Supervision Unveiled; Navigating the Supervision Landscape in Medical Spas

Abstract

BACKGROUND There is an ongoing increase in the demand for injectable procedures and an increase in the number of medical spas across the United States State regulations significantly vary regarding level of supervision at these medical spas. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine who performs cosmetic procedures, provides medical supervision, and who is being informed of complications. METHODS Descriptive study based on a standardized telephone interview performed by a prospective patient for injectable treatments performed at medical Spas in Las Vegas. Data were then extracted and analyzed. RESULTS Of 63 medical spas reviewed, most of the injectable treatments (73%) were performed by nonphysicians. An onsite physician who supervised or personally performed the cosmetic procedures was present in only 38.1% of the spas surveyed. Only 46% of surveyed medical spas notify a medical director/supervising physician in the event of a complication and only 39.7% of surveyed spas had a number to call after regular business hours. CONCLUSION The majority of treatments are performed by nonphysicians in the spas surveyed. Physician supervisors are not on site in most of the spas and about half of spas do not inform the medical director in the event of a complication.