Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a nose job, can transform lives—but for Chinese star Gao Liu, it led to a nightmare.
The pressure of appearance and the decision to get rhinoplasty
Gao Liu, a Chinese actress and singer, has dreamed of being on stage since she was a child.
She believed that a perfect appearance was a must for surviving in the harsh entertainment industry.
After seeing a friend’s successful nose job, Gao was encouraged to explore rhinoplasty, eventually being recommended to a clinic that was popular on social media.
In October 2020, she decided to undergo the surgery. But just a week later, her nose began turning black.
Doctors diagnosed necrosis, meaning the tissue at the tip of her nose had completely died.
Gao shared, “I broke down. I’ve always cared so much about my appearance. I thought my whole life was ruined.”
Rhinoplasty: benefits, risks, and the dark side of nose jobs
Essentially, rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that alters the structure of the nose for aesthetic or health reasons.
However, if performed by an unqualified professional or in an unregulated environment, the risks of complications are very high.
According to the Mayo Clinic, aside from the cosmetic and health benefits, rhinoplasty can cause complications such as infection, breathing issues, numbness, scarring, and even tissue necrosis — as seen in Gao Liu’s case.
After the surgery, several specialists confirmed that her nose might be beyond repair.
This not only affected her career but also caused severe psychological distress to the young actress.
Public outrage and official investigation
After sharing her traumatic experience on the social media platform Weibo, Gao quickly attracted massive attention.
Her post garnered over one billion views, sparking outrage among the public and prompting authorities to step in.
Within two months, the Guangzhou Health Commission revealed the results of their investigation: the surgeon who performed Gao’s rhinoplasty lacked proper qualifications to conduct unsupervised plastic surgery.
Moreover, the clinic had been fined five times since opening in 2019.
As a result, the surgeon was banned from practicing for six months, and the clinic was fined $6,700 and shut down.
However, Gao later claimed that the doctor continued to perform surgeries at another location, despite the ban.
The lasting lessons from Gao Liu’s rhinoplasty nightmare
Gao Liu’s experience is not only a personal tragedy but also a wake-up call about the risks involved in cosmetic surgery.
Many young people today overlook the potential dangers of rhinoplasty, focusing only on the end result while disregarding safety measures.
Through her bravery in speaking out, Gao has not only defended herself but also raised awareness about the importance of choosing a licensed and trustworthy clinic.
Her story underscores that the price of a poor decision can be a ruined career, health, and self-esteem.