Vienna, Austria — A 35-year-old Georgian doctor has been sentenced to 20 months in prison—16 of which are suspended—after a botched cosmetic procedure left a woman in intensive care, reported by Austrian Media News. The verdict was handed down Thursday by Vienna’s regional court, following a disturbing case that highlights the risks of underground beauty operations.
The victim, a 58-year-old woman, arranged the illegal chin lift through a contact she received at a so-called “cosmetic party” with friends. The €1,600 procedure took place on February 11, 2025, in what prosecutors described as a “blood-smeared and unhygienic” apartment in Vienna’s Landstraße district.
The doctor, who is only licensed to practice in Russia and Georgia, had flown in specifically for the operation. During the procedure, the woman suffered severe bleeding and swelling. She was rushed to Vienna General Hospital (AKH) by ambulance and spent a night in intensive care.
From the outset, the doctor cooperated fully with authorities, calling the incident “the biggest mistake of my life.” Although the court found no intent to harm, the absence of proper medical facilities, a legal consent form, or surgical support staff made the operation dangerously irresponsible.
The presiding judge cited the defendant’s remorse and clean record in handing down the partial sentence. With four months already served in pretrial detention, the doctor is expected to be released within the week.
The verdict is not yet final, as prosecutors have not indicated whether they will appeal. Legal experts say the case could spark wider scrutiny of unlicensed cosmetic procedures across Europe.
