Victorians warned on unregistered beauty therapist

24 July 2019

Clients of an unregistered beauty therapist in Springvale are at risk of hepatitis or HIV infections due to her unsafe practices.

Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Dr Brett Sutton today urged people who had cosmetic procedures at an unregistered salon in the City of Greater Dandenong to see their GP to test for blood-borne viruses.

The unregistered premises traded as Sonoun Kimlee Salon in the Springvale Shopping Centre, Shop G23, 46-58 Buckingham Ave, Springvale. The clinic was operated by Lee Kim Tan in the back of a jewellery shop.

High-risk cosmetic procedures offered included tattooing, eyelid cutting, skin peels, mole removal and administering facial injections (fillers). The practices may have occurred since early 2018.

“I want to reiterate how important it is to only receive cosmetic services in a registered facility using hygienic processes,” Dr Sutton said.

“The risk of infection, injury and permanent damage is very high if premises do not employ suitably qualified staff and practice suitable infection control measures.

“If you are concerned about an illegal salon – check it is properly registered with your local council. And people should check the online AHPRA database if they think someone is falsely claiming to be a medical practitioner.”

Dr Sutton said the practices at the unregistered salon in Springvale posed a risk to public health due to a lack of infection control and strict hygiene practices.

Clients have been exposed to the risk of contracting blood-borne viruses including hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV from other patients or from the person performing the cosmetic work.

There are no reports to date of clients becoming unwell from visiting the salon. The risk of contracting hepatitis B and C are moderate. The risk is low for HIV.

“The emotional and financial costs associated with restorative work following infections and poorly performed procedures is considerable,” Dr Sutton said.

“We are contacting clients we are aware of. If you, or someone you know, had cosmetic procedures at this salon, see your doctor as soon as possible to have a blood test.”

The Health Complaints Commissioner has issued an Interim Prohibition Order on the salon operator from advertising, offering or providing any cosmetic or medical procedure.

Dandenong Council are responsible for leading the prosecution of the operator for breaches of the Public Health and Wellbeing Act.

The council has closed the salon and removed all equipment and medicines.

A fact sheet related to this incident, with more information about the health risks, testing and treatment is available at www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/unregistered-beauty-therapist in English, simplified Chinese, Vietnamese and Khmer.

For further information contact the Department of Health and Human Services on 1800 356 061.

If anyone wants to make a complaint about any cosmetic procedures they’ve received contact the Health Complaints Commissioner on 1300 582 113 or complete the online complaint form at https://hcc.vic.gov.au/make-complaint.