Woman Left Unable To Close Eyes After Botched Double Eyelid Surgery

Six years after what was supposed to be a routine cosmetic procedure, a woman from Suzhou is still living with the life-altering consequences of a botched double eyelid surgery

The woman, identified by the alias Wang Li, underwent the procedure in June 2020 at a cosmetic clinic called Meixi after being referred there by an acquaintance. She reportedly paid around 12,000 yuan (S$2,264) for the surgery.

According to Wang Li, the clinic’s head, Meng, personally assessed her and carried out the operation.

But what was meant to enhance her appearance quickly turned into a medical nightmare.

That very night, Wang Li began experiencing severe pain, unusually high eye pressure and ectropion — a condition in which the eyelids turn outward and droop away from the eyeball. Her condition deteriorated so rapidly that she was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment.

The damage, she said, has followed her ever since.

For the past six years, Wang Li has been unable to fully close her eyes. Even when asleep, her eyelids remain partially open. Her tear duct function was also reportedly damaged, leaving her eyes constantly watering.

Subsequent medical examinations revealed that she was left with a gap of approximately 1cm when attempting to close her eyes, as well as complications including keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea.

Further assessments later concluded that her injuries amounted to a Grade 9 disability, meaning she suffered a partial loss of working ability and mild functional impairment.

Investigations into the case uncovered even more alarming details.

Authorities found that Meng did not possess a valid medical licence, while the clinic itself lacked the necessary permits to perform such procedures.

Chinese health authorities subsequently confiscated the clinic’s medical equipment and drugs, imposed a 200,000 yuan (S$37.7K) fine, and revoked its registration just four months after the incident.

Further investigations also revealed that Meng had been operating another clinic and performing eye surgeries on multiple patients. In one separate case, a patient was reportedly left with a Grade 10 disability.

Meng was eventually sentenced to six months’ detention and fined 30,000 yuan (S$5.7K) for medical malpractice.

But the situation didn’t end there, with the case recently sparking renewed controversy.

Before the criminal trial, Wang Li and Meng signed a reconciliation agreement and reached a settlement. After receiving 850,000 yuan (S$160k) in compensation, Wang agreed to delete related social media posts and refrain from making further public statements, giving interviews, or filing appeals, or else she would have to refund half the amount.

Meng later accused Wang Li of breaking the agreement by continuing to post related content online and took the matter to court.

The court said it couldn’t conclusively prove the account belonged to Wang Li, but since the videos featured her image and case details, it was highly likely she was behind them. 

She was then ordered to return 200,000 yuan (S$37k). Though Wang Li appealed for a review, her application was rejected due to insufficient evidence to overturn the ruling.

Wang Li said she continues to suffer from post-surgery complications, even today. Her eyes cannot fully close, and she tears uncontrollably even when she’s asleep. 

Combined with long-term online harassment and legal pressure, she added that she has been diagnosed with depression and anxiety. 

She also said she had reported online insults made by Meng, which led to a police investigation. However, the case was later dropped as non-criminal, and she was advised to pursue a private lawsuit. She has since filed a case, which is still ongoing.

Photos: Oriental Daily, 封面新闻/ Weibo