In a heart-wrenching incident that has captured national attention, a woman from Guangxi province, China, tragically passed away after undergoing six cosmetic surgeries in just 24 hours. This shocking event has led her family to file a lawsuit against the clinic involved, seeking compensation of 1.2 million yuan (about $168,000).
A Glamorous Dream Turns Tragic
On December 9, 2020, the woman, known as Liu, traveled from her rural home in Guigang to a clinic in Nanning, where she took out a loan exceeding 40,000 yuan (approximately $5,600) to fund her procedures. Liu started her journey with double eyelid surgery and a nose job, which consumed five hours of surgery time. The next day, she underwent liposuction on her thighs, with the extracted fat being injected into her face and breasts, which also took five hours.
Despite the excitement of her cosmetic transformation, the situation took a dire turn when Liu collapsed just moments after being discharged from the clinic on December 11. The clinic staff attempted emergency measures, and she was rushed to The Second Nanning People’s Hospital but was declared dead later that afternoon.
Findings and the Aftermath
An autopsy revealed that Liu died from acute respiratory failure caused by pulmonary embolism after liposuction. At the time of her passing, her daughter was only eight years old, and her son was just four.
Liu’s family quickly sought legal action against the clinic, demanding 1.18 million yuan (around $251,000) in compensation for their immense loss. Her husband recounted, “The clinic offered me 200,000 yuan as compensation. I said that for a person’s death, at least one million yuan should be paid.” He initially declined a private settlement, insisting the matter be brought to court.
Investigations into the case showed that while the clinic had the necessary licenses, the legal representatives of the clinic claimed Liu was responsible for understanding the risks of cosmetic surgery. They argued that the autopsy findings did not prove any malpractice. However, the clinic faced criticism for failing to provide treatment standards when requested during legal proceedings.
Court Rulings and Public Outcry
In May 2021, the court ruled that the clinic was fully liable for Liu’s death, ordering them to pay over one million yuan in compensation. However, the clinic appealed, and the decision was revised in August 2023, stating the clinic shared responsibility and reducing the compensation to 590,000 yuan. The court indicated that the clinic did not adequately assess the risks associated with the surgeries.
This case has not only led to court judgments but has also ignited a wave of anger on social media, gathering over 50 million views. Comments from the public have ranged from disbelief at the clinic’s decisions to condemnation of the pressures placed on individuals seeking cosmetic enhancements. Social media users have shared their shock: “Six surgeries in one day? Did the clinic not consider the risk of complications?” and “This clinic has no conscience!”
The Bigger Picture: Cosmetic Surgery in China
This incident highlights a troubling aspect of the cosmetic surgery industry in China. According to a report from iResearch Consulting in 2020, only 24% of practitioners in the field are legally licensed, with many operating without authorization. Alarmingly, illegal procedures can lead to roughly 100,000 cases of disability or death each year.
As the conversation surrounding cosmetic surgery continues, this tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers and the ethical responsibilities that clinics must uphold. Liu’s story is a poignant call for awareness regarding the risks of cosmetic procedures and the need for stringent regulations to protect vulnerable individuals pursuing beauty.