Chennai Beauty Parlour Fined ₹5 Lakh After Woman Loses Earlobes in ‘Herbal’ Treatment

In a significant consumer rights case, a Chennai beauty parlour has been ordered to pay ₹5 lakh in compensation to a woman who lost both her earlobes following a 'herbal treatment' at the establishment.

The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (Chennai North) found the parlour guilty of negligence and deficiency in service, leading to the severe injury.

In March 2023, V. Jayanthi, a makeup artist from Arumbakkam, visited Abbe Herbal Beauty Parlour, operated by Akilandeshwari, to undergo a procedure aimed at reducing the size of her enlarged ear piercings.

She paid ₹2,000 for the treatment. Shortly after the application of the so-called 'herbal mix,' Jayanthi experienced a burning sensation. Despite her discomfort, the parlour staff reassured her that this was a normal part of the process.

As the days progressed, Jayanthi noticed a foul odor emanating from her earlobes. Concerned, she sought medical attention, and doctors at Apollo Hospitals confirmed that the mixture applied was not herbal but highly acidic in nature called trichloroacetic acid, a corrosive chemical. Surgeons had to remove both earlobes to prevent further infection and complications.

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels (15–35%) effectively treat photoaging, improving skin elasticity, hydration, and reducing wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, per a review of five trials with 210 patients. Combination therapies, like glycolic acid or radiofrequency, enhance results but may increase side effects like erythema.

Common issues, such as burning, resolve quickly; rare complications like scarring need monitoring. Patients report high satisfaction. Standardized priming and larger, longer-term studies are needed for optimized, cost-effective protocols.

The consumer court's ruling emphasized the parlour's failure to adhere to safety standards and its lack of proper training in administering treatments.

The court ordered Akilandeshwari to pay ₹5 lakh to Jayanthi for her physical and emotional distress, along with ₹5,000 towards litigation expenses. The decision underscores the importance of consumer awareness and the need for stringent regulations in the beauty industry.

Jayanthi alleged that the parlor committed to covering the cost of her plastic surgery but later reneged on the promise. She subsequently sent a legal notice to the parlor, which responded with an evasive reply, according to the report.

Reference:

Sitohang, Irma Bernadette S., Lili Legiawati, Lis Surachmiati Suseno, and Fadhila Dea Safira. "Trichloroacetic Acid Peeling for Treating Photoaging: A Systematic Review." Dermatology Research and Practice 2021 (August 30, 2021): 3085670. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8423570/

(Rh/Eth/ARC/MSM)