Lawsuit Against Celebrity Esthetician Sonya Dakar Over Alleged Skin Damage

Victoria Nelson has initiated a lawsuit against celebrity esthetician Sonya Dakar, claiming that a treatment she received at Dakar's Beverly Hills clinic caused "permanent damage" to her face. The lawsuit, filed in partnership with California Attorney General Rob Bonta, alleges that the treatment has resulted in significant financial and emotional distress for Nelson.

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Nelson began visiting Sonya Dakar in late 2019 to address her acne. She described her initial experiences as positive, stating that she was "immediately enthralled" by Dakar's expertise. However, during a routine facial in April 2021, Dakar recommended a chemical peel, which Nelson claims led to severe burns on her face. She reported that the treatment caused immediate pain and discomfort, and she was not provided with adequate eye protection during the procedure.

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Following the alleged incident, Nelson underwent extensive treatments to remedy the damage, including 18 sessions of microneedling in 2021 and 12 sessions in 2022. She also incurred additional costs for laser treatments recommended by her dermatologist, totaling approximately $60,000 spent on various procedures with Dakar. Nelson expressed feelings of being "permanently disfigured" and continues to deal with visible scars.

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In her TikTok video detailing her experience, Nelson expressed disappointment in Dakar, stating, "I trusted her with my face... to feel like this person wasn’t looking out for me in the way I had hoped is just really disappointing." The California Attorney General's complaint against Dakar includes allegations of operating an unlicensed establishment and previous misconduct, including an alleged assault on a board inspector in 2008. As of now, Dakar's clinic has not responded to requests for comment.

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Nelson's case has raised broader concerns about the skincare industry. In her TikTok, she suggested that while Dakar might be a "bad apple," there could be "a bigger issue" within the industry regarding safety and regulatory compliance. Additionally, Dakar has faced previous legal challenges, including a lawsuit from former employees alleging discrimination based on race, religion, and sexual orientation.

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While Nelson's claims are detailed and supported by her experiences, the specifics of the treatment and the nature of the substances used remain contested. Nelson has been advised that the liquid applied during her treatment was likely "medical grade" or something an esthetician should not have access to, but this assertion has not been substantiated by independent sources.

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• “It’s a pretty scarring, literally, experience for me,” — Victoria Nelson

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• “I trusted her with my face, with my skin, honestly, with a lot of my innermost feelings, and to feel like this person wasn’t looking out for me in the way I had hoped is just really disappointing at the end of the day,” — Victoria Nelson

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This lawsuit highlights significant concerns regarding the practices of estheticians and the potential risks associated with cosmetic treatments.

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