Fat Mascara Episode Summary: "Hidden Dangers of the Med Spa Industry with Dr. Kate Dee"

Release Date: February 7, 2025

In this enlightening episode of Fat Mascara, hosts Jennifer Sullivan and Jessica Matlin delve deep into the murky waters of the med spa industry with their expert guest, Dr. Kate Dee. Dr. Dee, a board-certified diagnostic radiologist and aesthetic medicine specialist, brings a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience to shed light on the hidden dangers lurking within the med spa landscape.

1. Introduction to Dr. Kate Dee

Jennifer Sullivan kicks off the episode by introducing Dr. Kate Dee, highlighting her extensive background in diagnostic radiology and her transition into aesthetic medicine. Dr. Dee is the founder of Glo Medispa in Seattle, host of the podcast Med Spa Mayhem, and author of the book "Med Spa Mayhem: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Secrets of the Aesthetic Industry."

2. The State of the Med Spa Industry

Dr. Dee begins by outlining the alarming lack of regulation in the med spa industry. She cites recent incidents, such as the charges against the owner of JGL Aesthetics in New York City for fraud and the use of counterfeit Botox, as well as cases of illegal injections leading to severe complications.

Dr. Dee [04:30]: "There are so many med spas operating illegally, and nobody's policing that at all."

3. Regulatory Hurdles and Legal Loopholes

Contrary to popular belief, Dr. Dee reveals that establishing a med spa doesn't involve stringent regulatory hurdles. Unlike traditional salons that require licenses and inspections, med spas often bypass these regulations, leading to unqualified individuals performing medical procedures.

Dr. Dee [10:17]: "There aren't any extra licensing or inspections in the med spa space. It's a big loophole that's being exploited."

She further explains the complexities of state laws regarding who can practice medicine, emphasizing that while nurse practitioners can practice independently in some states, registered nurses cannot, yet many med spas ignore these distinctions.

4. Risks of Unregulated Med Spas

Dr. Dee highlights the significant risks posed by unregulated med spas, including the use of counterfeit products and improperly maintained equipment. She shares harrowing stories of patients suffering from infections, botulism, and other severe health issues due to these unethical practices.

Dr. Dee [14:23]: "People are making money off illegal procedures with minimal consequences, and it's putting consumers at immense risk."

5. Identifying Reputable Med Spas

To empower listeners, Dr. Dee provides actionable tips for identifying legitimate and safe med spas:

• Check for a Visible Medical Director: Reputable med spas prominently feature their medical director's information on their website and are accessible for consultations.

  Dr. Dee [41:51]: "Look for the medical director's name and bio on the website. You should be able to book an appointment with them."

• Verify Credentials: Use national provider indexes to verify the licenses and credentials of all practitioners.

  Dr. Dee [42:56]: "Ensure that every nurse, PA, or NP is licensed in your state and holds the appropriate credentials."

• Beware of Overly Positive Reviews: An absence of negative reviews or an unrealistic abundance of five-star ratings can indicate fake reviews.

  Dr. Dee [50:55]: "If a med spa has only five-star reviews, that's a red flag for potentially fake testimonials."

• Avoid Upfront Payments: Be cautious of med spas that require significant payments before any treatment is performed.

  Dr. Dee [53:02]: "Avoid places charging you upfront. Legitimate practices don't demand full payment before services are rendered."

6. Dangerous Treatments to Avoid

Dr. Dee warns against several high-risk procedures commonly offered at med spas:

• IV Therapies: The lack of medical supervision in IV bars can lead to life-threatening complications.

  Dr. Dee [24:09]: "There’s no quicker way to harm someone with an IV than improperly administered treatments."

• Fillers and Botox: Improper injections can result in severe consequences like blindness, skin necrosis, or facial deformities.

  Dr. Dee [36:03]: "Filler gone wrong can have horrible consequences, including losing the tip of your nose."

• Laser Treatments: Misuse of lasers can cause burns, hyperpigmentation, or permanent skin damage.

  Dr. Dee [38:24]: "Lasers can be turned up to a level that can really hurt someone. It’s crucial to have skilled professionals handle them."

7. The Need for a National Med Spa Certification

Addressing the core issue of unregulated operations, Dr. Dee discusses her initiative to establish a national nonprofit Med Spa Board. This organization aims to certify med spas that comply with legal and safety standards, much like the Certified Organic label.

Dr. Dee [62:32]: "My goal with the Med Spa Board is to certify med spas that are legally compliant, ensuring they have a legitimate medical director and use authentic products."

She envisions a consumer-facing website where individuals can verify the legitimacy of a med spa, thereby reducing the prevalence of dangerous, unregulated practices.

8. Concluding Insights

As the episode wraps up, Dr. Dee emphasizes the importance of consumer awareness and responsibility in choosing safe and reputable med spas. She encourages listeners to conduct thorough research, ask the right questions, and prioritize their health over enticing low prices.

Dr. Dee [65:19]: "It's common knowledge that you should verify a med spa's legitimacy, but many people aren't even aware that it's possible to walk into a place and nobody's legally overseeing the medical procedures."

Notable Quotes

• Dr. Dee [04:30]: "There are so many med spas operating illegally, and nobody's policing that at all."
• Dr. Dee [10:17]: "There aren't any extra licensing or inspections in the med spa space. It's a big loophole that's being exploited."
• Dr. Dee [14:23]: "People are making money off illegal procedures with minimal consequences, and it's putting consumers at immense risk."
• Dr. Dee [41:51]: "Look for the medical director's name and bio on the website. You should be able to book an appointment with them."
• Dr. Dee [50:55]: "If a med spa has only five-star reviews, that's a red flag for potentially fake testimonials."
• Dr. Dee [62:32]: "My goal with the Med Spa Board is to certify med spas that are legally compliant, ensuring they have a legitimate medical director and use authentic products."
• Dr. Dee [65:19]: "It's common knowledge that you should verify a med spa's legitimacy, but many people aren't even aware that it's possible to walk into a place and nobody's legally overseeing the medical procedures."

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as a crucial guide for anyone considering med spa treatments, highlighting the significant risks associated with unregulated practices. Dr. Kate Dee's expertise underscores the necessity for stricter regulations and informed consumer choices to ensure safe and effective aesthetic treatments.

For more detailed insights, listeners are encouraged to read Dr. Dee's book, "Med Spa Mayhem," and stay informed through her podcast, Med Spa Mayhem.