Former The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Brandi Glanville has revealed that she recently underwent surgery to remove a ruptured breast implant, a condition she believes contributed to years of unexplained medical problems.
The 53-year-old television personality described the experience as “terrifying” ahead of the procedure, saying she hoped the operation would finally allow her to regain her health. In an interview segment shared by Inside Edition on February 17, Glanville said she had endured a long period of debilitating symptoms without a clear diagnosis.
Years of Unexplained Symptoms
Glanville reported experiencing a range of health issues, including hair loss, persistent fatigue, joint pain, and the development of painful lumps on her face and neck. The symptoms, which she said worsened over time, led her to consult multiple doctors and undergo extensive testing.
Plastic surgeon Dr. Ariel Ourian ultimately identified what he described as a “complete rupture” in one of Glanville’s breast implants—devices she said had been in place for nearly 20 years. According to Dr. Ourian, some patients develop a condition often referred to as breast implant illness, in which complications may affect various parts of the body.
He emphasized the importance of removing leaked silicone material, noting that untreated ruptures can potentially contribute to systemic symptoms.
Complicated Procedure, Early Relief
During the surgery, doctors discovered that the implant damage was more severe than initially expected. Dr. Ourian described the implant as having been fully torn, making the procedure more complex.
Despite the challenges, Glanville said she began noticing improvement within a week of the operation. At a follow-up appointment, she shared that she felt cautiously optimistic after years of struggling with her health.
“I’ve been isolating for three years,” she said, describing the ordeal as extremely difficult. “Now I want to live my life again.”
A Long and Costly Medical Journey
Glanville first went public with her health concerns in July 2023, initially believing an unidentified illness—or even a parasite—might be responsible for the swelling, facial irregularities, and painful jaw lumps she experienced.
Over nearly three years, she sought answers from numerous specialists and underwent a series of diagnostic tests. By December 2024, she disclosed that she had spent more than $70,000 on medical consultations and treatments while searching for a cause.
In early 2025, she continued to express frustration over her worsening condition, saying at the time that her appearance and symptoms had deteriorated significantly.
Discovery of the Rupture
The implant rupture was only discovered after additional imaging, including a sonogram, despite earlier mammograms showing no obvious issues. Glanville said she was surprised by the finding because the implants had appeared normal for years.
Reflecting on the experience, she acknowledged that she had not replaced the implants within the commonly recommended timeframe.
“You really should change your breast implants every 10 years, and I just didn’t,” she said, adding that the situation taught her a difficult lesson about long-term medical maintenance.
Glanville now hopes that addressing the rupture will mark a turning point in her recovery and allow her to resume normal life after years of uncertainty.
