An Australian woman has suffered second-degree burns to large parts of her body following a botched laser hair removal procedure.
Chloe Allworthy from Victoria had regularly used Geelong Laser and Electrolysis Clinic for hair removal treatment but came away with noticeable burns and blisters across her arms, legs, back and underarms after the routine treatment turned into a nightmare.
More than two weeks after the procedure, Chloe's skin is still covered in red blisters which she described as looking like she is "contagious" and a result has "really knocked" her body confidence.
Ms Allworthy was immediately sent to a dermatologist by her doctor for the "extensive laser hair removal burns" and has been prescribed creams to try to contain the burns and blisters.
Speaking to Australian TV network 9News, an emotional Ms Allworthy said: "I came away with second-degree burns, it's really knocked my confidence at this point.
"It feels like someone would see this and would think I'm contagious, which is another massive concern. I was in a lot of pain and it did not look normal to me."
According to her dermatologist, the "skin changes are as a consequence of settings on the laser/IPL machine being set too high and resulting in skin injury."
She has been instructed not to be in direct sunlight for the next three months due to her injuries and to prevent scarring.
Ms Allworthy shared her harrowing experience online and revealed that two other clients from the same cosmetic clinic, who have claimed that they have suffered similar burns following the same treatment.
She added: "One of those people have said they are permanently scarred."
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has called for more regulation in the cosmetic medicine industry, including the use of lasers, to help prevent such injuries in the future.
RACGP President Dr Karen Price said: "We're asking for a proper complaints procedure so that people can feel assured of the safety, they are fully informed and there's a consent procedure and they know where to go should there be something that they think has gone wrong."
The technician from Geelong Laser and Electrolysis Clinic has apologised to Chloe and has offered a full refund following the incident, claiming there was a hair on the machine which caused a malfunction.
