Australian Woman on Life Support After Botched Cosmetic Surgery

An Australian mother, Chloe Mowday, 31, is currently in a critical condition in Vietnam following complications from cosmetic surgery. Chloe underwent a rhinoplasty and a blepharoplasty while vacationing in Da Nang with her husband, Josh Mowday, and their youngest son, Elijah. The family had planned to explore attractions in Hong Kong and Singapore after their stay in Vietnam.

Chloe’s health deteriorated dramatically just hours after her procedures. According to her brother, Rod Mowday, she felt unwell after returning to her hotel from a local clinic. “She started to feel strange and had a bit of pain in other areas besides the surgery site,” Rod told news.com.au. Shortly after that, she stopped breathing, leading to fears that her organs were beginning to fail.

Rod suspects that Chloe may be suffering from the rare condition known as Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), which can arise from bacterial infections, although this diagnosis has not been confirmed. She remains in intensive care as doctors conduct tests to identify the exact cause of her sudden illness. “She’s on dialysis, had to have a blood transfusion and is on certain drugs to bring her blood pressure back to normal,” Rod explained. Her blood pressure dropped so low that it resulted in tissue damage, turning her fingers and toes black.

Following a distressing call from Josh, Rod immediately traveled to Vietnam with his daughter to support his sister. “I was absolutely mortified when he told me what had happened,” he shared. During his visit, Rod was able to spend only short, limited periods with Chloe, who remains unconscious and reliant on life support machines.

Doctors attempted to bring Chloe out of an induced coma but were unsuccessful. “They slowly removed the drugs she was on but her body was still unable to handle it,” Rod said. As of Thursday, March 1, 2024, she had regained some responsiveness but remains in a precarious state.

The family is exploring options for Chloe’s repatriation to Australia. Medical professionals indicated that staying in the hospital in Vietnam poses a significant risk of infection, potentially complicating her recovery. Given this, Rod expressed the urgency of bringing Chloe home for further treatment, stating, “The doctors have informed us that she has a better chance of getting through this at home in Australia.”

To help cover the mounting medical costs, which include an estimated $228,000 for an air ambulance, the family has launched a GoFundMe campaign. Although they initially hesitated to seek public assistance, they found it necessary due to the escalating expenses. As of now, over $15,000 has been raised, with one donor contributing $2,000.

Rod has thanked the community for their support, stating, “I am so thankful for the love and support from everyone. People are just beautiful.” The family has also been in contact with the Australian Embassy in Vietnam, which is providing consular assistance, including liaising with local medical facilities and authorities.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed that they are assisting the family but could not provide specific details due to privacy obligations. “Owing to our privacy obligations, we are unable to provide further comment,” a spokesperson said.

Chloe, who is described by her brother as a loving mother to three young children, is at the center of a family crisis that has drawn international attention. Rod’s heartfelt appeal highlights the urgency of Chloe’s situation and the family’s determination to secure her recovery.