Housewife's six-year nightmare

May, a housewife in her 30s, has undergone extensive medical treatment after a laser skin-care procedure caused serious burns to her back six years ago.

May's nightmare began when she responded to a beauty parlour advert in a woman's magazine. 'I was very impressed by the ad which was filled with compliments from some of my favourite actresses.'

Eager to remove moles on her back, May paid $3,000 for one laser session in late 1997. Three more sessions were initially planned but after the first session her skin was badly burned.

'The skin on my back started peeling off, it was so painful that I could not sleep well at night,' she said. When her back failed to heal May turned to the Prince of Wales Hospital in early 1998 for help. There, doctors told her she needed surgery. She is still being treated for the scars on her back.

'I lodged a complaint with the beauty parlour. I was so furious when the company refused to take responsibility. They said there was no proof the burn was caused by the laser treatment. They refused to give me a refund, nor would they pay compensation for the pain I have suffered.

'I know I have been fooled. I no longer trust advertisements.'