Urgent warning over ‘backyard’ Sydney cosmetic procedures

Patients who visited an unregistered provider of cosmetic and medical procedures in Sydney may have been exposed to hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV and should monitor for skin infections, the Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC) warned on Thursday.

The practitioner – known as I-Pei Pan, Dr Pan and Dr Pan Pan – was banned from advertising for or administering any health service in March 2025 after the HCCC discovered she had provided invasive procedures, infusions and injections at a clinic in Sydney’s CBD.

A search of the Sussex Street clinic found veterinary surgical equipment, evidence of procedures conducted that breached skin penetration laws, and procedures that increased the risk of infection between clients.

The prohibition order against Pan is still in place but the HCCC found she continued to operate privately out of a home in Redfern.

A search of the address on September 22 seized large amounts of imported and unapproved medicines.

Medical devices, including specula used to examine and treat gynaecological conditions, needles, dental needles, syringes, cannulation tubes and infusion sets were also found inside the home.

The HCCC understands that gynaecological conditions in women who visited Pan may have been either overlooked or treated incorrectly.

There was no sterilisation equipment in the treatment space and a cat was living in the home. Investigators also told the Herald they found stained cupboards and carpet near the space where treatments had been administered.

Pan offered most of her treatments to people in the Chinese-speaking community and advertised her services on Chinese-language social media.

She was known as “Fairbaby Beauty Studio” on WeChat and gave anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers and “wellness drips”. Some drips found at the home contained alanyl-glutamine, which can cause kidney and liver damage.

Equipment seized at the home also suggested she may have performed surgical procedures such as liposuction and Brazilian butt lifts.

She has told clients she was an Australian doctor and surgeon. She is not a doctor, surgeon nor a registered practitioner.

At least one client of Pan’s has suffered an adverse reaction to a procedure. Several other complaints have been made to the commission.

Clients who visited Pan should get tested for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C and should also monitor for signs of skin infections. They can contact their local public health unit directly on 1300 066 055.

“Ms Pan may try to give treatments at a new location. Do not get treatment from Ms Pan anywhere,” a statement issued by the HCCC on Thursday said.

A spokesperson for NSW Police said no charges had been laid. An investigation by the HCCC is ongoing.

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