Brazilian influencer Juliana Oliveira has undergone a four-hour reconstructive surgery in an effort to restore her appearance after a disastrously botched cosmetic procedure left her severely disfigured.
Back in 2017, Juliana — a trans woman — visited an unauthorized clinic seeking silicone-based fillers to enhance her facial features and achieve a more feminine look. Instead, the practitioners injected 21 syringes of mineral oil and even laxatives into her cheeks without her approval. Mineral oil, once used decades ago for breast augmentation, is now considered extremely dangerous due to its long-term complications.
The procedure left her skin hardened and distorted. At 32, Juliana said she could barely recognize her own reflection, struggled to find employment, and suffered a major blow to her self-esteem.
After searching for help for eight years, she finally found a surgeon willing to take on her complicated case. In a recent update shared online, Juliana appeared first with her face wrapped in bandages, then later revealed stitched incisions along her cheeks — a sign of the extensive work done.
The surgery, performed at Hospital Indianópolis in São Paulo, involved removing as much damaged tissue as possible. Dr. Thiago Marra, who led the operation, explained that multiple procedures will be necessary in the coming months as her face continues to heal. Because removing too much at once could cause necrosis, the team must proceed gradually.
The first operation was done under local anesthesia, as her limited jaw mobility made intubation dangerous.
Juliana, known online as Juju do Pix, has openly documented her medical journey for her more than 47,000 Instagram followers. Fans raised around $3,700 through crowdfunding to support her treatment; however, because the amount wasn’t enough to cover the full cost, Juliana donated the funds to charity. In a compassionate move, the hospital staff ultimately chose to perform the surgery free of charge.
Despite the ordeal, Juliana continues to maintain her humor and resilience. She frequently posts positive updates and has received an outpouring of support from fans wishing her strength and a fresh start.
Her full reconstruction is expected to take six months to a year, with more surgeries already planned. According to medical experts, mineral oil injections can trigger a slow, destructive inflammatory process, often leaving victims with few affordable treatment options — a problem especially common among people who turn to unlicensed providers.
Dr. Marra hopes Juliana’s recovery will open new doors for her professionally, saying, “She deserves new opportunities. Her dream is to find steady work, and we want that for her too.”
