Australian Mother in Coma After Cosmetic Surgery Complications in Vietnam: Family Seeks Emergency Medical Evacuation

An Australian mother of three is currently battling for her life in a Vietnamese hospital after cosmetic procedures resulted in catastrophic complications. Chloe Mowday, 31, from Perth, traveled to Vietnam with her family in November for a vacation that included plans to visit popular attractions in Hong Kong and Singapore after her scheduled surgery.

The situation turned dire when Mowday underwent rhinoplasty and blepharoplasty at a local facility. What should have been routine cosmetic enhancements led to severe medical complications. Within hours following the procedures, her organs began failing, and she suffered cardiac arrest while being transported to the hospital, requiring emergency resuscitation by paramedics.

According to her brother Rod, the family remains uncertain about what triggered the organ failure. Mowday is currently in critical condition, unable to communicate or breathe independently. Medical professionals suspect she may have developed Toxic Shock Syndrome, a rare but life-threatening bacterial infection sometimes associated with surgical procedures, though this diagnosis awaits confirmation through ongoing tests. Local authorities have initiated a police investigation into the incident.

Upon receiving news of the emergency, Mowday's brother and other family members immediately flew to Vietnam. They report facing significant challenges navigating the healthcare system due to communication barriers and limited medical information, compounding their distress during this crisis.

The family is urgently seeking to transfer Mowday back to Australia, where doctors believe she would receive more specialized care and have improved chances of recovery. However, they face substantial financial obstacles, including mounting medical expenses and the cost of a medical evacuation flight estimated at approximately A$125,000 that requires advance payment.

To address these financial challenges, Mowday's family has established a fundraising campaign while also exploring alternative financing options including bank loans and accessing retirement funds. Her brother Rod has made an emotional appeal for donations, describing her as "a beautiful girl and a loving soul with three young children and a loving husband" who deserves the opportunity to recover in her home country.

"She has been accompanied by her husband since this traumatic event occurred, with their 5-year-old son also present. Medical professionals have advised that her recovery prospects would be significantly better in Australia, so we're working urgently to arrange an air ambulance transfer. We're raising funds for both transportation and escalating medical costs. Any contribution would be greatly appreciated," Rod explained.

The family has also engaged with Australian diplomatic representatives both locally and in Vietnam to facilitate the transfer process to Perth.