Medical Spa Facilities and Non-Physician Operators in Aesthetics.

Abstract Consumer interest in aesthetic procedures continues to grow. Through savvy marketing, affordable pricing, and minimal wait times, medical spas have grown in number to where they now outnumber physician-based cosmetic practices in 73% of major U.S. cities. In order to staff these facilities, owners frequently turn to non-physician operators who have variable levels of training in dermatology and cosmetics. There has been a lack of uniform standardization of training and oversight, which may contribute to adverse events, such as burns, pigmentary alterations, and scarring. As the market for non-invasive and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures continues to grow, physicians should be informed about the current cosmetic landscape in which they practice in order to improve patient awareness, education, and safety.