An Australian woman is currently in critical condition following complications from cosmetic surgery performed in Vietnam. Chloe Mowday, 31, was vacationing in Da Nang with her husband, Josh Mowday, and their youngest son, Elijah. The family had planned a trip that included visits to Disneyland in Hong Kong and Universal Studios in Singapore. Unfortunately, what began as a holiday turned into a fight for Chloe’s life after she underwent a rhinoplasty and blepharoplasty.
The procedures, which are typically regarded as safe, took place without incident. However, the next morning, Chloe experienced severe health issues and was swiftly taken to a local hospital. According to her brother, Rod Mowday, she initially stayed overnight at a clinic but began to feel unwell shortly after returning to her hotel. “A few hours later, she started to deteriorate,” Rod recounted. “She had pain beyond the surgery site and wasn’t responding well when Josh checked on her. Then she stopped breathing.”
Rod suspects that Chloe may have developed a rare complication known as Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), caused by a bacterial infection. This diagnosis has yet to be confirmed as she continues to undergo tests. Medical staff in Vietnam have described her condition as critical. “She’s on dialysis, had to have a blood transfusion, and is on medication to help stabilize her blood pressure,” Rod stated. “It got so low that her fingers and feet turned black.”
In response to the alarming situation, Rod traveled to Vietnam with his 16-year-old daughter. “I was absolutely mortified when I received the call about Chloe,” he said. Upon his arrival, he was permitted to visit his sister for only 15 minutes each day during his five-day stay in Da Nang. “Seeing her in that state was heartbreaking. She was not awake and had tubes coming out of her,” he shared.
Despite the efforts of medical professionals, attempts to awaken Chloe from an induced coma were unsuccessful. Rod explained that her condition necessitated reintroducing the coma-inducing medication after she failed to respond adequately. “As of last night, her eyes are open, but she remains unresponsive and on life support,” he added.
Due to concerns about potential infections while she remains hospitalized in Vietnam, the family has decided to pursue options for bringing Chloe back to Australia. They hope to secure medical clearance for her to fly home within the next month. In light of the escalating medical expenses, which include a $228,000 quote for air ambulance transport, the family has initiated a GoFundMe campaign. “We are proud people and didn’t want to have to ask for help,” Rod admitted. So far, the campaign has raised just over $15,000, with one donor contributing $2,000. “I am so thankful for the love and support from everyone. People are just beautiful,” he said.
The family has also reached out to the Australian embassy for assistance in navigating the situation. A spokesperson from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed that they are providing consular support for Chloe. “Owing to our privacy obligations, we are unable to provide further comment,” the spokesperson added.
Rod described Chloe as a loving mother of three, whose husband has remained by her side throughout this ordeal. “The doctors have informed us that she has a better chance of recovery at home in Australia,” he stated. In addition to the GoFundMe campaign, the family is exploring bank loans and accessing superannuation to cover the mounting medical costs.
A police report has been filed to investigate the circumstances surrounding Chloe’s condition, which is part of the reason the name of the clinic where she underwent surgery has not been disclosed. As the family navigates this difficult time, their priority remains getting Chloe the care she needs and bringing her back home to Australia.
