According to the Miami Herald, medical spas are offering nonsurgical and sometimes even surgical cosmetic procedures. These procedures are usually administered by plastic surgeons and dermatologists. Today, dentists, gynecologists, physician assistants and so forth are jumping on this lucrative bandwagon.

A Coral Gables plastic surgeon says it’s a matter of supply and demand. There is a huge target market that is looking for anti-aging treatments and with an increased demand for cosmetic enhancements, the supply increases. When you pair that with an increase in nonsurgical procedures, such as injectables, and a decline in reimbursements for insurance-based noncosmetic medicine, you have a perfect storm that results in a growing onslaught of youth- and beauty-enhancing practitioners.

“Buyer beware,” advises a Florida plastic surgeon, “Any Bozo can inject this stuff,” he said. “However, to do it well and do it safely requires an art and training.”

With med spa fever reaching new heights, even dentists are taking part. One dental boutique in Fort Lauderdale is offering everything from conventional dentistry to injections, massages, facials and chemical peels. A “Bubbles, Botox and Trunk Show” occurred in the office earlier this month, offering neck massages, eyelash extensions, eyebrow threading, Botox and more.

According to ASAPS, medical spas should be supervised by an on-site physician who is trained and board-certified in an appropriate specialty. A patient can have an allergic reaction to an injectable, so the med spa must be equipped to handle such emergencies. Further, patients need a medical evaluation for the procedures they will undergo.

The term “med spa” may lead you to believe you’re not really visiting a doctor, you’re going to a spa with aromatherapy and soothing music. That is why you have to be sure of what you’re doing and who is doing it to you. Laws differ from state to state but, in Florida, anyone with a medical license can practice in any medical field.

Leo McCafferty, MD, President of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) doesn’t think med spas are bad, he just advises you to be careful about the hands that are treating you and the facilities you’re being treated in.