Why Physician Oversight Matters in Cosmetic Medical Procedures

Saba Khoziry
6 days ago
2 min read

Understanding the Risks Behind the Rise of Med Spas

The medical spa industry has grown rapidly over the past decade, offering everything from Botox and dermal fillers to microneedling, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, and laser treatments. While many of these procedures are marketed as minimally invasive, that doesn’t mean they’re risk-free — especially when performed without physician oversight.

According to the American Medical Association (AMA), the number of medical spas has skyrocketed in the U.S., yet only a small percentage are owned or directly supervised by physicians. This shift raises serious concerns about patient safety and proper medical care.

The Numbers Tell the Story

Lawsuits and Complications

80% of cosmetic medical procedure lawsuits (2008–2011) involved treatments performed at medical spas by non-physicians.
From 2012 to 2020, 71% of reported laser-related injuries occurred when procedures were performed by non-physicians.

Supervision Gaps

In physician offices, 93% of procedures had on-site medical supervision.
At medical spas, that number dropped to just 41%.
By 2022, only 37% of med spas were owned by a physician, and 70% had no affiliation with a physician practice.

Real-World Consequences

In Florida, an unlicensed technician caused a necrotic wound on a client’s face after an improper procedure.
In North Carolina and Arizona, several young women died after toxic, pharmacy-compounded topical gels were used during laser hair removal treatments.

Why Physician Oversight Matters

Even minimally invasive cosmetic treatments carry risks — from infections and burns to scarring and even blindness. Here’s why physician involvement is critical:

Proper Sterilization and Safety ProtocolsPhysicians are trained in strict sterilization and infection-control procedures, particularly for treatments involving blood exposure like microneedling or PRP injections.

Assessment and Patient ScreeningA physician can determine whether a patient is an appropriate candidate for a specific treatment, taking into account skin type, medical history, and medications that could increase risk.

Emergency ResponseWhen complications occur — such as allergic reactions, vascular occlusion from filler, or burns from laser therapy — immediate medical intervention can make all the difference.

Questions Every Patient Should Ask Before a Cosmetic Procedure

If you’re considering treatment at a med spa, protect yourself by asking these essential questions:

Is a licensed physician on site during procedures?
Who will perform my treatment, and what is their medical training?
Will a physician evaluate me before the procedure?
What’s the plan if a complication arises?

If a facility hesitates to answer or cannot confirm physician oversight, that’s a red flag.

The Bottom Line

The data is clear: complications rise when physicians aren’t directly involved.Choosing a physician-led practice ensures higher safety standards, better outcomes, and peace of mind.

Your safety should never be compromised for convenience or cost — because even the most routine cosmetic procedure deserves proper medical supervision.

Source:American Medical Association. “Who’s on Site for Care at ‘Medical Spas’? Not Usually a Physician.” October 6, 2025.Read the full article on ama-assn.org ›