Brandi Glanville's Costly Health Battle Over Facial Disfigurement
Brandi Glanville has disclosed that she expended a staggering $200,000 to uncover the cause of her facial disfigurement, a journey that involved numerous medical consultations and ultimately traced back to ruptured breast implants. The former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, 53, shared her ordeal on the I Do, Part 2 podcast, highlighting the financial and emotional toll of her health struggles.
The Initial Symptoms and Medical Consultations
Glanville first began experiencing symptoms about three years ago, including pain in her neck, head, and joints, along with brain fog. Despite consulting 21 doctors, she remained without a clear diagnosis, leading her to pay out-of-pocket for specialists such as infectious disease doctors and rheumatologists. I had insurance ... but let's just say it sucks, she remarked, emphasizing the inadequacy of her coverage.
Discovery of the Root Cause
In December 2024, Glanville revealed a suspected parasite on her face, spending $70,000 on treatment. However, in January 2025, Dr. Terry Dubrow from Botched suggested her disfigurement stemmed from an infectious process or foreign body reaction. It was only after speaking with her manager, who had undergone multiple breast surgeries, that Glanville pursued a sonogram. This imaging revealed a complete rupture of her right breast implant, with silicone spreading to her lymph nodes, causing her symptoms.
Surgical Intervention and Recovery
Earlier this month, Glanville underwent surgery with plastic surgeon Dr. Ariel Ourian to remove the damaged implants. Dr. Ourian described the case as really complicated, noting the implant was torn and worse than expected. A week post-surgery, Glanville reported feeling better, stating, I may have been isolated for three years, it's been hell. But now I want to live my life again. I'm ready. She plans to replace the implants with newer, lower-risk versions.
Broader Implications and Reflections
Glanville's experience sheds light on the challenges of diagnosing complex health issues and the high costs often borne by patients. Her story underscores the importance of thorough medical investigations and the potential risks associated with breast implants. As she moves forward, Glanville hopes her journey will raise awareness and help others facing similar health battles.
