confirmed that he was single, before playfully flirting with the host. Andy Cohen .
Brown's talk show is coming to an end.
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Brown launched his daytime talk show, Karamo, in 2022. However, according to Variety, NBCUniversal has decided not to renew it, along with several other talk shows in syndication, including The Steve Wilkos Show and Access Hollywood.
New episodes of the series "Karamo" will air throughout the summer.
The article "Karamo Brown Breaks Silence on Failed Plastic Surgery" first appeared on The Blast.