A Beauty Treatment Gone Wrong: The Lawsuit Against a Famous Skin Expert

A woman is taking legal action against a well-known skin expert, claiming a treatment left her with lasting damage. Victoria Nelson is suing Sonya Dakar, a celebrity esthetician, after a procedure she says ruined her face. The California Attorney General's office is also involved, filing a complaint against Dakar's license. Nelson first visited Dakar's Beverly Hills clinic in late 2019 to treat her acne. She was impressed by Dakar's knowledge and soon became a regular client. Nelson even called Dakar her "LA mom, " enjoying the mix of skincare and therapy during her sessions. Dakar's client list includes big names like Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Lawrence. In April 2021, during a routine facial, Dakar suggested a peel. Nelson agreed, but the treatment went wrong. A liquid solution burned her face, causing her eyes to water. Dakar rinsed it off and gave Nelson a fan to cool down. When Nelson checked her phone camera, she saw what she thought was cream on her face. It was actually burned skin. Dakar assured Nelson the burn would heal, but it didn't. Nelson had 18 aggressive microneedling sessions in 2021 and 12 more in 2022 to fix the damage. She felt permanently disfigured. In July 2022, her dermatologist recommended laser treatments, costing her $8, 000. She spent another $10, 000 at Dakar's clinic and around $60, 000 in total. Nelson hasn't spoken to Dakar since 2023. Experts advised her that the liquid used might have been medical-grade, something an esthetician shouldn't have access to. Microneedling also isn't part of Dakar's approved treatments. Nelson still has scars and feels self-conscious about her appearance. The lawsuit isn't just about Nelson's case. The Attorney General's complaint mentions other accusations against Dakar, including assaulting a board inspector in 2008 and operating an unlicensed establishment in 2023. Nelson also points out a bigger issue within the skincare industry. Dakar's clinic hasn't responded to requests for comment. Meanwhile, Nelson's story raises questions about the safety and regulation of beauty treatments.