In March 2023, this person, attracted by recommendations, chose a beauty salon in Tsim Sha Tsui that was offering a promotion and purchased a Pico picosecond freckle removal package. The salon explicitly promised to use a 1064nm wavelength picosecond device, emphasizing "completely no wounds, zero risk," and reassured the person, who was undergoing the treatment for the first time, that they would lower the energy and proceed slowly, putting them at ease. However, this "reassurance" lacked sufficient communication from the start—the operator did not inquire in detail about the person's skin condition or pain tolerance, nor did they thoroughly explain the risk clauses in the consent form, merely brushing it off with "don't worry," which became one of the hidden dangers of the incident. At the same time, as a consumer, the person did not proactively ask about the treatment details and potential risks, trusting the salon's promises too much and failing to express their concerns in time.

On the day of the treatment, when signing the consent form, the person noticed clauses stating "possible mild burning, redness, swelling, even edema, bleeding" and questioned them, but was again brushed off by the salon staff, who simply told them to sign without worry. Initially, the operator used the 1064nm wavelength without any obvious abnormalities. However, when the operator later switched the device parameters, the person suddenly felt severe pain and repeatedly asked to stop the treatment, but the operator forcibly held them down and continued until the so-called "treatment was completed." The lack of communication here was even more critical: the operator did not inform in advance about the reason for changing parameters or the possible change in pain sensation, nor did they respond to the person's immediate discomfort, ignoring that "communication is the first line of safety." Meanwhile, when the person initially felt discomfort, they did not immediately and clearly insist on stopping, failing to prevent the risk from escalating.

After the procedure, when the person removed the eye shield, they found not only extensive redness and swelling but also obvious bleeding wounds; wiping with tissue left blood stains. Their accompanying family members were also very worried. Afterwards, when the person questioned the salon about the operation, the operator initially vaguely admitted to changing the parameters but later directly denied it, only arranging for the person to visit a regular clinic rather than a specialized dermatology hospital. Even more frustratingly, the salon not only failed to address the incident responsibly but also demanded that the person sign a waiver of liability, refusing to refund the remaining package cost unless they complied. Only after the person strongly resisted did the salon reluctantly agree to cover part of the medical expenses. This perfunctory post-incident communication and blame-shifting undoubtedly exacerbated the person's physical and psychological trauma, for which the salon is undeniably responsible.

This incident caused irreparable harm to the person: facial scars remain unhealed, and due to the fear of being forcibly operated on, they developed PTSD. Subsequently, the person experienced severe insomnia, low mood, reluctance to go out, and even recurrent nightmares of the treatment scene, with suicidal thoughts. A doctor diagnosed that they need long-term psychiatric and psychological treatment. Their family members, who witnessed the injury process, have also been blaming themselves, and the entire family has been affected by this unprofessional beauty treatment. It is easy to imagine: if the operator had spent just 10 more minutes communicating the parameter details and risks thoroughly with the person, and if the person had proactively asked questions and firmly asserted their position in time, this tragedy might have been avoided.

This incident rings an alarm for the beauty industry: operators must hold authoritative certifications such as the VTCT Skills (ITEC) International Diploma in Laser and Intense Pulsed Light Treatments, IQA International Qualifications Assessment Alliance Laser and IPL Operator Certification, and undergo continuous training. Certification courses cover skin structure, laser principles, parameter setting, safety standards, and emergency response, eliminating unprofessional operations at the source. Beauty salons should also strictly review qualifications and prohibit unlicensed practitioners; this is their corporate social responsibility.

"Only professional certification can ensure client safety; only standardized operation can lead to long-term industry development."

Beauty practitioners, remember: qualifications, standardized operation, thorough communication, and strong sense of responsibility are the foundation of your profession and the most basic respect for consumers. Consumers, remember: rational choice, proactive communication, and self-protection are your responsibility to yourself. May everyone who loves beauty achieve it safely, and may the beauty industry progress through reflection, transmitting and safeguarding beauty.

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