Brazilian social media influencer Adair Mendes Dutra Junior, popularly known as Junior Dutra, has died at the age of 31 after facing severe complications from a cosmetic procedure gone wrong. According to Brazilian media reports, Junior underwent a trendy cosmetic treatment known as the ‘fox eyes’ surgery, which gives the eyes a lifted, elongated shape, similar to those often seen on celebrities and models. However, what was supposed to be a simple beauty enhancement ended in tragedy.
A cosmetic procedure that turned deadly
According to People, the influencer reportedly developed a serious infection after the procedure, which was allegedly performed in March by celebrity dentist Fernando Simionato Garbi. Junior had posted videos of himself undergoing the treatment, later showing visible bruises, swelling, and redness around his eyes.
Just a month before his death, he opened up about his deteriorating health in an interview with Brazilian outlet Feed TV, where he said he had been under dermatological care due to a persistent infection. “I didn’t expect it to get this bad,” he had reportedly said, sharing that he had been in and out of hospitals since the surgery.
What is the ‘Fox Eyes’ surgery?
The ‘fox eyes’ or ‘cat eyes’ surgery has become one of the biggest beauty trends in recent years. Inspired by celebrities and models like Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner, the look aims to give the eyes a lifted, almond-like shape.
According to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS), this look can be achieved through a few different methods, such as PDO thread lifts, fillers, or even surgical brow lifts, all designed to slightly raise the outer corners of the eyes for a more youthful, elongated appearance.
But doctors warn that just because the procedure looks quick or ‘non-surgical’ doesn’t mean it’s safe. According to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), thread lifts and similar ‘designer eye’ procedures can lead to serious side effects if they’re not done by qualified professionals. These can include infections, nerve damage, skin death (called tissue necrosis), and scarring. In rare cases, complications can even become life-threatening.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also raised red flags. It hasn’t approved PDO threads for lifting the brow or eyelid area, warning that unregulated use can cause severe swelling, long-lasting pain, or even permanent disfigurement.
As per Cleveland Clinic, after any cosmetic procedure, people should watch for warning signs like redness, fever, swelling, pain, or pus, which may indicate infection. If ignored, these infections can spread quickly and become dangerous.
So what can you do to stay safe? Experts recommend taking a few simple but important precautions. Always check your doctor’s qualifications and make sure they’re properly certified and licensed. Only get cosmetic procedures done in reputable medical facilities, never in beauty salons or spas. And don’t hesitate to ask questions about the products, techniques, and risks involved before agreeing to any treatment.
His final days: ‘He was struggling to breathe’
Junior’s close friend, Gean Souza, spoke to the Brazilian magazine Quem and revealed that the influencer’s condition worsened rapidly. “He started having shortness of breath and was feeling very weak,” Souza recalled.
On October 3, Junior was rushed to a public hospital in São Paulo after experiencing severe respiratory distress. Unfortunately, he could not be saved. His death has since left his more than 100,000 Instagram followers and the online beauty community in shock.
The legal battle before his death
What makes the case even more disturbing is that Junior had already filed a police complaint before his passing. According to legal documents obtained by Brazilian news outlet Portland Leo Dias, Junior accused Garbi of posing as a medical doctor and performing a procedure outside his professional license.
The complaint listed six charges, including illegal medical practice, fraud, and causing serious bodily harm. Junior had also reportedly requested an official investigation by the 15th Police District of São Paulo.
Garbi, through his lawyers, has denied any wrongdoing and distanced himself from Junior’s death. He maintains that his procedures are performed legally and safely under proper supervision.