A bride-to-be in Hong Kong has been left with severe facial swelling, pus-filled bumps, and near blindness after a microneedling treatment at a beauty salon she had visited for two years. Ms Zhang underwent the procedure to achieve a flawless complexion for an upcoming wedding photoshoot in Japan.
During the treatment, she experienced stinging and numbness, particularly around her neck, but the therapist assured her it was normal. The next morning, her face and neck were red, swollen, and covered in white pustules. Her eyes swelled almost shut, impairing her vision, and pus around her neck caused breathing difficulties.
Ms Zhang described her face as 'rotten' and 'pitted', and said she feared going out without a mask. A GP diagnosed a serious skin infection and administered steroid and antibiotic injections. Medical bills have reached approximately £938 (HKD 10,000), and her skin remains unfit for makeup two weeks later, jeopardising her end-of-year wedding.
She is seeking compensation of around £4,194 (HKD 44,720) for lost earnings, travel costs, and ongoing medical expenses. The salon initially dismissed her reaction as normal, and during negotiations, the beautician's husband allegedly became hostile, accusing her of 'chasing money'. The salon offered £1,876 (HKD 20,000), which she rejected as insufficient.
Ms Zhang has reported the matter to police, and the salon has also lodged a report. Investigations are ongoing, and no settlement has been reached. She feels betrayed after two years of regular appointments and worries her skin may not heal in time for her wedding.
