Former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Brandi Glanville is facing a challenging health battle with a suspected facial parasite that has caused significant disfigurement. The 52-year-old recently opened up about her two-year struggle on PageSix’s Virtual Reali-Tea podcast, detailing the emotional and physical toll it has taken on her.
Glanville described her face as “sinking in,” preferring the appearance when it’s slightly swollen. She expressed feeling self-conscious, stating that the sunken appearance makes her feel like she “looks like a crackhead.” The reality star is desperately seeking answers and a solution, admitting she’s tried various treatments, including antibiotics, but the problem persists. She revealed that she experiences periods of normalcy, but they are fleeting, lasting only days rather than weeks. Glanville explained that the swelling often fluctuates, sometimes affecting only one side of her face, causing it to look as though she has “a really big meatball” in her cheek.
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Glanville has been open about the financial burden of her condition, reportedly spending $70,000 on treatments. She described the swelling as being filled with an “oily fluid” and admitted that the disfigurement has severely impacted her mental health, leading to deep depression and isolation. The holiday season has been particularly challenging, as she feels unable to participate in social gatherings due to her appearance. Glanville also shared that her condition has frightened her children on occasion, prompting her to wear a mask at home to shield them from her “scary” face.
The ongoing health issue has also affected Glanville’s ability to work. She confessed that even if she were able to, her current emotional state prevents her from doing so. This has resulted in what she describes as “a really rough two years.” In an effort to be transparent with her fans, Glanville shared a photo of her facial disfigurement on X (formerly Twitter) earlier this month.
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Looking ahead to 2025, Glanville expressed her desire to overcome this health challenge, emphasizing that “health is wealth.” She shared this sentiment in an interview with Entertainment Tonight, highlighting her hope for a healthier future. Glanville’s ongoing struggle with facial disfigurement underscores the significant physical and emotional impact of health issues, and her candor offers insight into the challenges she faces daily.