Anzhelika Katkova, a client from Ufa, has been left with severe facial scars and deformation following a popular non-surgical Cog thread lift procedure.
According to Katkova, the specialist who performed the treatment refused to refund her payment and blocked her contact details after the procedure left her in severe pain with visible facial marks.
A video detailing the incident was published on Instagram by producer Angelina Vasenina under the account username producer.vaa. The video shows Katkova with a deformed face, persistent swelling, and puncture marks. Instagram is operated by Meta Corporation.
Cosmetologist defends procedure results
Katkova had selected the practitioner on social media after the cosmetologist, who holds a higher education degree, claimed to be the sole specialist in Ufa trained in a new installation technique for Cog threads. Cog threads are barbed sutures inserted beneath the skin to grip and lift facial tissue without surgery.
Following the treatment, Katkova suffered severe swelling and wounds across her cheekbones. She reported that her condition deteriorated as the puncture wounds failed to close properly.
The cosmetologist later defended her work on social media, stating that Katkova was initially satisfied with the outcome of the procedure. She maintained that the puncture marks had not yet healed due to individual biological characteristics rather than any professional error on her part.
The practitioner added that she had offered several healing options which Katkova refused. She also stated that the photographs circulating online were taken just a few days after the procedure during the standard rehabilitation period while swelling and puncture sites were still present.
Restoration plan and legal action
Katkova subsequently consulted medical doctors who outlined a restorative treatment plan estimated to cost between 300,000 and 400,000 roubles. The victim stated that she is now preparing to file a lawsuit in court against the cosmetologist.
Previous cosmetic treatment incidents
The case follows a similar cosmetic incident in September 2025 involving blogger Victoria Nelson, a resident of Los Angeles. Nelson suffered facial burns and scarring after receiving a chemical peel from a prominent cosmetologist, later posting photographs online showing large white patches on her cheeks and forehead.
