In today’s beauty and wellness landscape, non-invasive treatments to maintain youthful, healthy skin are becoming increasingly mainstream and widely accepted. However, as demand grows, so does the risk—social media influencers, steep discounts, and flashy marketing can make it difficult to assess a provider’s true qualifications. While many practices may offer similar treatments, the level of expertise, training, and quality of results can vary significantly.
An Expose: HBO’s John Oliver
A June 2025 episode of HBO’s “Last Week Tonight” with John Oliver pointed out some serious flaws within the aesthetic industry. In one clip he says,
“This is an industry badly in need of oversight, because right now in too many places it is far too easy to setup something that has all the appearances of medicine, but none of the protections.”
Masked within his adult humor were some serious – and factual – statements. Many medical spas are technically playing by the rules. The problem is, the rules are flawed. In most states, med spa oversight is minimal. Medical directors don’t need to be trained in aesthetics, on-site—or even in the same state. Add unlicensed providers, counterfeit products, marketing gimmicks, and no safety protocols to the mix and things can go seriously wrong.
What Is A Med Spa?
A medical spa (or med spa) offers a blend of medical and aesthetic services, typically in a spa-like setting. Unfortunately, federal regulations on med spas are not very strict. In many states, the medical director doesn’t have to be trained in aesthetics, on site, or even in the same state while treatments are being performed.
The level of training can vary greatly depending on the facility. In many instances, something as simple as a one-day course can give someone the credentials they need to inject neuromodulators and fillers.
While many med spas provide excellent care, it’s important to recognize that not all providers at a med spa have the same level of training or expertise as a board-certified dermatologist.
What Is Cosmetic Dermatology? What are the Education and Training Requirements?
Cosmetic dermatology is a specialized branch of dermatology that focuses on addressing aesthetic concerns with non-invasive to minimally invasive procedures. For training, physicians undergo a total of 13 years from undergrad through fellowship.
At Aesthetic Solutions, treatments are performed by board-certified dermatologists or medical professionals under their direct supervision. This means your provider has undergone extensive education and clinical training—not only in skin health but in diagnosing and managing complex dermatologic conditions.
When treatment is provided by another member of our clinical team, it is done under close medical supervision. All providers receive rigorous, hands-on training alongside a physician, participate in ongoing education specific to each procedure, and engage in daily review of every patient and their treatment plan. These safeguards help to ensure standard of care and patient safety.
Marketing Gimmicks Influencing Healthcare
Social media influencers, steep discounts, and flashy marketing can make it difficult to assess the true merits of a provider and the treatments they offer. As patients, we have to educate ourselves and look beyond the hype. What type of studies are backing the treatment? Are you seeing the provider’s own before and after photos, or manufacturer generated content?
Choosing A Provider: Why Research is Key
Not all cosmetic providers offer the same level of care, which is why doing your homework is essential before committing to treatment.
- Start by verifying your provider’s credentials. Board certification ensures your provider has met strict standards in education, safety, and patient care.
- Ask about medical oversight and safety protocols. In the case of an adverse event, can you reach your provider after hours? What safety precautions and protocols are in place? If you can’t get immediate, clear answers to these questions – run
- Are you being shown examples of their work? Look for someone who showcases their own patient results to set realistic expectations, versus relying on manufacturer content achieved by others.
Aesthetic treatments are safe, effective, and can truly change lives—but industry regulations are the bare minimum and don’t always provide adequate protection. Be your own advocate: ask about training, medical oversight, and what happens if something goes wrong. At Aesthetic Solutions, our board-certified dermatologists and closely supervised medical team are committed to doing things right—because your health is never a trend, and your safety isn’t optional. Contact our office for more information.
