Brandi Glanville’s appearance at the Sundance Film Festival, following a recent procedure with plastic surgeon Dr. Nicholas Nikolov, marks a significant moment in her two-year-long public battle with a mysterious facial disfigurement she attributes to a parasite.
Brandi Glanville is making headlines as she prepares for a high-profile public appearance, sharing a new look she credits to her ongoing medical journey. The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum took to Instagram on Sunday, Jan. 25, to thank plastic surgeon Dr. Nicholas Nikolov for “preparing” her for the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, a major event in Park City, Utah.
Glanville captioned her selfie, which shows her smiling, “Thank you Dr. Nicholas Nikolov the amazing CellSound and for preparing me for The Sundance Film festival & looking forward PBM Princess movie event at Kemo Sabe.” This appearance follows her attendance at a screening for the documentary Side Effects May Include: The Hidden Costs of Prescription Drugs at the same venue on Jan. 24.
The post is the latest development in a saga that has captivated and concerned fans since July 2023. For nearly two and a half years, Glanville has been openly documenting her struggle with a severe facial disfigurement, a condition she believes was caused by something she consumed while filming Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip in Morocco. She has consistently shared the theory that a “facial parasite” is living just below her skin, causing visible changes and sensations she describes as “tiny bubbles bursting.” In a previous interview, she even stated, “I feel like it’s s—ing or having babies in my face.”
This journey has led her on a quest for answers and treatment, involving a wide array of medical and dental specialists. In December 2024, she revealed she had spent upwards of $70,000 on various procedures and consultations to address the issue. Her search has included infectious disease specialists, dental surgeons, and even a consultation with Botched star Dr. Terry Dubrow. Dubrow suggested the problem might not be a parasite but rather a “foreign body,” warning that the condition was a “ticking time bomb” that could worsen and cause more scarring if left untreated.
The Sundance appearance, facilitated by Dr. Nikolov, represents a potential turning point. While Glanville has not received a definitive public diagnosis for her condition, her proactive approach and the visible results shared on her social media platform suggest a new phase of management and recovery. Her candidness has not only kept her fans informed but has also brought attention to the complexities of seeking medical help for rare and undiagnosed conditions, especially under the intense scrutiny of the public eye.
Her public health battle has also intersected with her professional life. In November 2025, she was noted to be “working on getting [her] smile back” with the help of Beverly Hills Dental Arts, and in January 2026, she was consulting with dental surgeon Dr. Homayoon Bayrami, highlighting her holistic approach to her well-being. By stepping out at a major cultural event like Sundance, Glanville is signaling a message of resilience and a determination to move forward, turning a page on a difficult chapter.
For fans of the reality TV personality, Glanville’s Sundance debut is more than just a red-carpet moment; it’s a symbol of her perseverance. Her story has resonated widely, sparking conversations about health, the pressures of celebrity, and the challenges of navigating the medical system without a clear diagnosis. Her journey from a state of distress to a position where she can confidently attend a prestigious festival underscores a significant personal victory.
As Glanville continues to manage her health, her public appearances will be closely watched. Her presence at Sundance, backed by the support of her medical team, offers a hopeful glimpse into her future and serves as a powerful testament to her strength in the face of a prolonged and very public health crisis.
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