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.

To Find-a-surgeon or Ask-a-surgeon from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, please visit www.surgery.org.