ENSURING YOUR SAFETY
Since no national regulations exist nor are there any defined characteristics of what constitutes a medi-spa, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) and The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) have created some questions you should ask to ensure a safe visit. Here are a few. For complete information, go to surgery.org
Is the medi-spa located within a physician’s office? While problems are infrequent, physicians’ offices generally have medical personnel available if a problem develops.
Is the medi-spa located outside of a doctor’s office in, for example, a mall or salon? If so, ask the name of the physician(s) responsible for oversight and when they are available for consultation or questions before having any injectable, deep peel, or laser treatment. Also, ask about the training of any other medical personnel.
What are the credentials of the physician supervising your treatment in the medi-spa? Injectables (such as Botox and tissue fillers); skin treatments (such as laser, intense pulsed light, and radiofrequency); and deep peels should be under the supervision of a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist.
Depending on the state you’re in, injections and deep peels may be performed by a nurse, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner. However, never allow a non-medical, unlicensed person to perform a medical procedure.
