Influencer dies after complaining about complications from popular 'Fox Eyes' surgery

A popular fashion influencer has passed away months after going under the knife for 'fox eye' surgery, a close friend has said.

Social media has long been obsessed with trends that promise instant transformation — and the 'fox eyes' look is one of the most viral of them all.

Popularised by filters and celebrities, the procedure claims to create a lifted, feline-like gaze. But behind the flawless photos and sharp winged liner, there’s an alleged darker side to the craze that’s now come under the spotlight following the death of a young influencer.

Brazilian content creator Adair Mendes Dutra Junior, known to his 120,000+ followers as Junior Dutra, rose to fame for his sleek sense of style, beauty tips, and selfies.

Based in São Paulo, the 31-year-old had built a loyal online community around fashion and grooming, and, like many of his peers, he was drawn to the 'fox eyes' trend, which promises to subtly lift the corners of the eyes through surgical or non-surgical methods.

Junior Dutra allegedly shared post-surgery photos showing swelling and bruising around his eyes (Junior Dutra/Instagram)

In March, Dutra underwent the procedure, reportedly later sharing photos of his bruised and swollen face with followers. He joked lightly about the recovery at first, but in the months that followed, his tone changed.

He began complaining of ongoing infections and discomfort from the surgery. On October 3, friends say he fell ill, struggled to breathe, and was rushed to a public hospital, where he died shortly after.

Close friend Gean Souza told local outlet Quem: “We still don’t have the medical records with the cause of death.

“He had been having infectious reactions and feeling discomfort since the procedure. Last Friday, the problem worsened”.

Before his death, Dutra had filed a lawsuit against his surgeon, Dr Fernando Garbi, alleging medical malpractice, fraud, and bodily injury. Garbi’s lawyer denied any wrongdoing, claiming the doctor was not involved in Dutra’s death and threatening to sue those spreading ‘insults and slander’.

How does the fox eye procedure work?

The fox eye lift can involve thread lifts, Botox, or more invasive surgeries like a canthoplasty.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, techniques vary widely, with some surgeons combining brow lifts, mid-facelifts, and canthopexy procedures to achieve the desired look.

The influencer’s death has renewed concerns over the viral ‘fox eyes’ trend (Junior Dutra/Instagram)

Dr. Jay Calvert, speaking to the ASPS, explained: “Some think the fox eye procedure is just Botox. Some think it is a brow lift with an operation at the corner of the eye… The fox eye procedure that produces the celebrity look is a combination of a brow lift, mid-facelift and a canthopexy.”

Fellow surgeon Dr John Layke added: “I believe that social media is solely responsible for this trend, as filters often create a ‘fox eye’ appearance on influencers and celebrities.”

Dutra’s funeral was held in São Paulo, where family and friends shared tributes to the star.