The family of a woman who tragically passed away following a failed breast augmentation at a Sydney clinic has issued a heartfelt statement seeking justice. Jean Huang, 35, lost her life after a botched surgery in 2017, where hyaluronic acid was injected into her breasts as a filler. Paramedics were able to restart Ms Huang’s heart after responding to an emergency call, but she was declared brain dead in the hospital and later taken off life support on September 1, 2017.
Jie Shao, a Chinese woman who flew to Sydney to perform the illegal breast augmentation, has expressed deep remorse over the fatal ordeal. Shao was convicted of manslaughter in March, with a Sydney jury finding her guilty of administering a dangerous dosage of anaesthetic during the procedure. She had arrived in Australia from China just a day before the ill-fated operation and now faces a significant prison term.
The heartbreaking incident took place at the Media Beauty Clinic in Chippendale, located in inner Sydney. Ms Huang, who was a part owner and manager of the clinic, suffered the dire consequences of the tragic procedure. During a recent sentence hearing at Downing Centre District Court, Shao’s barrister, Winston Terracini SC, read from a psychological report in which Shao expressed her remorse by blaming herself. Describing Ms Huang as “the light of our family — smart, beautiful, kind, generous, and funny,” her mother recounted the harrowing moment she arrived at the hospital to be told her daughter was dying. Ms Huang’s husband also shared his pain, expressing the impact of the loss on his life.
The emotional testimonies from Ms Huang’s family have left a profound impact, shedding light on the devastating consequences of the botched breast augmentation. Despite the fact that there was no winner in this situation, her husband emphasized that “this did not mean that Jie Shao could escape the law.” As the court has scheduled Shao’s sentencing for July 4, the family is advocating for justice to be served in honour of their beloved daughter.
The tragic and preventable loss of Jean Huang is a harrowing reminder of the risks associated with cosmetic procedures, particularly when performed by unqualified individuals. As the family continues to grapple with the pain of their loss, their pursuit of justice serves as a testament to their unwavering love for Ms Huang. It is a stark reminder of the need for stringent regulations and oversight in the cosmetic surgery industry to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. May Jean Huang’s memory inspire positive change and ensure that such devastating incidents are not repeated.