In recent years, med spas have grown in popularity as convenient locations for receiving the same non-surgical aesthetic treatments often found in plastic surgery offices, such as injectables and facial treatments. But how do you know if a medical spa is a credible facility?
While many states require med spas to be owned by a licensed physician (MD or DO), not every state has laws in place and many physician owners do not actively supervise their med spas. Choosing a physician-supervised med spa, like our Fort Worth medical spa, is crucial for your safety and satisfaction. Here, we share the importance of physician oversight and how you can find a safe and reputable med spa.
Why does physician supervision matter?
One of the most critical factors in choosing a medspa is ensuring that a qualified physician oversees the staff and procedures. Procedures such as Botox®, dermal fillers, laser treatments, Morpheus8 RF microneedling, and CoolSculpting® require precise application to achieve optimal results, as well as an understanding of potential side effects and how to avoid them, but more importantly, how to treat them, which only a trained medical professional provides.
A recent study found that 81.1% of medical spas did not have a supervising physician on-site, and only 64.6% informed patients of this. A lack of supervision can lead to underwhelming treatment results, and worse, increased risks and complications.
The FDA’s public warning and ongoing investigation into counterfeit Botox injections raises a much-need awareness about patient safety in the med spa setting. Problems reported after these fake Botox injections included blurred or double vision, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, constipation, incontinence, shortness of breath, muscle weakness, and hospitalizations with symptoms of actual Botulism. Officials noted that the fake Botox was purchased from unlicensed suppliers and often administered outside of clinical settings, including in people’s homes. The fake Botox is sold at cheaper prices than when buying from the manufacturer.
Fake products are often sold to (non-medical) individuals who are not able to establish an account with the manufacturer due to lack of training or credentials.
Core physicians vs. non-core physicians
Active supervision from a core physician—either a plastic surgeon or a dermatologist—helps to ensure that your specialist is knowledgeable and trained to perform each service and uses legitimate products and technology. Core physicians specialize in procedures that address cosmetic concerns and preserve or improve the integrity of the skin and underlying structures.
Non-core physicians may be trained in fields without any aesthetic training, such as Family/Emergency Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Internal Medicine, and Anesthesiology. Without additional training, these specialties do not provide the experience and credentials that are fundamental in overseeing the safety and success of medical aesthetic treatments.
According to a report by the American Med Spa Association (AmSpa), about 60% of medical spa directors are non-core physicians. A 2024 study by the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal reported similar findings: 78% of medical directors were non-core physicians, and 42% of the directors were not board-certified. These numbers indicate that as med spa treatments become more popular, the vast majority of medical spa facilities are run by underqualified directors.
“Dr. Kirby and her team are absolutely stunning!!! I just love coming in and feeling like part of the family. Everyone is so nice and professional. The office and treatment rooms are so nice, clean, and inviting. I look forward to my visit each time. Thank y’all for being amazing!”
—5-star Google review
How to identify a reputable med spa
Here’s how you can verify your medical spa is safe and reputable:
- Check for on-site physician supervision. A medical spa owned and supervised by a board-certified core physician, preferably a plastic surgeon, helps guarantee that you are in capable hands and that the procedures are performed safely and professional products are sourced from legitimate suppliers.
- Verify credentials and training. Your specialist should be transparent about their qualifications and willing to discuss their experience with you. If they are hesitant to share this information, consider it a red flag.
- Assess the consultation process: Your consultation before each procedure should be thorough. The specialist should assess the treatment area, discuss your goals and potential risks, and set realistic expectations. They should also be willing to tell you “no” if a procedure is not in your best interest and offer alternative treatments.
- Browse patient reviews and before-and-after photos. Google reviews are public and are an excellent resource for honest feedback about a provider or procedures; before-and-after photos show you what may be achievable. Positive reviews and unedited, quality photos are good indicators of a reputable facility.
- Beware of prices that seem too good to be true. Hefty discounts can indicate that the provider is underqualified or uses counterfeit, diluted, or expired products. Instead, take advantage of medical spa perks that reputable offices offer to reward loyal patients, such as free gifts with purchase and package deals at optimal price points.
Another significant advantage of choosing a physician-led medical spa is access to medical-grade products including physician-only skincare and Hydrafacial boosters, which are only used in treatments or available for purchase under a doctor’s care. Patients also have enhanced comfort options at facilities like Kalos Medical Spa, such as prescription topical numbing cream, nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”), and sedation to keep them comfortable during laser skin resurfacing, Morpheus8 RF microneedling, and injectables like Botox® or fillers.
“I had my first visit here a few weeks ago from a friend’s recommendation and it was the nicest med spa I have been to. I got Botox and my provider made it super relaxing (who would have thought?) and explained every step and was super knowledgeable and comforting. The staff was all super friendly, the facility was pretty and private, in an extremely convenient location, and they carried amazing products as well that I have been wanting to try. I will definitely be going back!”
—5-star Google review
About our physician-led medical spa in Fort Worth
Kalos Medical Spa, located within Kirby Plastic Surgery, is owned and led by Fort Worth female plastic surgeon Dr. Emily J. Kirby. Dr. Kirby is an award-winning plastic surgeon and is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Under Dr. Kirby’s direction, our team of aesthetic specialists, including Certified Physician Assistants, a Nurse Practitioner, and licensed medical aestheticians, Kalos Medical Spa offers the most advanced treatments and products backed by science and maintains the highest standards of safety and care. We have the training and experience to deliver outstanding outcomes centered on your well-being.
To experience the difference of a physician-led medical spa, call or text (817) 292-4200. We also invite you to keep in touch with Kalos: sign up for our emails and follow us on Instagram to be the first to know about new treatment offerings and special discounts!
References »
Rossi AM, Wilson B, Hibler BP, Drake LA. Nonphysician Practice of Cosmetic Dermatology: A Patient and Physician Perspective of Outcomes and Adverse Events. Dermatologic Surgery. 2019 Apr;45(4):588-597. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000001829.