Big Brother Star Blinded and Unrecognisable After Extreme Facelift Surgery in South Korea
Former Big Brother Finland star Joni Hesselgren has been left temporarily blind and completely unrecognisable after undergoing an extreme deep plane facelift procedure in South Korea. The influencer's ordeal began when surgeons in Turkey refused to perform the surgery due to his young age, prompting him to travel to Seoul for the controversial operation.
Turkish Surgeons Refuse Procedure Due to Age Concerns
Joni Hesselgren, who had previously undergone multiple cosmetic procedures without complications including rhinoplasty, 360 liposuction and dental work, found himself rejected by Turkish surgeons when requesting a lower facelift. The 30-year-old reality star revealed that medical professionals in Turkey refused to perform the procedure on someone of his age, a decision he says he respected despite his determination to proceed.
"I consulted with several Turkish surgeons about the possibility of getting a lower facelift," Hesselgren explained. "They told me they wouldn't perform a facelift on someone my age, and honestly, I do respect that decision."
Journey to South Korea for Multiple Procedures
Undeterred by the refusal, Hesselgren traveled to South Korea's capital Seoul to mark his 30th birthday with extensive facial surgery. The influencer had long desired V-line surgery to alter his jawline but had been terrified of the procedure. When South Korean surgeons suggested combining V-line surgery with a deep plane facelift, he agreed enthusiastically.
"The surgeons suggested pairing my V-line surgery with a deep plane facelift," Hesselgren said. "Of course I was thrilled to hear that because it meant I could get everything I ever wanted done in a single procedure."
Complicated Surgery Leads to Excessive Bleeding
The operation involved three separate surgeons working simultaneously on different aspects of the procedure:
- One surgeon performed facial contouring including V-line surgery and cheekbone reduction
- Another conducted the deep plane facelift
- A third surgeon completed a lip lift procedure
Medical staff later informed Hesselgren that the surgery proved more difficult than anticipated due to significant blood loss during the operation. The first night following surgery was particularly uncomfortable, with the star unable to properly close his mouth.
Temporary Blindness and Severe Swelling
The situation deteriorated dramatically on the second and third days post-operation when Hesselgren began losing his eyesight completely. The swelling became so severe that his eyes swelled shut, leaving him effectively blind for approximately 12 to 15 hours.
"On day two, I started losing my eyesight," Hesselgren recounted. "I tried to fight it by stretching my eyelids open so I could see something, anything. In the evening, my friends had to walk me to the bathroom, feed me, wash me, basically take care of everything for me."
The reality star described attempting to navigate his surroundings while blind, resulting in him hitting his head against a wall. Friends who accompanied him to South Korea were forced to provide constant care and guidance during this frightening period.
Emergency Treatment and Recovery
During his follow-up appointment on the third day post-surgery, medical staff immediately placed Hesselgren in a hyperbaric chamber for oxygen therapy to reduce swelling. The pressurized chamber, which he compared to the sensation of being on an airplane during takeoff or landing, proved remarkably effective.
"Koreans really take their de-swelling treatments seriously because my eyes started to open within a few hours," Hesselgren reported. "The swelling went down super fast, I was so relieved. The total time I was effectively blind was about 12 to 15 hours."
Warning to Others Considering Cosmetic Surgery Abroad
Now recovering from the extreme procedures, Hesselgren has issued a stark warning to others considering similar cosmetic surgeries abroad. He emphasized the importance of emotional support during the physically and mentally exhausting recovery process.
"If you ever consider going through this many procedures, please take a friend with you," he advised. "The recovery process is physically exhausting, but it's a lot to go through mentally as well. You really need love and support during that time."
The former Big Brother star remains optimistic about his final results, which he expects to fully manifest within approximately six months. His experience highlights the significant risks associated with extreme cosmetic procedures, particularly when sought abroad after rejection by medical professionals in other countries.
