A 31-year-old Brazilian fashion influencer and designer, Adair Mendes Dutra Junior, known online as Junior Dutra, has tragically died after suffering a serious infection from an illegal “Fox Eyes” cosmetic procedure performed by a dentist.
Second The sunDutra suffered the controversy Fox eyes thread lift surgery in March 2025, aiming to achieve the sharp, elongated eye look popularized by celebrities and influencers. However, the procedure went horribly wrong, causing massive facial swelling, pain and, ultimately, a fatal infection.
Dutra, who had 118,000 followers on Instagram, described his agony in an interview before his death: “Right after surgery, I felt like a vein had popped on the left side of my face. The right side was fine, but the left felt like wires were coming out from under my skin.”
Shortly after, she began suffering from severe pain, bruising and swelling on her face. His condition worsened dramatically in late September and he was rushed to a hospital in Sao Paulo, where he died on October 3 due to serious complications related to the infection.
Before his death, Dutra had already filed a lawsuit against the dentist responsible for his surgery, accusing him of illegal medical practice, fraud and aggravated bodily harm.
The lawsuit alleged that the doctor used a dental registration number instead of a valid medical license, refused to submit the patient’s medical records and obstructed the investigation.
Despite his declining health, Dutra had shared his determination to recover and return to his career as a fashion and beauty creator, a dream cut short by tragedy.
THE Fox eyes The trend, popularized by models and influencers around the world, involves placing biodegradable threads under the skin to lift the outer corners of the eyes, creating an almond-shaped “feline” look.
Although minimally invasive, experts warn that the procedure carries serious risks, including infection, nerve damage, bleeding and wire migration. Results typically last a few weeks to a year, depending on the technique and materials used.
Dr Omar Tillo, a plastic surgeon at London’s CREO Clinic, has warned that the booming “cosmetic tourism” industry is driving patients into unsafe and unregulated clinics in search of low-cost beauty solutions.
“Many foreign beauty centers rely on manipulated images and exaggerated claims,” he said. “Facilities in Türkiye, Poland and Thailand often prioritize price competition over medical safety. It is extremely dangerous.”
He also cautioned against flying long distances after surgery: “Postoperative air travel may increase the risk of blood clots, leading to deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.”
Medical professionals say Dutra’s death should serve as a reminder of the dangers of unverified medical procedures.
“Just because a treatment is trending online doesn’t mean it’s safe,” commented a Korean plastic surgeon. “Always confirm the practitioner’s license, clinic certification, and standards of post-procedure care. Your life could depend on it.”
With the Fox eyes trend still widespread TikTok AND InstagramDutra’s case has reignited calls for stricter international regulations on cosmetic procedures performed outside licensed medical settings.
Sources: The Sun, KorMedi, CREO Clinic
