Woman Accuses Celebrity Facialist of Permanently Scarring Her Face and Says She Spent $90K Trying to Fix the Damage

A woman has come forward with allegations against a prominent celebrity facialist, accusing her of causing permanent damage to her face. Victoria Nelson took to TikTok to share her harrowing experience with Beverly Hills-based esthetician Sonya Dakar, claiming that a treatment she received left her with severe burns and facial scarring. Despite reaching out for comment, a representative for Dakar has not responded to People’s inquiries.

Nelson’s now-viral video recounts her initial excitement about seeking treatment from Dakar in 2019 to help with her acne, noting that their relationship grew into something akin to family. In April 2021, during a routine facial appointment, Dakar suggested and administered a chemical peel to Nelson, which resulted in intense burning and stinging sensations on her skin. Despite assurances from Dakar that the burns could be resolved with further treatments, Nelson continued to experience persistent damage.

Nelson underwent numerous sessions with Dakar and spent a significant amount of money in an attempt to rectify the damage caused by the initial treatment. Subsequent consultations with a dermatologist led her to seek laser treatments costing an additional $8,000, with little improvement in her condition. She claims to have spent around $60,000 on treatments with Dakar and an additional $30,000 on treatments with other professionals to address the ongoing effects of the chemical peel.

In her video, Nelson expresses feelings of disappointment and betrayal, stating that she trusted Dakar with her skin and innermost feelings, only to be left with permanent scars and ongoing self-consciousness. Despite filing a complaint with the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, Nelson has not seen a resolution to her case. She highlights the limitations of Dakar’s license and the alleged use of medical-grade products and treatments beyond her scope of practice.

The Board of Barbering and Cosmetology reportedly revoked Dakar’s license in 2011 and placed her on probation for three years, although details of the disciplinary action remain undisclosed. Nelson’s impassioned plea serves as a warning to others who may be considering treatments under similar circumstances, emphasising the importance of thorough research and due diligence when choosing skincare professionals.

The industry’s regulatory bodies play a crucial role in ensuring the competence and ethical conduct of practitioners, safeguarding the well-being of clients like Nelson. As investigations into such cases continue, it is essential for consumers to remain vigilant and informed about the risks associated with cosmetic procedures and the qualifications of those providing them. Victoria Nelson’s story serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of inadequate oversight and the importance of prioritising client safety in the beauty and skincare industry.