In today’s fast-moving, information overload world, it’s mind-blowing that people are still falling victim to fake injectables and unlicensed providers. Yet, the recent New York case of an aesthetician allegedly injecting clients with counterfeit neurotoxin imported from China proves the risks are very real. Patients reported severe side effects, including double vision and difficulty swallowing, after receiving treatments from someone who wasn’t licensed to inject.
With so much medspa safety information available, how does this still happen? Experts say many patients are drawn in by social media hype, discounted pricing or misleading marketing tactics. Choosing the right medspa and injector is more important than ever, not just for aesthetic results but for safety. Before booking an appointment, here’s what top plastic surgeons say you need to know about vetting your provider, spotting red flags and ensuring that what’s going into your face is actually FDA-approved.
Featured Experts
- Dr. Philippe A. Capraro is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Denver
- Dr. Alan Durkin is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Vero Beach, FL
- Dr. M. Bradley Calobrace is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Louisville, KY
Checking Credentials
One of the first steps in medspa safety is confirming who runs it. According to Denver plastic surgeon Philippe A. Capraro, MD, the spa’s medical director should be a board-certified aesthetic specialist. “I always recommend that patients research the medical director associated with the medical spa they are considering. If they are not a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist, it may not be the best place for injectables and treatments,” he says.
“If something goes wrong, the medical director is responsible for addressing it. You need to be confident that they are in the appropriate area of expertise.” It’s also important to research the injector’s qualifications. “Spend time looking into your injector as well,” adds Dr. Capraro. “Are they knowledgeable? Do they have a good reputation? If not, that’s a red flag.”
Some Medspas Aren’t Run by Board-Certified Doctors
Medspas operate under different business models and not all are run by board-certified plastic surgeons or dermatologists. While there are reputable medspas outside of these specialties, the risk factor is often higher when there is no direct oversight from an experienced aesthetic physician.
“As there is little oversight in the medspa arena, this is very difficult for patients to evaluate,” says Vero Beach, FL plastic surgeon Alan Durkin, MD. “In a global sense, patients who attend medspas that are owned and operated by plastic surgeons and dermatologists onsite at the spa will have a markedly safer experience with much broader options available to the patient, especially in the realm of regenerative aesthetics.”
“Having said that, there are many examples of successful medspas outside of the ‘core aesthetic specialties.’ Best practices are to ask the providers to show proof of direct-from-manufacturer purchase. This can be done by simply showing the box to the patient or the labeling on the injectable.”
Choosing a Credible Establishment
Beyond credentials, Dr. Durkin warns against “pop-up” medspas that operate with limited hours or by appointment only. “If a medical facility cannot support itself during business hours, it’s what we call a ‘pop-up’ medspa,” he explains. “It’s an investment vehicle for an investor rather than a medical facility focused on patient outcomes.”
Louisville, KY plastic surgeon Bradley Calobrace, MD, says another mistake patients make is trusting social media over professional referrals. “People see marketing and photos instead of focusing on credentials,” he explains. “You need to know who has tested the provider and their experience.” He also advises asking how often a doctor is in the clinic overseeing treatments. If the medical director is rarely present, that’s a red flag.
Know What to Ask Before Booking
Verifying that a provider is properly trained and using FDA-approved products is a safety step many patients overlook. If a medspa is not run by a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist, Dr. Durkin recommends asking for proof that products are purchased directly from the manufacturer.
Training is another key factor. Not all courses provide the same level of expertise. Dr. Capraro emphasizes that medspas with a plastic surgeon as the medical director should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). The ABPS ensures rigorous training and adherence to safety protocols.
Price can also be an indicator of quality. “You get what you pay for,” says Dr. Capraro. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Extremely low prices may mean diluted or non-FDA-approved products or an inexperienced injector. “At the end of the day, you want to give your body the best, which will not be the cheapest.”
What to Do If Something Goes Wrong
Even with careful research, complications can still happen. If a patient suspects they received an unverified product or had a poor outcome, the first step is obtaining medical records. “Notify the medical board and Better Business Bureau,” advises Dr. Calobrace. “If the injector was a nurse, notify the nursing board as well.” If a provider used an unapproved product or lacked proper certification, it should be reported to the state medical board.
Dr. Durkin stresses that patients should prioritize safety over social media trends. “Patients go to medspas to solve problems, not create new ones,” he says. Ensuring that an injector has the correct training and a plan for handling complications can make all the difference in achieving safe, successful results.
