A woman preparing for her wedding photoshoot was left with severe facial injuries after undergoing microneedle treatment. Ms. Zhang experienced extreme swelling, pus-filled bumps, and vision impairment following the procedure at a beauty salon she had frequented for two years.
Due to her disfigurement, she now feels too distressed to go out without a mask. The Hong Kong resident was convinced to undergo the microneedle procedure, which involves injecting serums deep into the skin using an electric pen, in order to achieve a flawless look for her upcoming wedding photoshoot in Japan.
Despite having naturally fair skin, her beautician recommended the microneedle treatment to rejuvenate her complexion for the photoshoot. The procedure, which utilized a cordless electric microneedle pen to introduce essences into her skin, caused immediate discomfort with stinging and numbness.
The day after the treatment, Ms. Zhang’s face and neck became red, swollen, and covered in white pustules. Despite following post-treatment care instructions, her condition worsened, leading to impaired vision and breathing difficulties. A GP diagnosed her with a severe skin infection, resulting in significant medical expenses.
Even after two weeks, her facial swelling persisted, making her skin unsuitable for makeup for her wedding. Seeking compensation for lost earnings, travel expenses, and ongoing medical bills, she demanded a total of around £4,194 (HKD 44,720).
The beauty salon initially downplayed her symptoms, attributing them to normal reactions and lack of moisture. Compensation negotiations broke down when the salon offered a lower sum than requested, leading to tensions and accusations of emotional manipulation.
Ms. Zhang, dissatisfied with the settlement offer, reported the incident to the police and is currently receiving follow-up treatment with an uncertain recovery timeline. She expressed feeling betrayed after years of patronage at the clinic and worries that her skin may not fully heal in time for her wedding.
This case highlights the risks associated with cosmetic procedures near significant life events. Investigations are ongoing, and a settlement has not yet been reached.
