Fat Mascara: the hidden dangers of the Med Spa Industry

In this special bonus episode of Med Spa Mayhem on the Fat Mascara Podcast, Dr. Kate Dee discusses her journey from diagnostic radiology to owning a med spa after a successful career in breast cancer imaging. Co-hosted with Jen Sullivan, the episode dives deep into the legal and safety challenges within the med spa industry, including the frequent headline-making abuses like counterfeit Botox and illegal practices. Dr. Dee provides critical advice on how to find reputable and legal med spas, the importance of good faith exams, red flags to watch out for, and the potential dangers of common procedures like fillers and laser hair removal. Listeners also get a sneak peek into Dr. Dee's vision for a national nonprofit organization to certify med spas for legality and safety, aiming to protect consumers better.

Reach out to Dr. Dee

Email Dr. Kate Dee at info@drkatedee.com
Check out the Medspa Mayhem website for

• More about Dr. Dee
• Upcoming appearances
• Links to buy the book on Bookshop, B&N, Amazon
• Press and Podcast info

Glow Medispa in Seattle, WA
Purchase Medspa Mayhem on Amazon

Key Takeaways:

• Lack of Med Spa Regulations: Unlike salons, med spas are not routinely inspected or licensed by a governing body, creating a gray area in oversight.
• Legal Gray Areas & Violations: Many med spas operate illegally, with nurses practicing independently without a doctor’s supervision, despite laws prohibiting this in most states.
• Minimal Consequences for Violators: Even when caught ordering counterfeit products or practicing without a license, offenders often face little to no legal repercussions.
• No National Accreditation: There is no national organization certifying med spas for safety and legality, but Dr. Dee is working to create one.
• Consumer Responsibility: Patients must research providers, verify credentials, and ensure they receive a proper medical evaluation before undergoing treatments.
• Rise of Counterfeit Products: Fake Botox and fillers are widely used due to lax enforcement, leading to serious health risks.
• Turf Battles in the Industry: Dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and non-core doctors often dispute who should be allowed to practice aesthetic medicine.
• The “Good Faith Exam” Requirement: Before treatment, a patient should be examined by a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant, but this often doesn’t happen in med spas.
• Dr. Dee’s Mission: Through her book Med Spa Mayhem and efforts with the American Med Spa Association, she aims to raise awareness and push for better regulation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Announcement
00:43 Med Spa Industry Issues
01:36 Meet Dr. Kate Dee
03:40 Dr. Dee's Journey to Aesthetic Medicine
07:44 Legal and Regulatory Challenges in Med Spas
15:28 Finding a Reputable Aesthetic Provider
36:14 Choosing the Right Med Spa
36:44 Identifying Red Flags
38:51 The Importance of a Good Faith Exam
45:46 The Role of Reviews and Ratings
48:04 Avoiding Counterfeit Products
54:32 The Med Spa Certification Initiative
59:45 Fun and Personal Insights with Dr. Dee
01:02:44 Conclusion and Listener Engagement