DUBLIN, Ireland: The High Court awarded 80,000 euros in damages to a once-aspiring model, who quit her career after a laser hair-removal treatment procedure left her legs with lasting burns and scarring.

Part-time aspiring model Ana Coretchi said she was embarking on a full-time modelling career when she suffered first-degree burns during the treatment.

Coretchi (30), of Greenfield Park, Donnybrook, Dublin, sued Dundrum Cosmetic, Dundrum Medical Cosmetic Clinic, and owner Gordosek Limited, all with addresses at Dundrum Town Centre, alleging negligence and breach of duty.

At the High Court on January 27, Justice Carmel Stewart awarded Coretchi 80,000 euros in general damages solely against the third defendant, Gordosek Ltd, who neither lodged a defence nor responded to the plaintiff's legal team.

The court heard that Coretchi attended Dundrum Cosmetic on July 4, 2020, for laser hair removal on the back of her thighs. Following the treatment, Coretchi submitted that she suffered burns and later complained of lesions on the back of her upper thighs.

A doctor checked the woman and found significant brown marks in a half-circle shape on her thighs, along with two open sores. The doctor said she had first-degree burns from the laser treatment.
She was told to keep using moisturizer, was given a cream for the sores, and a short course of anti-anxiety medicine.

Later, she saw a dermatologist, who said she had large white patches on the backs of her thighs and that they could be permanent.

In court, Coretchi said the burning feeling lasted for three weeks. She said she hoped the scars would fade, but she became very anxious, had chest tightness, and had trouble sleeping. She said she was doing some modeling at the time and was very excited about it, but had to stop working on her portfolio because of the injuries.

At a second visit, the skin doctor said she had second-degree burns. The white patches on her skin lasted for about 18 months and caused her embarrassment and problems in her social life and relationships. She said she felt uncomfortable showing her legs and could not wear short or tight clothes because her skin was very sensitive and painful due to nerve damage.

Her lawyer asked for higher compensation because the injuries affected her confidence and career. The judge agreed and awarded her 80,000 euros in damages.