14 January 2024
The booming med spa industry, worth $15 billion, is facing scrutiny as unlicensed workers administer unapproved products in unsanitary conditions, leading to infections and adverse reactions.
When Bea Amma visited a med spa in 2021, she had no idea that she would leave with a drug-resistant infection that would leave her scarred and still recovering more than two years later. The med spa industry, valued at $15 billion, has seen a significant increase in recent years, offering a range of services from IV therapy to cosmetic procedures. However, alongside this boom, concerns have arisen about the lack of regulation and oversight, leading to unlicensed workers injecting unapproved products in unsanitary conditions. This article delves into the dark side of med spas, exploring the stories of individuals like Bea Amma who have suffered the consequences.
The Rise of Med Spas and the Lack of Oversight
The med spa industry has experienced exponential growth in recent years, becoming a lucrative market offering various wellness services. However, the lack of federal health regulations and standard operating procedures for med spas has allowed some facilities to operate without proper oversight. While each state requires doctors or medical professionals on staff, enforcement of this rule is often lacking. The American Med Spa Association aims to fill this gap by providing resources and guidance to ensure compliance with state laws. Despite the majority of med spas being safe and compliant, the small number that engage in unauthorized procedures and employ unlicensed workers remains a cause for concern.
The Dangers of Unapproved Procedures and Unlicensed Workers
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings about the dangers associated with unapproved procedures and the use of unauthorized products at med spas. Reports have emerged of severe infections and skin deformities resulting from unauthorized fat-dissolving injections. These injections, sold online under various names, have not been approved by the FDA and are often administered by personnel without the proper licenses. In addition to infections, adverse reactions from laser treatments and botched Botox injections have also been reported. The lack of regulation and oversight in the industry has allowed these risks to persist.
The Consequences: Infections and Adverse Reactions
Individuals like Bea Amma have experienced the devastating consequences of unregulated procedures at med spas. Amma received multiple injections of vitamins and fat-melting ingredients, only to develop a drug-resistant infection. Testing later revealed that she had been infected with Mycobacterium abscessus, a bacterium commonly associated with cosmetic procedures if equipment is not properly sterilized. The severity of Amma’s infection required hospitalization and intensive antibiotic treatment. Other cases of infections and adverse reactions have been reported, highlighting the need for stricter regulation and oversight.
The Need for Nationwide Standards and Increased Safety Measures
Experts and advocates are calling for increased oversight and nationwide standards to ensure the safety of patients at med spas. Currently, there are no federal health regulations for med spas, leaving each state responsible for enforcement. The American Med Spa Association acknowledges the need for consistency across all states and provides resources to ensure compliance with state laws. However, increased regulation and oversight are necessary to prevent unauthorized procedures and the use of unapproved products. Patients are urged to ask questions about the med spa’s ownership, the credentials of the person administering the treatment, and whether a licensed medical practitioner is on-site in case of complications.
Conclusion:
The med spa industry, valued at $15 billion, has seen significant growth in recent years. However, the lack of regulation and oversight has led to serious consequences for some patients. Infections, adverse reactions, and even deaths have occurred as a result of unapproved procedures and the use of unlicensed workers. The stories of individuals like Bea Amma highlight the urgent need for stricter regulations and increased safety measures in the med spa industry. Patients are urged to be vigilant, ask questions, and seek out reputable establishments to ensure their safety and well-being. Without these changes, the dark side of med spas will continue to leave individuals scarred and seeking answers.
