Farrah Abraham is unable to speak after undergoing double-disc jaw surgery.
The former “Teen Mom” star, 35, had the procedure to address degenerative disc disease that has left her unable to fully open her mouth, her manager Chrissy Johnston confirmed to multiple outlets. Abraham first revealed her diagnosis earlier this year during an appearance on the Pillow Talk podcast, where she explained the condition involves the cushioning in the spine wearing away. Despite previously stating she wanted no more surgeries after spending years undergoing cosmetic procedures, she went forward with the major jaw realignment operation.
Johnston said that Abraham’s jaw is now wired shut and her face is extremely swollen. “Farrah cannot speak because her jaw is wired shut, and her face is extremely swollen. She is in a severe amount of pain and is really struggling, both physically and mentally,” she said.
The manager added that Abraham has also lost hearing in her right ear following the surgery. “To make matters worse, she has also lost hearing in her right ear. I hope and pray that her pain eases soon and that her hearing returns to normal over time,” Johnston continued.
Abraham believes her jaw problems trace back to trauma from a past sexual assault, according to her manager. “She believes the trauma and stress from the assault affected her nervous system and contributed to the damage she has experienced,” Johnston explained.
The recovery timeline is extensive. Johnston said that Abraham “still has a long road ahead” and is taking things one day at a time. “She’s not having the easiest time right now” but is “doing her best to stay positive,” the manager added.
The surgery itself is designed to realign the upper and lower jaws to improve facial appearance, oral health, and function, according to the Deschamps-Braly Clinic. The clinic notes the procedure can address chronic jaw pain, jaw misalignment, obstructive sleep apnea, and temporomandibular joint disorders.
Abraham’s history with cosmetic procedures has been extensive and expensive. She has alleged spending $50,000 on her lips over the years and underwent her first breast augmentation at age 19. She had previously expressed reluctance about additional surgeries before this medically necessary jaw procedure became unavoidable.
The “16 and Pregnant” alum shares one daughter, Sophia, with her late boyfriend Derek Underwood. Photos published by the show Abraham looking dramatically different in the immediate aftermath of the surgery, with significant facial swelling.
Her manager painted a stark picture of the current challenges Abraham faces. “After everything she has already endured, to now be left in excruciating pain, unable to speak or open her mouth to eat normally for months, is an enormous amount for anyone to endure. She is going through an incredibly difficult time right now,” Johnston said.
The two-month speech loss means Abraham will be communicating through non-verbal methods during a significant portion of her recovery. She is currently on a liquid diet as she heals from the invasive procedure.
Abraham’s health crisis comes as another “Teen Mom” alum, Bristol Palin, also faced serious medical issues this year. Palin was hospitalized at the beginning of 2024 when one side of her face became paralyzed, with doctors diagnosing Bell’s palsy and suggesting stress as a potential trigger.