Secret cosmetic surgery clinic hidden inside Springvale jewellery store busted

It’s the Springvale jewellery store which reportedly saw a string of bloodied, bandaged customers streaming from its doors. A health department investigation uncovered a number of shocking discoveries.

An alleged illegal cosmetic surgery clinic has been busted and shut down. Picture: Alex Coppel

A secret cosmetic surgery clinic inside a suburban jewellery shop has been busted, ­raising fears hundreds of ­patients may be at risk of ­hepatitis or HIV infections.

Reports of bloodied customers constantly leaving the Thanh Loi jewellery store at Springvale Shopping Centre led to an investigation.

The Herald Sun understands Department of Health officers were shocked to ­discover cockroaches among medical equipment in the ­ clinic at the back of the jeweller’s when they raided the store in late May.

Trading as Sonoun Kimlee Salon, it is believed Lee Kim Tan had been operating the underground clinic in the rear of her husband’s jewellery shop since early 2018.

Reports of bloodied patients walking out of the shop sparked the investigation. Picture: Alex Coppel

Investigators will today start contacting 68 patients identified from seized records who underwent high-risk cosmetic procedures including tattooing, eyelid cutting, skin peels, mole removal and Botox-like facial injections.

Victoria’s Chief Health ­Officer, Brett Sutton, ­believes hundreds more mainly Cambodian and Vietnamese ­patients may have been ­exposed to infection risks from other patients, or the person performing the work.

“The risk of infection, injury and permanent damage is very high if premises do not employ suitably qualified staff and practice suitable infection control measures,” Dr Sutton said.

“We are contacting clients we are aware of. If you, or someone you know, had cosmetic procedures at this salon, see your doctor as soon as possible to have a blood test.”

The Thanh Loi jewellery store at Springvale Shopping CentrePicture: Alex Coppel

Dandenong council has shut down the clinic. Picture: Alex Coppel

While no clients had yet come forward with reports of illnesses after treatment at the clinic, Dr Sutton said there was a risk of contracting hepatitis B and C and HIV.

The Health Complaints Commissioner has ­banned Ms Tan from advertising or providing any procedure, while Dandenong Council shut down the clinic and is leading the prosecution.

Jewellery store owner ­Sonoun Saing told the Herald Sun, through an interpreter, he and his wife were awaiting approval to resume operating.

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He said no patients had complained.

Traders ­described seeing streams of women walk into the jewellery store to be escorted to a back room.

“A lot of women come in, a lot are not happy with how they look,” said one.

“Some have asked me if they know somewhere where they can fix their work.”

Anyone who has a concern or complaint about a cosmetic procedure can tell the ­office of the Health Complaints ­Commissioner on 1300 582 113.

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