Chinese actress Gao Liu has spoken out about her traumatic experience with an unlicensed plastic surgeon who nearly left her disfigured.

The surgery was intended to be a minor alteration to enhance her nose, but it led to severe complications. The popular actress previously had surgery, which added cartilage to the tip of her nose, in 2020.

The surgery, however, was performed by an unlicensed practitioner, contributing to the subsequent complications.

Gao's nose developed an infection that required multiple follow-up treatments, leaving her with blackened, dead tissue that repeatedly scabbed over and fell off.

To salvage her nose, doctors removed a portion of cartilage.

"I've always cared so much about my appearance, I thought my whole life was ruined," Gao Liu said, reflecting on her ordeal.

A recent BBC News special focusing on China's plastic surgery industry featured Gao Liu's story.

The investigation found that the clinic closed down, but another opened in the same spot under a new name.

The doctor who performed Gao's operation was not licensed until April 2024, though he was prohibited from applying for a license after being sanctioned in 2021.

Gao has had two further operations to fix the damage, but her nose still looks out of shape.

She advises against selecting surgeons based on personal recommendations alone.

She cautions against choosing surgeons based on personal referrals alone. "All of the procedures I had done were a waste of time, and I wish I had not gotten them done," Gao shared.

Her story highlights the importance of thoroughly researching clinics and practitioners before undergoing cosmetic procedures.

Despite the challenges faced, Gao Liu remains hopeful for continued improvement and recovery.