Two captains in the United States Air Force have filed a product liability lawsuit against Cynosure and Hologic, alleging the companies failed to adequately warn their consumers about a risk of injury associated with laser hair removal.
The reportedly nightmarish ordeal occurred in Platte County, about 90 minutes from the Whiteman Air Force Base, where the married couple were stationed in the spring of 2016.
According to the five-page suit, Renee Cassidy and her husband, Justin Cassidy, visited the Premier Laser Spa of Kansas City, which at the time was located at 8628 N. Boardwalk Ave. in Kansas City, on May 14, 2016. Renee allegedly underwent a scheduled hair removal treatment using an Elite + Aesthetic Workstation designed by Cynosure.
During the procedure, the suit says, Renee allegedly experienced pain and informed the staff member of the discomfort. At which point the staff member allegedly left the room, perhaps to consult with her supervisor.
Despite Renee’s complaint, the technician allegedly continued using one or two light emission wavelengths to remove Renee’s unwanted hair on her upper body.
“When the treatment concluded, the member who performed the procedure looked concerned,” the suit says.”
Renee allegedly sustained several burns, which were captured on photographs at the end of the treatment. Renee was told to apply antibiotic cream and a cold press to the burn sites. Still, the pain was so severe that Renee was brought to tears as her husband drove her home, the suit says.
Following the initial treatment, Renee reached out to the company and requested a refund. Her request was denied, the suit says.
On top of that, the regional manager, Amy Fisher, allegedly placed the blame on the staff member rather than the Elite + machine. Fisher, the suit alleges, offered to have a “more experienced person perform the remaining treatment that Renee paid for” or provide a free spa service, the suit says.
The company, which now operates as Light Rx Face and Body, determined “that the employee who performed the procedure used the Elite +’s Alexandrite laser,” which should not be used on dark skin types.
The burns on Renee’s body caused physical pain that affected her sleep and basic mobility, according to the lawsuit.
“There was significant swelling, a constant raw-nerve-exposure pain that was not alleviated by any medication or topical treatment, and disfiguring scabs that were painful themselves,” attorney Jarrett Johnson wrote.
As the lawsuit tells it, Renee was permanently disfigured and continues to suffer from emotional distress while engaged in normal activities, such as dressing. Renee has petitioned the court seeking a jury trial.
Her husband, Justin, is seeking compensation for loss of consortium.
“Justin has suffered a reduction in the quality of companionship he and Renee shared prior to her injury,” the suit explains.