10 Things You Should Know About Med Spas
Almost every day, we have patients coming to us for a consultation after they've had treatments at "Med Spas" in Orlando. They have been burned or scarred by lasers or their laser treatments have been ineffective. They ask why the "Med Spa" did that to them and how we can help them fix the issue.
When we explain how the laser procedure should have been done and what has happened to them, they understand fully. They always say: "I wish I knew that before I went there!".
So here is a list of 10 things you should know about Med Spas. Do your research and ask lots of questions!
Also, be sure to read 10 Questions to Ask Before Going To a Med Spa.
When we explain how the laser procedure should have been done and what has happened to them, they understand fully. They always say: "I wish I knew that before I went there!".
So here is a list of 10 things you should know about Med Spas. Do your research and ask lots of questions!
Also, be sure to read 10 Questions to Ask Before Going To a Med Spa.
1. Oversight Regulations Are Very Lax and Sometimes Non-Existent
Med Spas are offering non-invasive treatments such as laser hair removal or laser tattoo removal and in some cases invasive treatments such as Botox or liposuction. In some states, there are no regulations regarding who can administer such procedures. Most states have some laws but don't actively enforce it. This has lead to individuals who are not licensed nor have any training to perform medical procedures. It's only when patients are burned or scarred that the state health agencies get involved and shut them down.
2. The Med Spas are Rarely (if Ever) Inspected
A medical practice or a hospital in consistently being inspected by the state health agencies to ensure that only licensed and trained individuals are performing medical procedures. Most of the time, no regulatory agencies even inspect Med Spas.
3. There is Never a Physician on Site!
When you go to a Med Spa, you might see the name and picture of a doctor on the door (or on their website). But that doctor is never on site! Med Spas are required to have a Medical Director to oversee their operations. But the Medical Director generally comes in once a month to sign the charts and will never see the patients. Some physicians are Medical Directors of several different Med Spas around town.
4. You Might Be Seen By a Tech Or a Sales Person Instead Of a Doctor
Med Spas will try to keep costs low. The first time you go to a med spa, you need to be seen and evaluated by a doctor. Instead you might see a sales person who does not know anything about lasers or medical procedures. Their job is to sell you something. Then the tech/esthetician will come in and do the procedure.
5. If There Is An Issue or Problem, Good Luck!
Since you never see the physician, you are never fully evaluated for potential problems that may arise during the course of treatments. If any problems arise, you are basically on your own. You might call the Med Spa, but chances are there will not be a doctor to answer your questions and concerns.
6. Med Spas Rent Their Equipment or Buy Used Equipment
Most good lasers used for tattoo removal or hair removal cost around $100,000 or more. Most Med Spas will rent their lasers once a month or once a week and line up patients and have the tech come in and laser all day. They may also purchase a used laser that is several years old. Laser technology is changing fast. The old laser technology does not work as well as the newer technology and will burn and scar more frequently. Some Med Spas will also buy cheap lasers from China that do not work and have serious consequences. Cheap laser= bad results
7. Med Spas Are Often Struggling Financially And Will Do Anything To Survive
You have probably heard and seen about Med Spas that run Groupon or other daily deals with unbelievable prices. Why do Med Spas do this when they're losing money on the procedure? Basically, it is to generate some immediate cash because the business is dying. Often times, they will struggle to meet the demand generated and patients become just a number. The hundreds of deals sold by the Med Spa will require them to work harder and faster which leads accidents and injuries from carelessness.
8. Med Spas Will Illegally Sell Prescription Medications
By law, only a licensed physician (or a Physician's Assistant or Nurse Practitioner being supervised by a physician) can evaluate and dispense prescription medications such as Retin-A to patients. Med Spas will cut corners and have the salesperson/tech/esthetician evaluate the patient and then give them prescription medication in the office. This can lead to many problems.
9. You Could Be Burned or Scarred Especially If You Have Dark Skin
In the wrong hands, lasers can burn and scar anyone. If you are Hispanic or African American, you have to be extremely careful about where you go for laser treatment and what kind of a laser is used on you. Often times, Med Spas will treat darker-skinned individuals and burn or scar them. Tan and darker skin types need specialized laser treatments to prevent adverse outcomes. A physician certified in laser surgery needs to personally evaluate your skin type to determine the most appropriate treatment options for you.
10. Complications Can Arise And Are Often Not Reversible
Before you start the laser process, you should be seen and evaluated by a physician. You should be aware of the complications and risks that can arise from laser procedures. If you are told by the Med Spa that there is no risk, just walk away. Everything has a risk and they should be clear and upfront with you about it. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Pristine Laser Center is a medical practice specializing in laser treatments and aesthetic procedures. At Pristine Laser Center, you will meet with our physician when you come in for your complementary consultation. Our Physician will examine and evaluate you to ensure you are a proper candidate for the desired procedure. Laser procedures will be performed by the physician, not a nurse or a tech!
If you live in Orlando or Central Florida, call Pristine Laser Center today at 407-494-0404 to schedule your appointment and get started!
If you live in Orlando or Central Florida, call Pristine Laser Center today at 407-494-0404 to schedule your appointment and get started!
Disclaimer: The material presented here is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice or recommendation. Please check with your physician.
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