Bengaluru consumer panel orders Rs 1.11 lakh payout for laser hair removal burns

BENGALURU: The III Additional Bengaluru Urban District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed a city beauty clinic to pay Rs 1.11 lakh in compensation to a woman who suffered second-degree facial burns during a laser hair removal session. The commission ruled that the clinic, identified in reports as Berkowits Hair & Skin Clinic, exhibited a deficiency in service by failing to conduct a prior skin assessment and ignoring the patient's complaints of intense pain.

The incident occurred on April 22 when the woman underwent a Rs 1,100 laser hair removal procedure for her upper lip and chin. According to the complaint, the technician continued the treatment despite the woman reporting an intense burning sensation, dismissing her discomfort as a normal part of the process. Following the session, the woman developed painful wounds, skin darkening, rashes, and swelling, which were later diagnosed as second-degree burns.

She subsequently sought medical treatment and submitted photographs and prescriptions to the commission to validate her injuries. The visible injuries reportedly caused her significant embarrassment and affected her professional life, prompting her to seek legal recourse.

President K Shivaram, along with members Rekha Sayannavar and Suma Anilkumar, heard the case and delivered the order on September 30. The commission noted that the clinic’s formal response was rejected on September 7, 2026, as it was filed beyond the stipulated legal period. While the clinic denied liability and cited Supreme Court rulings on professional negligence, the commission found it guilty of deficiency in service and unfair trade practice.

The panel mandated a refund of the Rs 1,100 treatment fee with 9 per cent annual interest, Rs 1 lakh in damages for physical injury and mental agony, and Rs 10,000 towards litigation costs, bringing the total principal payout to Rs 1,11,100. The clinic has been given 45 days to comply, failing which the compensation amount will attract an additional 9 per cent interest from the date of the order.

Laser hair removal involves using concentrated light beams to target hair follicles, and while generally safe, it carries inherent risks if clinical protocols are not followed. Medical experts note that burns can occur due to incorrect machine settings, poor technique, or a failure to account for individual skin sensitivities and prior sun exposure. The Bengaluru commission’s order underscores the critical need for cosmetic service providers to conduct thorough skin assessments and sensitivity tests before proceeding with such procedures.

International consumer rights bodies have similarly highlighted that ignoring a patient's pain and failing to adjust laser settings constitutes a breach of the duty of care. When adverse events occur, clinics are also expected to communicate openly and provide appropriate aftercare, rather than dismissing the patient's concerns.

As aesthetic treatments become increasingly common, consumer forums are emphasizing the importance of informed consent and strict adherence to safety protocols. The commission advised individuals to seek immediate medical advice if they experience severe burning during a session and to preserve all medical records to support potential grievances.