Illegally labelled laser machines have been seized in raids across Queensland amid claims amateur beauticians and tattoo removalists are leaving patients permanently disfigured.
At least 25 machines were removed from businesses in raids targeting the use of medical-grade equipment by underqualified operators.
The co-ordinated raids, carried out by health authorities at businesses in the Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay regions, came after Radiation Queensland was made aware that up to a dozen laser patients had been burned and scarred during cosmetic procedures.
Investigations revealed a common culprit — machines labelled as Class 3, which do not require licencing or training, and which were in fact Class 4, a far more intense laser that without extensive training can potentially lead to serious injury and even blindness.
In many cases, unbeknown to Australian suppliers, the machines were incorrectly labelled when imported into the country.
The Australian understands, however, that several providers continued to operate the machines despite complaints from clients.
In Bundaberg, where the bulk of the claims surfaced, an aspiring soldier effectively had the flesh “melted” off his hand while getting a tattoo removed.
Another victim, 20-year-old Jackson Halpin, was left with a scar that resembled self harm after going to the same business to have a cross tattoo removed from the inside of his wrist.
He told The Australian he was immediately concerned when his wrist blistered during his first treatment, but was convinced to return for a second and third time, at $100 a session, assured his sensitive skin was to blame.
He said the treatment was painful and caused him to “scar really badly” and warned others to check qualifications of operators before booking a removal session.
The business responsible for the procedures still operates.
Helen Blackburn, owner and clinic manager at Vanish Ink Australia, said tattoo removal was a burgeoning industry and “shonky operators trying to get their piece of the pie” were damaging the reputation of those who had gained their qualifications through the right channels.
She said a key mistake made by many clinics and beauty salons offering tattoo removal was the use of IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) — a method designed for hair removal that is not recommended for parts of the body where tattoos sit.
Bundaberg MP Leanne Donaldson confirmed she had received 10 complaints from patients who had suffered while receiving treatment at local businesses.
Two Sunshine Coast suppliers were yesterday assisting Queensland Health with its investigation.
Queensland Health Minister Cameron Dick confirmed health authorities had seized records and equipment throughout the state’s southeast “as part of a co-ordinated crackdown on illegal laser equipment and untrained laser use”.
Source: The Australian