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

Victoria Nelson is taking legal action against Sonya Dakar, a well-known skin expert, claiming a treatment left her with lasting damage.

Nelson first visited Dakar's Beverly Hills clinic in late 2019 to treat her acne.
She became a regular client, calling Dakar her "LA mom" due to the mix of skincare and therapy.
In April 2021, during a routine facial, Dakar suggested a peel.
The treatment went wrong, burning Nelson's face and causing her eyes to water.
Dakar rinsed it off and gave Nelson a fan to cool down.
Nelson later realized her face was burned, not just creamed.

Dakar assured Nelson the burn would heal, but it didn't.
Nelson underwent 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.

The California Attorney General's office is involved, filing a complaint against Dakar's license.
Experts advised that the liquid used might have been medical-grade, something an esthetician shouldn't have access to.
Microneedling 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
Operating an unlicensed establishment in 2023
Nelson points out a bigger issue within the skincare industry.

Dakar's clinic hasn't responded to requests for comment.
Nelson's story raises questions about the safety and regulation of beauty treatments.