An Australian woman is in critical condition in Vietnam following complications from cosmetic surgery. Chloe Mowday, 31, underwent a rhinoplasty and a blepharoplasty in Da Nang during a family trip that included visits to Disneyland in Hong Kong and Universal Studios in Singapore. The procedures, typically considered safe, took a dire turn when she experienced severe health issues the day after surgery.
Chloe’s husband, Josh Mowday, and their youngest son, Elijah, were present during the trip. After spending a night at a local clinic, Chloe returned to her hotel but soon developed alarming symptoms. According to her brother, Rod Mowday, she started to feel unwell, experienced pain beyond the surgical sites, and ultimately stopped breathing. Rod believes she may have suffered from a rare complication known as Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), although this diagnosis remains unconfirmed.
Doctors in Da Nang have been monitoring Chloe’s condition closely, where she is currently on life support and undergoing various tests. Rod described the situation, saying, “She’s on dialysis, had to have a blood transfusion and is on certain drugs to bring her blood pressure back to normal.” He noted that her blood pressure had dropped so low that her extremities had begun to turn black.
Upon receiving the distressing news from Josh, Rod traveled to Vietnam with his 16-year-old daughter. His visit provided a brief opportunity to see Chloe in the intensive care unit, where he could only spend 15 minutes with her each day. “What I saw was just heartbreaking. She was not awake, she had tubes coming out of her,” he recounted.
Despite the medical team’s best efforts, Chloe was placed back into an induced coma after an attempt to awaken her was unsuccessful. Rod learned that doctors advised against Chloe remaining in the hospital due to the increased risk of infection. As a result, the family is working to arrange her return to Australia, which is expected to cost approximately $228,000 for a medical evacuation flight.
In light of the escalating medical expenses, the family has initiated a GoFundMe campaign. “We are proud people and didn’t want to have to ask for help,” Rod stated. However, they felt it was necessary given the circumstances. So far, the campaign has raised just over $15,000, with notable contributions including a generous $2,000 donation from a supporter named Brian Fisher.
The family is also collaborating with the Australian embassy in Vietnam to facilitate Chloe’s transfer back to Perth. A spokesperson from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed that they are providing consular assistance, which may include communication with local authorities and medical providers.
Rod emphasized the urgency of getting his sister back home, stating, “The doctors have informed us that she has a better chance of getting through this at home in Australia.” He described Chloe as a devoted mother of three with a loving husband who has remained by her side during this ordeal.
As the situation continues to develop, the family is also exploring options for bank loans and accessing superannuation funds to manage the mounting medical costs. A police report has been filed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the surgery, contributing to the decision to withhold the name of the clinic involved.
Rod’s emotional appeal for support reflects the gravity of Chloe’s condition and the hope that she will soon be able to return to her family in Australia.
