Korean J Dermatol.  2020 Dec;58(10):669-673.

Analysis of Illegal Cosmetic Procedures Performed by Beauticians

• Shin S
• Choi S
• Yang SG
• Cho SI

Abstract

Background
Although the rates of illegal cosmetic procedures performed by beauticians are increasing, there is a dearth of relevant information in the literature regarding these procedures.
Objective
This study was aimed to investigate illegal cosmetic procedures that were performed by beauticians with the help of judicial precedents.
Methods
The Supreme Court of South Korea’s Written Judgement Management System was searched for judicial precedents regarding illegal cosmetic procedures performed by beauticians. This system included cases that were sentenced in the lower courts, the appellate courts, and the supreme court from the year 1997 to 2019.
Results
Twenty-three litigation cases related to these illegal cosmetic procedures were selected. There were 21 criminal cases and two civil cases. Common illegal procedures included tattooing (n=11), use of laser and intense pulsed light device (n=6), administration of intradermal injection (n=3), and application of topical agents (n=2). Two civil cases reported facial deformity and accidental macular damage caused by illegal use of lasers by the beauticians.
Conclusion
In this study, illegal cosmetic procedures performed by beauticians were identified. Continuous monitoring of these illegal procedures is necessary as they can cause adverse effects in patients.

Keyword

Dermatology; Jurisprudence; Licensure; Patient safety