Domestic helper left with swollen face after a $280 cosmetic job in Geylang open space

Independent Singapore

15-05-2025

SINGAPORE: An employer has revealed that she was left shocked and angered after her foreign domestic helper turned up after her day off with a swollen face, after having paid $280 for unlicensed cosmetic procedures in the Geylang area. The dubious procedures were booked through TikTok.
The employer, Tricia Zhou, took to Facebook this week and revealed that she has since made a police report.
She recounted that her helper had taken her day off on May 11. 'The next day on May 12, I noticed her face looked swollen and different,' said Ms Zhou, 'After questioning her, she admitted that she had done braces and a nose thread lift. I was extremely shocked and angry.'
The procedures were allegedly carried out in an open space behind City Plaza along Geylang Road, a popular Sunday gathering spot for many domestic workers.
Expressing concern, Ms Zhou wrote, 'This was not a clinic, meaning the procedures were completely unlicensed and illegal. The prices were very cheap. $100 for the nose thread lift and $180 for braces, which likely drew many others in.'
She added that the helper 'found out about it through a TikTok account that was promoting these cosmetic procedures. After commenting on a video, someone will arrange everything. According to her, more than 20 other individuals have also undergone similar procedures on the same day.'
Ms Zhou shared that the individual who brought her helper to the location claimed to be leaving Singapore after completing her own employment contract.
When Ms Zhou asked her helper to show her the TikTok accounts that promoted the services, they appeared to have been deleted or hidden. 'She said all communication was done via TikTok through comments and payments via cash,' the employer added.
Calling for more awareness to be spread on this issue and for the perpetrators to be arrested, Ms Zhou said, 'I strongly believe this is a scam and illegal cosmetic operation targeting domestic helpers who may not understand the full dangers of these unlicensed procedures. These people are earning unethical money by putting others at serious health risk.'
She added, 'I explained the risks of infection, permanent damage, or even death due to unsafe and unsanitary practices to my helper, and she is now terrified.'
Her post has sparked concern among netizens, many of whom called for better education and outreach to vulnerable communities regarding the risks of black-market cosmetic procedures.