Long Island dermatologists and plastic surgeons report seeing a steady stream of patients with botched Botox, failed fillers, and burns from lasers performed at unlicensed medical spas. According to state regulators, procedures are often conducted without proper medical licenses in nail salons, hair removal boutiques, and storefront spas. Dr. Raman Madan, a dermatologist at Northwell Health, stated he encounters complications from unlicensed procedures “at least once a day,” including laser burns and injections with dangerous, illegal fillers.
The number of medical spas across the country doubled between 2018 and 2023 to 10,500, according to an industry trade group. The “medical aesthetics market” is projected to expand from $17 billion in 2024 to $41 billion by 2031. To address the issue, New York’s Department of State launched an initiative last year to crack down on unlicensed providers, inspecting 223 businesses across New York, including 22 on Long Island. Officials cited 87 businesses for possible violations, including “the unlawful practice of medicine,” with penalties starting at $500 for a first offense.
Injection of facial fillers by untrained practitioners carries particular danger—if filler enters a blood vessel, it can block blood flow and cause tissue death. Laser settings must be calibrated based on skin type and color. In one case, a woman received 128 to 140 injections at an unlicensed salon over years from what was described as unknown substances, resulting in blisters, pain, swelling, and scarring. The operator was arrested and charged with felony assault, unauthorized practice, and reckless endangerment.
Medical spas must be overseen by a physician or nurse practitioner under state law. Laws differ by state: California requires medical spas be owned by physicians, while Pennsylvania requires ownership by a physician or physician group with procedures performed by doctors, physician assistants, advanced practice registered nurses, or registered nurses. Legitimate medical spas generally charge around $300 for Botox, compared with an average of $435 from physicians according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.newsday.com/news/health/unlicensed-medical-spas-oeo543ub