The Short Answer: 7 Questions That Reveal Everything
A great med spa welcomes your questions. A bad one avoids them. Before booking any treatment, ask these 7 questions — they'll tell you everything you need to know about the provider's safety, expertise, and legitimacy. According to the American Med Spa Association (AmSpa), proper medical oversight is the single most important factor in med spa safety.
The 7 Questions
1. Who is your medical director?
Why it matters: Every legitimate med spa must have a licensed physician (MD or DO) serving as medical director. They oversee all treatments and protocols. If the staff can't name their medical director or they don't have one, leave.
What to look for: The medical director's name and credentials should be posted in the facility or on their website. Verify their license through your state medical board.
2. What are your injector's credentials?
Why it matters: Injectable treatments (Botox, fillers) should be performed by licensed professionals — MDs, DOs, NPs, PAs, or RNs with specialized training. Requirements vary by state.
What to look for: Ask specifically about their training in aesthetic injectables, how many procedures they've performed, and their board certifications. Experience matters more than titles.
3. What products and devices do you use?
Why it matters: Genuine FDA-approved products (Allergan Botox, Juvederm, Restylane) cost providers $6-8 per unit. If prices are dramatically below market, the product may be counterfeit, diluted, or gray-market imported.
What to look for: Ask to see the product vial before treatment. Genuine products have lot numbers and tamper-proof packaging. Your provider should be able to tell you exactly which product they're using.
4. Can I see before and after photos of your actual patients?
Why it matters: Before/after photos from actual patients (not stock photos or manufacturer images) show the provider's real skill level and aesthetic style.
What to look for: Photos should be taken in consistent lighting, from the same angle, with the same expression. Ask about the specific treatment used and how long after treatment the "after" photo was taken.
5. Do you offer a consultation before treatment?
Why it matters: A proper consultation lets the provider assess your anatomy, discuss goals, set expectations, and screen for contraindications. Clinics that skip consultations are cutting corners on safety.
What to look for: A thorough consultation (15-30 minutes) that includes medical history review, examination, treatment plan discussion, and pricing — before any procedure begins.
6. What are your prices, and are there any additional fees?
Why it matters: Transparent pricing prevents surprises. Some clinics advertise low prices then add fees for numbing, aftercare products, or follow-up visits.
What to look for: Get a clear, written price quote before treatment. Ask: Does this include numbing? Follow-up? Touch-ups? Is there a consultation fee? What's your refund/redo policy?
7. What happens if something goes wrong?
Why it matters: Complications are rare but real. A responsible provider has emergency protocols, complication management training, and reversal agents on-site (like hyaluronidase for filler complications).
What to look for: Ask specifically: Do you have hyaluronidase on-site? What's your protocol for vascular occlusion? How do I reach you after hours if I have a concern? A confident answer means they're prepared.
Red Flags to Walk Away From
- No medical director — or they can't tell you who it is
- Pressure to buy packages before your first treatment
- Prices way below market — genuine Botox can't be $5/unit
- No consultation offered — they want to inject immediately
- "Botox parties" or treatments in non-medical settings
- Won't show before/after photos from their own patients
- Dismissive about risks — every procedure has risks, and honest providers discuss them
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I verify a med spa's credentials?
Look up the medical director and providers through your state medical board's online license verification tool. Check Google reviews (look for detailed reviews, not just star ratings). Verify the facility is properly registered in your state.
Should I choose a med spa based on price?
No. The cheapest option is often the riskiest. Genuine products have fixed costs ($6-8/unit for Botox wholesale), so dramatically low prices may indicate counterfeit products or undertrained injectors. Compare value, not just price.
Is it better to go to a dermatologist or a med spa?
For medical skin conditions (acne, eczema, skin cancer), see a dermatologist. For aesthetic treatments (Botox, fillers, laser), a well-run med spa with proper medical oversight provides equivalent quality, often at lower prices. The key is the provider's credentials, not the facility type.
What should I do if I had a bad experience at a med spa?
Contact the med spa first — a responsible practice will address complications. If unsatisfied, file a complaint with your state medical board. Document everything with photos and written records. For serious complications, seek immediate medical attention.
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