Officials warn consumers about cosmetic spa treatments
December 31, 2010
While spa treatments have grown in popularity in recent years, officials urge consumers to beware of unlicensed and unqualified individuals who may be offering to perform cosmetic procedures. Investigators in Illinois discovered that many spas in the area did not meet state compliance standards, the Chicago Tribune reports.
One of the biggest dangers, experts say, is that some businesses have trained cosmetic professionals on staff but offer more invasive medical procedures, such as liposuction and Botox injections, that the workers are not qualified to perform. Many times, a physician was not available for a consultation and the staff was not trained or licensed properly.
"Most of the complaints have been about laser procedures," Daniel Kelber, associate general counsel for the Division of Professional Regulation, told the news source. "The more serious complaints, however, are about more invasive procedures, including liposuction and lipodissolve, which is not approved by the [Food and Drug Administration]."
Officials received many complaints and evidence of injury and scarring due to ill-performed procedures. As each state has their own regulations, it is crucial to make sure properly licensed and qualified individuals perform all cosmetic treatments.
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The mission of the Aesthetic Society includes medical education, public education and patient advocacy. Plastic Surgery News Briefs are summaries of current stories found through various news and magazine outlets that relate to or mention plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures. The views expressed in these news articles do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Aesthetic Society, but are merely published as an educational service to our members and the general public. For additional information on these subjects and other plastic surgery related topics, please go to www.surgery.org
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The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, is recognized as the world's leading organization devoted entirely to aesthetic plastic surgery and cosmetic medicine of the face and body. The Aesthetic Society is comprised of over 2,600 Plastic Surgeons; Active Members are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (USA) or by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and have extensive training in the complete spectrum of surgical and nonsurgical aesthetic procedures. International Active Members are certified by equivalent boards of their respective countries. All members worldwide adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and must meet stringent membership requirements.
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