Brandi Glanville, the 52-year-old reality TV personality, has been grappling with a perplexing health issue characterized by abnormal facial swelling, which she initially suspected to be caused by “face parasites.” Her public plight caught the attention of renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Terry Dubrow, who, while skeptical of the parasite theory, expressed concern over Glanville’s lack of a definitive diagnosis. Dubrow publicly offered his assistance via TMZ, emphasizing the urgency of identifying the underlying cause of Glanville’s condition. This public outreach prompted a positive response from Glanville, who confirmed via social media that she and Dubrow had been in contact and planned to discuss her situation further. She expressed gratitude for his offer of help and clarified that she harbored no ill will towards him. This exchange marked a significant step in Glanville’s ongoing quest for answers and a solution to her distressing health predicament.
Glanville’s health journey has been marked by extensive medical consultations and testing. She revealed having spent upwards of $70,000 seeking a diagnosis, including a substantial $10,000 on comprehensive lab work. Despite these efforts, a conclusive explanation for her facial swelling remained elusive. The initial suggestion of a parasitic infection arose after numerous other avenues had been explored, including the possibility of complications from previous facial fillers. However, Glanville dismissed this theory, stating that she hadn’t received fillers recently and any previous ones had already dissolved. The evolving nature of her symptoms and the lack of a clear diagnosis added to the complexity and frustration of her situation.
The initial onset of Glanville’s symptoms included significant swelling that impacted her ability to speak. She initially attributed her condition to food poisoning contracted during a trip to Morocco for the filming of “The Real Housewives: The Ultimate Girls Trip.” However, as her symptoms persisted and evolved, the possibility of a parasitic infection emerged. Glanville described a sensation of movement beneath her skin, claiming that manipulating the affected area would cause the sensation to shift, accompanied by what appeared to be tiny bubbles bursting on the surface. This unusual symptom further fueled the speculation of a parasitic cause, although medical professionals remained cautious in their assessment.
Dr. Dubrow, having observed Glanville’s public statements and images of her facial swelling, voiced his professional opinion, suggesting that the cause was likely not parasitic in nature, nor related to ingested substances. He hypothesized that the issue stemmed from a microorganism that had entered her bloodstream. This differed significantly from Glanville’s self-diagnosis, highlighting the importance of obtaining a professional medical evaluation. Dubrow stressed the urgency of identifying and addressing the underlying cause, warning that delaying treatment could lead to more severe complications and potentially permanent damage.
Dr. Dubrow’s primary concern centered around the potential for the unidentified microorganism to continue causing damage within Glanville’s facial tissues. He used the analogy of a “ticking time bomb,” emphasizing the potential for worsening symptoms, scarring, and the formation of nodules if the infection remained untreated. He advocated for a surgical intervention to obtain a tissue sample for analysis, a crucial step in determining the exact nature of the microorganism and formulating an appropriate treatment plan. This proactive approach, he argued, would offer the best chance of minimizing long-term damage and facilitating a full recovery.
Glanville’s acceptance of Dr. Dubrow’s offer of assistance marked a pivotal moment in her health journey. Her willingness to seek further expert opinion, coupled with Dubrow’s expertise in the field of reconstructive surgery, offered a glimmer of hope for a resolution. Her public acknowledgment of their communication and her ongoing consultations with specialists at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center demonstrated a proactive approach to addressing her complex medical issue. While the ultimate cause of her facial swelling remained undetermined, the collaboration between Glanville and Dubrow signaled a promising step towards obtaining a definitive diagnosis and embarking on a path toward recovery.
