Burned in Pursuit of Beauty: Injuries From Cosmetic Use of Non-Ionizing Radiation and Associated Regulatory Gaps

Despite recent regulatory reforms to improve the safety of cosmetic procedures in Australia, treatments involving non-ionizing radiation (NIR)-such as laser, intense pulsed light and radiofrequency-remain largely unregulated in most states and territories. Recent reviews have concluded that there is a lack of evidence of adverse effects, and insufficient evidence has also been cited as a barrier to regulatory reforms. We sought to characterize adverse effects from cosmetic treatments involving NIR reported in Australian media and to analyse associated regulatory themes.

We searched for Australian news media disseminated between 2008-2023 reporting adverse effects from cosmetic treatments involving non-ionizing radiation (NIR). Identified case reports were coded and analysed to explore adverse effects and associated regulatory insights.

One hundred unique media reports were identified that described ninety-five cases. One in five involved permanent effects with burns and scarring most frequently reported (sixty-five and fifty-four cases respectively). Reports concerned women more than men (eighty vs eight cases), most commonly following laser (sixty cases) or IPL (twenty-nine cases) treatment and in non-clinical rather than clinical settings (sixty vs eighteen cases). Six practitioners collectively accounted for almost one third of cases. Significant regulatory gaps were identified, including insufficient mechanisms for addressing poor professional practice, and barriers to consumers seeking compensation including minimum injury thresholds and uninsured providers.

Media reports have documented cases of serious and permanent injuries following cosmetic NIR treatments in Australia. Nationally consistent regulations should be considered to ensure standards of care, protect consumers, and reduce barriers to redress.