Cosmetic Procedures, sign a contract after Fully Understanding Explanation of dermatologist

- Termination of the contract, damages led by side effects and ineffective results after procedures -

   Consumer damages have been increasing continuously as interests in skin care, such as whitening, etc. grow especially due to strong ultraviolet rays in summer.

    Korea Consumer Agency(www.kca.go.kr) announced that number of damages related to cosmetic procedures have increased annually since 2011, total 146 cases received until May 2014.

< Current Condition of Consumer Damages (‘11. 1. 1~’14. 5. 31) >

                                                                                                                     (Unit : case, %)

  As a result of analyzing 79 cases associated with damages of cosmetic procedures received from 2013 to May 2015, 'termination of contract'(30cases, 37,9%), such as refusal of terminating a contract and excessive cancellation charge was topped on the list. According to the『Regulations on consumer dispute resolution』, in case of terminating the contract with purpose of skin procedures, certain amount of money can be returned after deducting cancellation fee and the amount for receiving service. However, it appears that some dermatology clinics return the original amount to patients when cancelling the contracts with reasons for discounted prices or refuse to refund.

  It appears that ’Side effects after procedures' and ‘Ineffectiveness after skin procedures’ including redness of skin and pigmentation, etc. accounted for 23 cases (29.1%) and 13cases (16.5%), respectively.

  The top damage was 'Laser surgery'(49 cases, 62%) overwhelmingly higher than other procedures.

  Most victims are residents who are from twenties to thirties(48, 60.7%), female(66, 83.5%), and live in Seoul metropolitan area. By geographic regions, hospitals located in Seoul(47cases, 59.5%) were topped the list of damage, and especially hospitals located in Gangnam and Seocho had the highest rate in Seoul area(28 cases, 59.6%).

   However, just 42 cases(53.2%) of agreement were reached, such as refund and compensation, due to difficulties of proving faults of medical teams or refusals of hospitals.

   Korea Consumer Agency announced that it would request coordination to relevant ministries to make dermatology clinics firmly observe the regulations of refund based on the『Regulations on consumer dispute resolution』in order to prevent consumer damages.

   Moreover, the KCA recommended that consumers ▲ decide to receive surgery after fully consulting on skin condition with dermatologists, ▲ be aware of not making a contract impulsively and listen carefully about effects of procedures, side effects, etc., ▲ check information on whether doctors are dermatologists and have experiences of cosmetic procedures, and ▲ make a contract after confirming standards on prices and refund based on the number and types of procedures.