In The News: MedSpa Regulations

Here at the Aesthetic Center we maintain high standards and limit the use of lasers to our experienced, licensed medically trained physician and nurse practitioner. Here is what's happening elsewhere in the country:

New Standards Urged For Treatment at Spas Use of Chemicals, Lasers Proliferates Boston Globe (2009-02-24) P. A1; Kowalczyk, Liz

A task force of lawmakers and physicians are fighting to create tougher regulations regarding medical spas in Massachusetts. The medical spa industry is growing; the number of spas has grown to 2,500 in the United States over the past few years. The group argues that consumers are at risk of injury because they are being treated by untrained and unlicensed workers. Jeffrey Dover, a dermatologist, says that the most common injury is caused by workers using the wrong laser or setting to get rid of body hair, which causes the removal of skin pigment as well. The proposal states that medical spas would be required to have a license from the Department of Health, and laser skin treatments would have to be done by a specially trained doctor or nurse. Medical spas are difficult to create legislation for because there are so many specialties, such as cosmetologists, electrologists, aestheticians, nurses, and physicians, within one business. Each specialty has its own rules and standards, so there are no laws about which professional can do which procedure. Owners of medical spas are split over whether they want their businesses to be regulated.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/02/24/new_standards_urged_for_treatment_at_spas/
http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/html/laser.html

Fall 2008 Special Packages

BROW OR LASH ENHANCEMENT
If you've never tried this, it very popular. Between now and the end of the year, when you have a facial with Erin or Stacy you may have a complimentary tinting of your eyelashes or brows. You'll have the chance to learn about lash extensions and permanent makeup techniques. www.ExpertPlasticSurgeon.com/html/skin.html

UNDERARM HAIR REMOVAL
Since breast surgery and hair removal are both very common procedures, we thought we would give our surgery patients a little something extra. If you had breast augmentation or breast lift (mastopexy) since July 1st you are entitled to a complimentary initial treatment for underarm hair. Patients who have those procedures between now and December 31st are also eligible. Please call and schedule before the end of the year. www.ExpertPlasticSurgeon.com/html/laser.html
www.ExpertPlasticSurgeon.com/html/augmentation.html

Interest in Cosmetic Procedures in a Down Economy

In addition to general reporting on the US economy, many national media reports mention the impact on cosmetic surgery and cosmetic medical procedures.

Greenville and Upstate South Carolina appear to have several advantages. Our regional economy is stronger because of our exporting sector. We continue to have employers expanding and investing. We have not seen the dramatic home price inflation of other areas. Our region remains attractive to families moving from many parts of the country.

In our practice, as summer winds down, Skin Care clients return to continue their routines and minimize the effects of past sun exposure. Minimally invasive procedures (BotoxCosmetic, Restylane, Juvaderm, MicroLaserPeels, laser hair removal, etc.) continue being popular. Breast and facial cosmetic surgery procedures continue to be the most sought after, followed by body contouring (tummy tuck and liposuction). We expect to be busier as fall season approaches.