Cosmetic dermatology is no longer reserved for the rich and famous. There’s no doubt that the last decade has led to a paradigm shift in the aesthetics and beauty industry, with people of all ages and from all socioeconomic backgrounds flocking toward minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, like Botox®, dermal fillers, and laser resurfacing.

In the right hands, these treatments are safe and effective at slowing the skin’s natural aging process. But as we know, not everyone ends up in the care of a qualified professional. With the rise of medical spas and nonphysician injectors, many patients are unknowingly putting their own health and safety at risk.

At Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York (Manhattan and Southampton, New York), our board-certified and fellowship-trained dermatologists are becoming increasingly concerned with the sheer volume of nonphysician operators and counterfeit products that are plaguing the industry of cosmetic dermatology. 

In a recent medical review, our own Dr. Roy Geronemus expressed his concern over patient safety and outcomes when treated by unqualified individuals with potentially dangerous products. Dr. Jordan Wang has also participated in numerous studies on the dangerous impact of non-physicians performing procedures at medspas, and on the risks associated with counterfeit devices and DIY treatments like injectables. 

Below we take a deeper dive into this worrying trend and how you can make sure you’re receiving the best care possible.

It’s easy to assume that nonsurgical cosmetic treatments are inherently safer than surgical procedures. Of course, they are safer in the sense that they require no incisions, anesthesia, or sutures. But nonsurgical treatments are still medical procedures that require expert skill and precision. 

In fact, board-certified dermatologists undergo extensive training to perform minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, such as injectables, laser skin resurfacing, and RF microneedling. Without the appropriate training and experience, nonphysician providers are putting patients at risk of  side effects, including scarring and pigmentary change.

Depending on the treatment, these consequences can last for years — some are even permanent. That’s why cosmetic treatments are only safe when performed by a licensed provider, such as a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist. At the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York, we frequently treat patients experiencing complications from other providers.

Even if you are doing your due diligence and researching professional injectors in your area, you can still end up with an inexperienced provider. There’s a reason medical spas are often staffed with aestheticians rather than dermatologists: They’re not medical practices. 

While most states do require physicians to oversee medical spas in order for these facilities to receive payment, there is a gray area, and not all states observe this doctrine. It’s difficult to turn your nose up at a facility offering deep discounts for injectable treatments, but tempting as it may be, your health and safety aren’t worth risking.

When searching for reputable injectors, look for board-certified dermatologists who have the training and experience to deliver safe, natural-looking results. Our cosmetic dermatologists and plastic surgeons at Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York (Manhattan and Southampton, New York) are all board-certified and fellowship trained to provide the highest quality of care possible. We also perform all of our own treatments to ensure the safety of our patients and the efficacy of our procedures.

Much like injectables, laser treatments promise to revitalize the tone and texture of your skin with minimal downtime and visible results in as little as one session — and that certainly is true when the right practitioner performs your treatment.

Laser therapy has dominated the cosmetic dermatology industry in the last decade, so it’s no surprise that this is the treatment of choice for many men and women. With so many types of lasers to choose from, you might assume they all use the same technology.

Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. Not all laser equipment is manufactured with high-quality materials, nor is it always operated by a board-certified physician. Only an experienced dermatologist has the training to eliminate pigmentation, redness, fine lines and wrinkles, and other cosmetic concerns without damaging the surrounding tissue.

An inexperienced provider using subpar laser equipment, such as old or improperly maintained devices, can leave your skin irreparably damaged, putting you at risk of burns and scars.