An influential mum who documented her happy family life in Italy has died aged 38 after a £4k operation.
Yulia Burtseva, a Russian-born influencer with more than 70,000 followers, died after undergoing cosmetic surgery at a private clinic in Moscow.
The 38-year-old mother of one suffered a sudden emergency shortly after the injections during the operation and could not be saved, Russian media reported.
Hours before her death, the “mumfluencer” shared what would be her last video on Instagram.
The now tragic footage was shot at Moscow’s exclusive Pushkin cafe and shows Burcheva 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 plastic surgery, which was allegedly intended to enlarge her buttocks, was performed at a branch of the Elmas Clinic on Moscow’s Tokmakov Avenue.
Burtseva’s condition deteriorated sharply immediately after the procedure, according to emergency service sources cited by Russian network MSK1.
Reports say he went into anaphylactic shock and died quickly afterwards.
Mom was rushed to the 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.
First: “She was shooting stories a few hours ago – is that true?”
Another said: “Ten hours earlier she was smiling and happy. This is scary.”
Other fans questioned the risks of plastic surgery, with one commenting: “Surgeries like this are just not worth it. Heartfelt condolences to her family.”
A criminal investigation has been opened into the death.
The clinic’s doctors could face up to three years in prison if convicted of wrongful death.
Investigators are working at the scene and seizing documents, Moscow’s Investigative Committee said in a statement.
A series of forensic tests have been ordered, including medical tests.
According to MSK1, the clinic’s director, Govhar Abdyllaeva, could not be reached for comment, with her phone reportedly switched off.
Burcheva was born in Samara, Russia, and later moved to Italy, where she married Giuseppe, a Neapolitan, about five years ago.
On her blog, she regularly shared casual videos about life in an international family, praising Italian family values and posting loving clips of her husband, daughter and mother-in-law.
He had previously documented medical tourism, including a trip to Turkey for dental treatment where he promoted the clinic involved.
Elmas Clinic describes itself as an aesthetic medicine center that uses “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 stay young and beautiful for many years.”
However, online reviews show mixed feedback, with some former customers alleging aggressive marketing and pressure to take out loans for extra business.
Burtseva’s husband and daughter remain in Italy, while her father and ex-husband are believed to be living in the Russian city of Samara.
No official statement from the family has been given yet.
What are the risks of surgery abroad?
It’s important to do your research if you’re considering cosmetic surgery abroad.
It may cost less than in the UK, but you have to weigh the potential savings against the potential risks.
Safety standards in different countries may not be as high.
No operation is without risk. 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.
Clinics abroad may not provide follow-up treatment or may not provide it to the same standard as in the UK.
They may also not have a healthcare professional in the UK that you can visit if you are having problems.
Source: NHS
