Brazilian social media influencer Junior Dutra dies at 31 after fox eyes cosmetic surgery complications; sparking safety concerns over trendy procedures

Brazilian social media influencer Adair Mendes Dutra Junior, widely known as Junior Dutra, has died at the age of 31 following severe complications from a cosmetic procedure. Known for his vibrant social media presence and lifestyle content, Junior had gained a large following on Instagram. His untimely death has sent shockwaves through the Brazilian beauty community and among his over 100,000 followers.

The tragedy unfolded after he underwent a popular cosmetic procedure called the “fox eyes” surgery, which aims to lift and elongate the outer corners of the eyes for a more striking, model-like appearance. What was intended as a simple beauty enhancement turned fatal, highlighting the potential dangers of trendy cosmetic procedures.


Cosmetic fox eyes procedure leads to alarming post-surgery complications
Junior Dutra reportedly underwent the fox eyes procedure in March, performed by celebrity dentist Fernando Simionato Garbi. The influencer had publicly shared videos documenting the procedure, later revealing significant swelling, bruising, and redness around his eyes.

Following the treatment, Junior developed a serious infection, which persisted despite dermatological care. In an interview with Brazilian outlet Feed TV, just a month before his death, he shared his deteriorating health: “I didn’t expect it to get this bad.” He described frequent hospital visits as he struggled to recover from post-procedure complications.

This situation underscores a critical point: even procedures that appear minimally invasive or cosmetic can carry severe health risks if complications arise.


Understanding fox eyes surgery and its risks

The fox eyes or cat eyes surgery has surged in popularity in recent years, inspired by celebrities like Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner. The procedure is designed to create an almond-shaped, lifted eye by raising the outer corners, giving a youthful and striking appearance.

According to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS), several methods can achieve this look, including:

• PDO thread lifts: Threads are inserted under the skin to lift the brow or eye corners.
• Dermal fillers: Injectable substances can slightly raise the outer eye area.
• Surgical brow lifts: A more invasive method that repositions tissue for a long-lasting effect.

Despite their popularity, these treatments are not risk-free. The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) warns that complications can include:

• Nerve damage
• Tissue necrosis (skin death)
• Scarring
• Rarely, life-threatening complications

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also cautioned against the use of PDO threads for eyebrow or eyelid lifts, noting potential for permanent disfigurement, severe swelling, and long-lasting pain.


Recognising warning signs after cosmetic procedures

Medical experts emphasise the importance of monitoring for early warning signs of complications. Post-procedure symptoms that should not be ignored include:

• Redness or swelling around the treated area
• Pus or unusual discharge
• Persistent pain
• Fever or chills

To minimise risks, specialists recommend:

• Verifying the qualifications and licensing of the practitioner
• Ensuring procedures are performed in reputable medical facilities
• Avoiding cosmetic procedures in salons or unregulated spaces
• Asking questions about the techniques, products, and potential risks

Rapid health decline and fatal complications following cosmetic procedure

Junior Dutra’s health reportedly worsened rapidly in his final days. His close friend Gean Souza told Brazilian magazine Quem that he began experiencing shortness of breath and extreme weakness. As reported by The US Sun, on October 3, Junior was rushed to a public hospital in São Paulo after severe respiratory distress. Despite emergency care, he could not be saved. His sudden passing left fans and the online beauty community in shock, illustrating how quickly post-procedure complications can escalate.


Legal battle and allegations raise concerns over cosmetic procedure oversight

Adding further complexity to the tragedy, Junior had filed a police complaint prior to his death. Legal documents obtained by Brazilian outlet Portland Leo Dias reveal that Junior accused Garbi of performing medical procedures outside his professional license and impersonating a doctor. The complaint included charges of illegal medical practice, fraud, and causing serious bodily harm. Junior had also requested an official investigation by the 15th Police District of São Paulo.

Garbi, through legal representatives, denied any wrongdoing and maintained that his procedures were performed legally and safely under proper supervision. The case highlights the need for stronger regulatory oversight in cosmetic procedures, particularly those fueled by social media trends.