After Living Seven Years With a 4-Pound Tumor on His Face, One Man Shares His Emotional Fight for Help and Hope
For seven long years, Ron has lived with something that most people could never imagine — a massive, four-pound tumor growing on the side of his face. What started as a small lump slowly turned into a heavy, visible burden that not only changed his appearance but also took over nearly every part of his daily life.
Now, in PEOPLE’s exclusive preview of TLC’s new show About Face, Ron opens up about his struggle, his fears, and his determination to finally reclaim his life. The episode introduces him as he meets Dr. Andre Panossian, a Los Angeles-based plastic surgeon known for tackling some of the most complex facial reconstruction cases in the world. But even for Dr. Panossian, Ron’s condition is alarming.
The tumor, which weighs around four pounds, has become more than just a physical problem — it’s a constant reminder of how fragile life can be. Over time, it has stretched the skin around his cheek and jaw, making it difficult for him to eat, speak, and even sleep comfortably. The emotional toll is just as severe. Ron shares how he used to avoid mirrors, how strangers’ stares became unbearable, and how isolation slowly replaced what used to be a normal life.
When Dr. Panossian first examines him, the concern in his voice is clear. The tumor’s size and placement are dangerous, and removing it won’t be easy. “If we don’t act soon,” he warns gently, “this could become a death sentence.” Those words hang heavy in the room, echoing not just the medical risk but the emotional weight Ron has carried for years.
Despite the grim outlook, there’s a spark of hope in Ron’s eyes. He explains that for so long, he’s felt trapped in a body that no longer feels like his own. But now, for the first time, there’s a real chance that things could change. The show captures his raw emotion as he talks about wanting to look in the mirror without fear — to smile again, to walk outside without people turning their heads in pity or confusion.
Dr. Panossian and his team discuss a surgical plan that could remove the tumor and reconstruct part of Ron’s face. It’s a risky procedure, one that could take multiple stages, but it’s also his only hope for survival. What stands out most, however, isn’t the complexity of the surgery — it’s Ron’s quiet courage. Even in pain, even facing uncertainty, he speaks with a calm resilience that’s deeply moving.
As he opens up to the camera, Ron admits that his biggest motivation isn’t just physical recovery. It’s about getting his life back — the small moments most people take for granted. Going to dinner with friends, laughing without discomfort, or even taking a photo without feeling ashamed. He says he’s tired of living in the shadows and ready to fight for the life he once had.
The new TLC series About Face aims to highlight stories like Ron’s — people whose faces tell more than just a medical story, but an emotional one. Each episode follows patients confronting rare facial conditions, showing how advanced medicine, empathy, and human connection can bring transformation beyond the skin.
As the preview ends, Ron’s gratitude for Dr. Panossian’s willingness to help shines through. He knows the road ahead won’t be easy, but he also knows he’s not facing it alone anymore. “For the first time in years,” he says softly, “I feel like there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.”
Ron’s journey is a powerful reminder that behind every medical condition lies a person longing for dignity, normalcy, and hope. His courage reflects the resilience of countless others living with visible differences — proof that sometimes, the hardest battles are the ones that shape the strongest spirits.
