Yulia Burtseva, a Russian-born influencer with more than 70,000 followers, died after the cosmetic operation at a private clinic in Moscow
The 38-year-old mother-of-one suffered a sudden medical emergency shortly after receiving injections during the op and could not be saved, Russian media reported.
Just hours before her death, the “mumfluencer” shared what would be her final Instagram video.
The now-tragic footage was filmed in Moscow’s elite Pushkin Café, and shows Burtseva relaxed and smiling at breakfast on January 4, the day of the surgery.
She had flown to the Russian capital from Italy, where she lived with her Italian husband and young daughter, the day before the op.
The cosmetic operation, reportedly intended to enlarge her buttocks, took place at a branch of Elmas Clinic on Tokmakov Lane, Moscow.
Burtseva’s condition deteriorated sharply immediately after the procedure, according to emergency service sources cited by Russian outlet MSK1.
Reports suggest she suffered anaphylactic shock and died quickly afterwards.
The mum was rushed to hospital, but doctors were unable to revive her.
The 38-year-old’s social media pages have since been flooded with messages from stunned followers.
One: “She was filming stories just hours ago — is this really true?”
Another said: “Ten hours earlier she was smiling and happy. This is terrifying.”
Other fans questioned the risks of cosmetic procedures, with one commenting: “Operations like this are simply not worth it. Deep condolences to her family.”
A criminal investigation has been opened into the death.
Doctors at the clinic could face up to three years in prison if convicted of death by negligence.
Investigators are working at the scene and seizingdocuments, the Moscow Investigative Committee said in a statement.
A number of forensic examinations, including medical tests, have been ordered.
The clinic’s director, Govhar Abdyllaeva, could not be reached for comment, according to MSK1, with her phone reportedly switched off.
Burtseva was born in Samara, Russia, and later moved to Italy, where she married Giuseppe, a Neapolitan native, about five years ago.
On her blog, she regularly shared light-hearted videos about life in an international family, praising Italian family values and posting affectionate clips involving her husband, daughter and mother-in-law.
She had previously documented medical tourism, including a trip to Turkey for dental treatment, where she promoted the clinic involved.
Elmas Clinic describes itself as an aesthetic medicine centre using “certified, scientifically validated products” and claims to eliminate risks and complications through advanced techniques.
On its website, the clinic says it is “ready to help you become the best version of yourself and remain young and beautiful for many years”.
Yet online reviews show mixed feedback, with some former clients alleging aggressive marketing and pressure to take out loans for extra ops.
Burtseva’s husband and daughter remain in Italy, while her father and ex-husband are thought to live in the Russian city of Samara.
No official family statement has yet been released.
What are the risks of getting surgery abroad?
IT’S important to do your research if you’re thinking about having cosmetic surgery abroad.
Safety standards in different countries may not be as high.
No surgery is risk-free. Complications can happen after surgery in the UK or abroad.
If you have complications after an operation in the UK, the surgeon is responsible for providing follow-up treatment.
Overseas clinics may not provide follow-up treatment, or they may not provide it to the same standard as in the UK.
Also, they may not have a healthcare professional in the UK you can visit if you have any problems.
Source: NHS