Brazilian transgender influencer Juliana Oliveira, widely known online as Juju do Pix, is undergoing a difficult facial reconstruction journey after an unregulated cosmetic procedure reportedly caused severe swelling, hardened tissue and lasting changes to her appearance.
Oliveira sought cosmetic treatment in 2017 with the aim of making her facial features appear more feminine. According to international media reports, she believed she was receiving a silicone-based filler. Instead, she was allegedly injected with mineral oil and other unauthorized substances at an underground clinic.
Several reports have claimed that as many as 21 syringes were used during the procedure. However, publicly available independent medical records confirming the exact quantity or full composition of the injected material have not been released.
In the years that followed, Oliveira’s cheeks became severely enlarged as the affected tissue hardened. Beyond the physical complications, the transformation also took a major emotional and social toll.
She has spoken publicly about difficulties finding work and enduring years of ridicule, harassment and hateful comments online.
Facial Reconstruction Begins After Years of Searching for Help
After spending years looking for medical assistance, Oliveira eventually met Brazilian plastic surgeon Thiago Marra, who began treating her condition.
Her first major reconstructive surgery took place at Hospital Indianópolis in São Paulo in November 2025.
The operation reportedly lasted more than four hours. During the procedure, surgeons removed hardened tissue affected by the injected substance while attempting to restore more natural facial contours.
Removing all of the material in a single surgery was not considered safe because it had become embedded in the surrounding tissue.
Marra explained that operating too aggressively could compromise blood circulation and increase the risk of tissue necrosis. Any additional reconstructive procedures would therefore need to be considered after Oliveira had sufficient time to heal.
In January 2026, she underwent another, smaller procedure after a stitch opened. Doctors also removed additional affected tissue from beneath her chin and cheek.
Breast Augmentation and Ongoing Recovery
Oliveira’s transformation journey continued in March 2026, when she underwent breast augmentation performed by Marra.
A later medical update indicated that her recovery was progressing well, although the final result of the procedure could take between three and six months to become fully visible.
Her facial reconstruction remains a more complicated and ongoing process.
Additional surgeries may still be required to remove affected tissue and improve facial symmetry, depending on how her recovery progresses.
Her Story Highlights the Risks of Unregulated Cosmetic Procedures
Oliveira’s experience has also become a powerful reminder of the risks associated with cosmetic injections performed by unlicensed practitioners or with unapproved substances.
Improperly administered fillers can lead to serious complications, including infection, nerve injury and tissue damage. In rare cases, injectable cosmetic procedures can also result in blindness.
Injectable silicone and similar substances may migrate through tissue, trigger chronic inflammation and become extremely difficult to remove once complications develop.
People considering cosmetic procedures are advised to verify the qualifications of the practitioner, ensure that the clinic is legally registered and ask for the exact name and regulatory status of any product being injected.
Brazilian health regulator Anvisa advises consumers to use only products that have been properly registered and authorized.
For Oliveira, the reconstruction journey is still far from complete. But after years marked by physical discomfort and intense public scrutiny, treatment has given her an opportunity to move forward, not only by restoring her facial contours, but also by rebuilding confidence and a greater sense of control over her life.
