Burned arm during IPL (Hair Removal)

This week I had IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Hair Removal. I have been to this particular business 4 times before this time and have never had any problems. The treatment itself was never painful - just unpleasant at times but definitely bearable treatment. When I went this week, it has been 2 months since my last appointment and they started the IPL on my arm first. It hurt a lot more than it ever did before but I just thought maybe its hurting so much because its been 2 months since I did it last.

The technician finished my whole lower arm (with me thinking this was WAY more painful than previous times) and within seconds my arm just started BURNING - and I mean it hurt so much it felt like my arm was cooking on the inside. I immediately told the technician that it hurt like mad. She got the owner of the clinic to come and see what happened and they immediately started applying cold compresses and ice to my arm... We did this for 2 hours and my arm was still burning and very very painful - I was in tears. After 2.5 hrs, I said that I didn't know how I would be able to travel the 1 hr journey home without having ice on my arm because it was unbearable not to have something cold on it for even a minute. The owner of the clinic finally suggested that I could see their doctor if I wanted to. I readily agreed and went to see him and he gave me creams and painkillers - that was all they could do for me at that stage.

The owner paid for me to get a taxi home and also paid the doctor.

My arm has HUGE RED BURN marks from my elbow down to my wrist. I was in pain for 12 HOURS and had to constantly apply ointments / creams and ice blocks to my arm because I was in so much pain all night. Thankfully the next day my arm had stopped burning and is just tender to touch.

I have been back to the doctor today and he assures me that it shouldn't scar - but I'm still not convinced. I have over 35 huge burn marks on my arm - I actually look like I had my whole arm caught in between a "George Foreman Grill".

What I'm wondering is, "What are my rights in HK?" I am an Australian - I have a Dependents Visa and have an ID Card.

Should I report what has happened to someone? Should I tell some medical board of what happened at this clinic?

I really don't know what I should do?

Can anyone offe me some advice?

I am actually going to see another doctor tomorrow for a 2nd opinion in case this doctor is a "good friend" of the owner of the clinic and is trying to cover for her or protect her.

Thank you for any advice you can provide.

If you can establish that the technician and/or the clinic are negligent in the hair removal process, then you can sue them for damages (including pain, suffering, loss of amenities) and other actual damage/loss.


Weir & Associates

Solicitors & Notaries

2108 Gloucester Tower

The Landmark

15 Queens Road Central

Hong Kong

Tel : 2526-1767

Fax : 2868-3568

email : WeirLaw@HongKongLaw.com

www.HongKongLaw.com/weirlaw

ouch...sounds like you may have second degree burns and not realise it.


Best to go to private outpatient hospital $300 and ask to see a doctor or a dermatologist to rate it. Go immediately. Even if it a few days passed, they are in a position to tell you how serious it is and wrongful use of machine maybe.


You have to do something. What if on the next person it is their face???? Get doctors report, then go see Consumer council..they are helpful