FAQs for Healthcare Complaints Commission (HCCC) Public Warning: Ms I-Pei Pan - non-registered provider of cosmetic and medical treatments

​​​​What is the issue?

The HCCC has issued a public warning about Ms I-Pei Pan (also known as Ipei Pan, Dr Pan, Dr Pan Pan or Fairbaby Beauty Studio (wxid_gyr84inpkgjn22) on WeChat). Ms Pan is currently banned from providing any cosmetic treatments and procedures. The full HCCC public warning can be found at Public warning: Ms I-Pei Pan – Non-registered provider of cosmetic and medical treatments - NSW Health Care Complaints Commission.

The main health concerns related to Ms Pan's practices are:

• Cosmetic and medical treatments performed by Ms Pan, may pose a risk of exposure to bloodborne viruses due to poor infection control such as inadequate sterilisation and cleaning of equipment. A bloodborne virus could have spread from one client to another via blood on cosmetic equipment e.g. needles or scalpel blades. Bloodborne viruses include hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. There are effective treatments available for people with hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. It is important to detect these infections early so that effective treatment can be commenced as soon as possible. Generally, the earlier that treatment is started for bloodborne viruses, the better the outcome.
• Poor infection control could also cause other types of infections from bacteria. These other infections cause acute symptoms and generally do not lead to long-term problems. Routine testing is not needed for these other infections if you do not have symptoms.
• Some of the medicines that Ms Pan gave her clients were not registered for use in Australia. These medicines may have caused harm to clients.
• Ms Pan may have told her clients that she is an Australian doctor or surgeon. This is not true. Ms Pan is not qualified to provide any medical advice or perform surgical procedures in Australia.

Who is at risk?

• Any person who has seen Ms Pan for a cosmetic procedure that involved an injection, a drip, a needle or blade, may be at risk of having a bloodborne virus. Bloodborne viruses may not show signs or symptoms of an infection for many years, so people may feel well even if they have been infected.
• Any person who has received medicines from Ms Pan may be at risk of medication side effects. Most side effects of these medicines are expected to occur within days of receiving the treatment.

What do I need to do?

• If you feel unwell after receiving medical or surgical treatment from Ms Pan, you should see a doctor immediately.
• If you received medical advice from Ms Pan, you should disregard this advice as it may be incorrect. You should see your GP as soon as possible to discuss any further medical advice.
• Any person who has seen Ms Pan for a cosmetic procedure that involved an injection, a drip, a needle or blade is recommended to see their GP for testing for bloodborne viruses (hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV). Bloodborne viruses can have serious and long-lasting health impacts. You may not show symptoms if you are infected, so anyone at risk should be tested as a precaution. 
• There is also a risk of bacterial infections from unhygienic cosmetic procedures. Bacterial infections usually show signs like pain or swelling within a few days to weeks. No testing is required for bacterial infections if you have no symptoms.

How will I know if I have been infected with a bloodborne virus?

Bloodborne viruses may not show signs or symptoms of an infection for many years, so you may not know if you have been infected. These viruses can be detected on a blood test. Effective treatments are available for all patients who have hepatitis B, hepatitis C and/or HIV.  It is important to detect these infections early so that effective treatment can be commenced as soon as possible. Generally, the earlier that treatment is started for bloodborne viruses, the better the outcome.

For bloodborne virus testing, does it matter how long ago I was treated by Ms Pan?

It is uncertain how long Ms Pan has been performing treatments at the private residence in Redfern. As a precaution, anyone who had cosmetic treatments done by Ms Pan at any time should have a test for bloodborne viruses as soon as possible. If you have already had tests for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV more than six months after your last visit with Ms Pan, you do not need to be tested.

Do I need to tell anyone before I get tested for a bloodborne virus?

You do not need to tell anyone. We recommend that you speak with your GP as soon as possible, as your doctor can arrange testing and provide advice specific to your situation.

What does it mean if I test positive for a bloodborne virus?

If you have a positive test for a bloodborne virus, your GP will arrange for additional tests and treatment, if needed. Effective treatments are available for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. It is important to detect these infections early so that effective treatment can be commenced as soon as possible. Generally, the earlier that treatment is started for bloodborne viruses, the better the outcome.

A positive result means that you have been infected with a bloodborne virus at some point in the past. People can be infected with a bloodborne virus in other ways (such as from mother to child, through unprotected sex with a partner who has a bloodborne virus, or by injecting drugs).  A positive result could have been caused by the cosmetic treatment from Ms Pan or due to other reasons.

How can I protect myself from further risks when receiving cosmetic treatments?

If you are receiving medical procedures, such as cosmetic injectables or needles or medicines are being given to you, always check that your practitioner is registered before you have any treatment. Ask for their full name and search for it on the AHPRA register at www.ahpra.gov.au​. Do not rely on someone calling themselves "Dr".

Ensure that you know what product is being used and that you are given information about the risks of the procedure or medicine. You can ask to see the product packaging. Medicines approved for use in Australia will have English labelling.

Be aware of the following warning signs, which may suggest that the cosmetic treatment is not legitimate:

• Treatments offered in a private home, hotel room or other place that is not a clinic.
• Treatments offered at prices that are much lower than usual
• Treatments where you are asked to pay in cash only

Where can I find more information? 

Further information on bloodborne viruses is available on the NSW Health infectious diseases fact sheets on hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.

Fact sheets in other languages are available from the Multicultural HIV and ​​Hepatitis Service​. 

If you are a client of Ms Pan and you have any other questions, please speak with your GP or contact HealthDirect on 1800 022 222 (toll free).

If you were treated by Ms Pan, please call the HCCC on 1800 043 159 (toll free). Let their team know your concern is about Ms Pan, and they will guide you through the next steps. Your call will be private and confidential.

Where can I get help if I am feeling distressed by this news?

For anyone distressed by this news and needing mental health support, please call the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511. It is a free service operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is staffed by trained mental health professionals who offer mental health advice and referrals to local mental health services.

Support for people who live in NSW and who are from culturally and linguistically diverse communities is also available via the Transcultural Mental Health Line on 1800 648 911.

More information on mental health services and support can be found on the NSW Health website at  Mental health - Services and programs.