A prominent celebrity esthetician in California has surrendered her license years after a client suffered a serious skincare incident that resulted in permanent scarring. If she chooses to apply for a new license, she will be required to pay the client a substantial five-figure settlement.
The news of the settlement was shared by Victoria Nelson, the client who was left with permanent facial scarring. Known for regularly posting lifestyle content, Nelson has since shifted her focus to documenting her pursuit of justice after a chemical peel allegedly performed by notorious esthetician Sonya Dakar went wrong. The clip linked above went viral, attracting 952,200 views, 48,800 likes, and more than 600 comments.
As part of the settlement agreement, the Beverly Hills-based esthetician will be barred from applying for reinstatement of either of her licenses for a period of three years. During that time, she will not be permitted to resume licensed practice under those credentials, and the restriction will remain in effect regardless of whether she otherwise wishes to return to work in the field. The three-year period functions as a mandatory waiting period before any request for reinstatement can even be considered by the appropriate licensing board.
If she chooses to reapply after that period has passed, reinstatement will not be automatic. She will be required to demonstrate that she has been rehabilitated and is fit to hold a professional license again. That may include showing evidence of compliance with the settlement terms, demonstrating changes in conduct, and providing proof that she can practice safely, ethically, and in accordance with applicable professional standards. In addition, she must pay any required restitution, ensuring that financial obligations connected to the complaint are addressed before the board considers granting her a new license.
She must also agree that the allegations and statements contained in the filed complaint are true. This admission is significant because it becomes part of the official record and may be considered by the board when evaluating any future application. The board will then weigh the seriousness of the admitted conduct, the steps she has taken since the settlement, her payment of restitution, and any evidence of rehabilitation before deciding whether to approve or deny a new license. Ultimately, the settlement does not guarantee that she will ever be licensed again; it only gives her the opportunity to seek reinstatement after the required three-year period, subject to the board’s review and discretion.
As Nelson previously shared on Instagram, the incident that ultimately led to Dakar losing her license occurred in April 2021. Nelson explained that, after receiving a facial, she agreed to a chemical peel—a procedure Dakar had performed on her before.
Immediately, however, the California woman felt that the liquid Dakar applied burned her cheeks. She had the same feeling on her forehead, and even on the skin below her eyebrow. Eventually, she checked herself on her selfie camera and saw white spots in her face. At first, she thought it was a cream or lotion of sorts. Then, shocked, she learned that it was actually her burned skin.
