Couple charged over S$1,200 at Bencoolen beauty salon allegedly due to upselling, got 149 milia seeds removed at S$3-S$5 each

A couple in Singapore alleged that what began as a S$32 facial treatment at a beauty salon eventually resulted in a bill of over S$1,200, after they were persuaded to undergo additional procedures.

In response, the salon's manager said prices were clearly displayed and that the couple had given their consent before staff proceeded with the treatments.

Wanted a basic facial treatment

According to Shin Min Daily News, a 35-year-old woman, surnamed Feng (transliteration), said she and her boyfriend visited Agyness Beauty Centre at The Bencoolen on Jan. 1.

Feng said she had patronised the salon a few months earlier for a S$5 mole removal and was not pressured into purchasing additional services at the time, leaving her with a positive impression.

When she and her boyfriend visited the salon this time round, her boyfriend opted for a S$32 facial treatment.

Feng later agreed to get the same treatment done after being persuaded by a staff member.

The couple were then taken to separate rooms.

Agreed to switch to a less painful treatment

Less than five minutes into her session, the beautician asked Feng if she wanted to upgrade to the S$88 package, to which Feng declined, Shin Min reported.

However, Feng later experienced pain when a device was used to treat the pimples on her face.

About 10 minutes later, a man who claimed to be the manager entered the room and asked if she wanted to switch to a less painful treatment, noting that she looked uncomfortable.

He stated that the alternative treatment would cost S$194 and added that her boyfriend had also agreed to switch to it.

According to Feng, she eventually agreed as she was in a lot of pain at the time.

Had milia seeds removed

The beautician later asked Feng if she wanted to have her milia seeds removed, initially saying that she had six and the procedure cost S$3 per seed.

Concerned about her skin, Feng agreed.

However, the beautician later claimed to have an upset stomach and another staff member took over.

That staff member proceeded to apply numbing cream and began counting the number of milia seeds, which eventually came up to 68.

"I didn’t want to continue anymore, but I felt I couldn’t refuse and just wanted the session to end," Feng said.

Paid over S$1,200 in total

According to Shin Min, the entire session lasted nearly three hours.

Feng said she only realised the total cost exceeded S$1,200 when she went to make payment.

Upset, she later lodged a police report.

According to the receipt she provided, 68 milia seeds were removed from Feng’s face and neck, while 81 were removed from her boyfriend’s face, neck and around his eyes.

Feng’s boyfriend said he had initially been told he had only 11 milia seeds.

Feng added that both of them were left with visible marks on their faces after the treatment and wore masks afterwards due to concerns over potential skin issues.

Salon manager: Consent had been obtained

Responding to the allegations, the salon’s manager, surnamed Zeng (transliteration), told Shin Min that prices were clearly displayed and that they had obtained the customers’ consent before proceeding with the treatments.

She said the S$32 facial was a basic treatment, while the S$194 option was a herbal treatment recommended based on the customers’ skin conditions.

"If they disagreed, they could have refused payment and contacted the police on the spot," she said.

Was given a gastrointestinal massage

According to Feng, before having her milia seeds removed, she had also been persuaded by the manager to get a gastrointestinal massage after mentioning that her stomach felt a little bloated, Shin Min reported.

The massage cost about S$84 per person, and Feng said she felt pressured to agree as both the manager and the beautician were present in the room.

However, Zeng said they had only recommended the massage after both Feng and her boyfriend mentioned gastrointestinal discomfort, adding that it would help improve both their digestion and skin condition.

She added that the price of milia seed removal was dependent on the size of the seeds and ranged from S$3 to more than S$20 per seed, stating that Feng had been charged S$3 per seed while her boyfriend was charged S$5 per seed.

She said customers could refuse the procedure at any point, even after numbing cream had been applied.

Zeng further alleged that Feng had looked in the mirror and suggested removing all the milia seeds.

The salon also provided a complimentary anti-inflammatory ointment after the procedure, she said.

Other beauticians interviewed by Shin Min said milia seeds are typically removed as part of a treatment session rather than charged individually, and that usually only a few are removed at a time due to pain and the lengthy healing process

Top photos via Shin Min Daily News