Consumer Protection is urging the public to exercise caution when seeking beauty and cosmetic treatment services, as botched procedures can result in injury, pain and long-term scarring.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection, Gary Newcombe said in the first six months of the year his Agency had received 36 complaints and 25 inquiries about beauty and cosmetic treatments.
“In 2020, there were 71 complaints and 115 inquiries and most problems related to hair treatments, wax or laser hair removal or treatments to eyebrows, eyelashes, nails and lips,” Mr Newcombe said.
“Issues raised included: Chemical burns, infections, allergic reactions, bruising, swelling, scarring, dark spots and unhygienic conditions.”
He said examples ranged from second-degree burns to a stomach from a fat-freezing treatment, to an infection from a lip-fill procedure, and burns from a hair removal laser treatment on a tattoo.
“While most operators are experienced and offer a professional service, there are some occasions when consumers can suffer painful injuries or infections,” Mr Newcombe said.
“While the number of reported cases of injury is low, the impact on affected consumers can be significant with prolonged pain, long-term scarring and psychological trauma, so a great deal of research by clients is required before deciding on who should carry out the procedure.”
The Commissioner said if something went wrong, a refund, credit or other remedy offered by the business operator that would normally resolve consumer complaints might not satisfy the consumer in this situation.
“They could also be seeking damages or compensation which can only be achieved by taking civil court action,” he said.
“Consumer law does cover what is called ‘consequential damages’ which means the trader is obliged to reimburse the customer’s subsequent costs of any remedial care required to treat the injuries and symptoms caused by the original botched treatment,” Mr Newcombe said.
