Brazilian social media influencer Juliana Oliveira, widely known as Juju do Pix, has begun a series of reconstructive surgeries after suffering severe facial disfigurement from illegal cosmetic injections.
A Life-Altering Procedure
In 2017, Oliveira visited what she believed was a legitimate clinic for silicone-based filler injections. She received 21 syringes of an unknown substance into her cheeks, only to later discover the injections contained mineral oil and laxatives rather than approved dermal filler.
The procedure was administered without her proper consent by an unlicensed practitioner operating illegally. This devastating revelation came after Oliveira began experiencing severe swelling in her cheeks and eyelids, completely altering her appearance.
The Dangerous Consequences
According to medical experts at Harvard Health, injecting foreign, non-sterile substances like mineral oil into facial tissue can cause serious health complications. The most severe risk includes embolism that can lead to permanent blindness, alongside other potentially life-threatening conditions.
The aftermath left Oliveira struggling both physically and emotionally. She reportedly found it difficult to secure employment and believed she would remain disfigured for life, until recently finding hope through medical intervention.
The Road to Recovery
Last week marked a turning point in Oliveira's journey as she underwent her first major reconstructive surgery with Dr. Thiago Marra, a São Paulo-based plastic surgeon. The complex procedure lasted over four hours and focused on repairing damage to her cheeks and chin area.
Dr. Marra documented the surgery on Instagram, sharing post-operative images showing extensive stitching and expressing optimism about the initial results. "Clot surgery yesterday was a success," he wrote. "Now to follow up with the healing."
This represents just the beginning of Oliveira's reconstruction process, with multiple additional surgeries anticipated to fully address the damage caused by the illegal injections.
A Growing Problem
Oliveira's case highlights a disturbing trend of unregulated cosmetic procedures causing harm. In April 2024 alone, 22 people across 11 US states reported harmful reactions to counterfeit Botox injections administered by unlicensed providers.
These incidents occurred in non-medical settings including spas and private homes between November 2023 and March 2024. The problem extends beyond untrained injectors to include licensed medical professionals being targeted by manufacturers selling counterfeit products.
Last year, New York aesthetician Joey Grant Luther was arrested for ordering counterfeit Botox from China and operating without proper licensing, demonstrating the widespread nature of this dangerous practice.
Oliveira's story serves as a stark warning about the critical importance of verifying medical credentials and ensuring cosmetic procedures are performed by board-certified doctors in approved medical facilities.
