New York City's Medspas Under Scrutiny: A Lack of Regulation Leaves Patients Vulnerable to Harm.
A recent investigation by the New York City Council has uncovered a concerning trend among medspas operating across the five boroughs. These establishments, often masquerading as legitimate medical facilities, offer a range of cosmetic procedures such as Botox injections, fillers, and body sculpting without proper licensure or oversight from licensed medical professionals.
According to the investigation, conducted by the Council's Oversight and Investigation Division in collaboration with state agencies such as the Departments of Education, State Health, and more, 15 medspas were selected for inspection between June and September last year. The majority had obtained Appearance Enhancement Business licenses, which are required for businesses offering cosmetic services like manicures and facials.
However, a thorough review by the Council revealed that these businesses were operating outside the law, providing medical procedures without the necessary licenses from the state. Procedures such as Brazilian butt lifts, liquid liposuction, tattoo removal, and permanent hair removal were found to be being offered without proper medical licensure, putting patients at risk.
Council Speaker Adrienne Adams stated that "every New Yorker must be able to trust that city businesses they visit comply with state legal regulations to protect consumers' health and safety." The investigation found that too many medspas are disregarding the law, endangering their customers.
Beyond proper licensing, the inspection revealed numerous other red flags. Three-quarters of the businesses lacked any oversight from a medical professional, while most were missing essential safety records and liability insurance. At over two-thirds of the businesses, inspectors observed chemical or fire safety violations, including improper storage of hazardous materials. Furthermore, more than half had sanitation or hygiene issues.
The investigation uncovered disturbing instances, such as unsterilized instruments being used on patients, staff performing phlebotomies without a license, and an alarming finding of fentanyl in the refrigerator at one facility. The Department of State's licensing division took administrative action against all 15 businesses, and they were entitled to hearings overseen by an administrative law judge.
In response to the findings, the Council is calling for state lawmakers to consider passing legislation requiring medspas with Appearance Enhancement Business licenses to prominently display signs stating that they are not licensed to perform medical procedures. The Council also recommends regular state inspections of medspas and an education campaign to inform New Yorkers about unsafe practices.
So far, four cases have been adjudicated, resulting in the revocation of aesthetician or cosmetology licenses for proprietors involved, along with Appearance Enhancement Business licenses for their establishments. However, 11 cases remain pending, leaving many questions unanswered.
A recent investigation by the New York City Council has uncovered a concerning trend among medspas operating across the five boroughs. These establishments, often masquerading as legitimate medical facilities, offer a range of cosmetic procedures such as Botox injections, fillers, and body sculpting without proper licensure or oversight from licensed medical professionals.
According to the investigation, conducted by the Council's Oversight and Investigation Division in collaboration with state agencies such as the Departments of Education, State Health, and more, 15 medspas were selected for inspection between June and September last year. The majority had obtained Appearance Enhancement Business licenses, which are required for businesses offering cosmetic services like manicures and facials.
However, a thorough review by the Council revealed that these businesses were operating outside the law, providing medical procedures without the necessary licenses from the state. Procedures such as Brazilian butt lifts, liquid liposuction, tattoo removal, and permanent hair removal were found to be being offered without proper medical licensure, putting patients at risk.
Council Speaker Adrienne Adams stated that "every New Yorker must be able to trust that city businesses they visit comply with state legal regulations to protect consumers' health and safety." The investigation found that too many medspas are disregarding the law, endangering their customers.
Beyond proper licensing, the inspection revealed numerous other red flags. Three-quarters of the businesses lacked any oversight from a medical professional, while most were missing essential safety records and liability insurance. At over two-thirds of the businesses, inspectors observed chemical or fire safety violations, including improper storage of hazardous materials. Furthermore, more than half had sanitation or hygiene issues.
The investigation uncovered disturbing instances, such as unsterilized instruments being used on patients, staff performing phlebotomies without a license, and an alarming finding of fentanyl in the refrigerator at one facility. The Department of State's licensing division took administrative action against all 15 businesses, and they were entitled to hearings overseen by an administrative law judge.
In response to the findings, the Council is calling for state lawmakers to consider passing legislation requiring medspas with Appearance Enhancement Business licenses to prominently display signs stating that they are not licensed to perform medical procedures. The Council also recommends regular state inspections of medspas and an education campaign to inform New Yorkers about unsafe practices.
So far, four cases have been adjudicated, resulting in the revocation of aesthetician or cosmetology licenses for proprietors involved, along with Appearance Enhancement Business licenses for their establishments. However, 11 cases remain pending, leaving many questions unanswered.
HOW CAN WE TRUST THESE BUSINESSES TO DO WHAT'S BEST FOR OUR HEALTH AND SAFETY?! I FEEL SICK THINKING ABOUT THE POTENTIAL HARM THAT COULD HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THESE MEDSPAS!!! THEY'RE PUTTING PEOPLE'S LIVES AT RISK JUST TO SAVE A DOLLAR OR GET RICH FAST! WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT THESE BUSINESSES ARE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS AND THAT CONSUMERS ARE PROTECTED 
. What if someone shows up with a bunch of unsterilized instruments or some fentanyl in the fridge 
?! It's just common sense to have some sort of regulation in place.
. That's just misleading. I'd want to know what I'm signing up for if I'm going to shell out all that cash. And what about when it gets worse and people get hurt 
? The fact that the Council is pushing for legislation requiring signs to be displayed and regular inspections is a good start, but we need more than that.
? Either way, it's time for change.
. This whole situation just highlights how important regulation is – especially when it comes to something as invasive as cosmetic procedures. We can't just let anyone do whatever they want and hope for the best 
.
we need more oversight & regulation, espesially wen it comes 2 patient safety. council speaker adrienne adams is totally right - we gotta be able 2 trust da businesses we visit r doin things wight. 
. I'm not sure how anyone can trust the qualifications of someone who's performing a Brazilian butt lift without proper training or licensure. It's also frustrating to think that some of these businesses are taking advantage of loopholes in the system.
. We can't have unregulated medspas putting people's lives at risk. It's time for some real change in this industry 
need to make sure patients r protected 
. Like, if they're not even licensed to do medical procedures like Botox injections and Brazilian butt lifts, how can we trust them? 
It's not worth it... they need to follow the rules and get proper licensure before doing these medical procedures 
.
. And don't even get me started on the fentanyl found in one of the facilities... that's a whole different level of concern 
.
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. I hope those 11 cases that are still pending get resolved soon so we can all breathe a sigh of relief 
.
and its a ticking time bomb waitin 2 happen. I mean what if some1 gets infected or dies from an unsterilized instrument bein used on them? 
We need stricter regulations and oversight ASAP or its gonna be a bloodbath 
the council is trying to pass legislation requiring them to display signs saying they're not licensed to perform medical procedures but i think it should be more than that... we need stricter regulations in place to protect people's health and safety 
the fact that they're not even following basic safety protocols is worrying, especially with all these chemicals and whatnot stored on site. and fentanyl in the fridge?! that's just crazy town. i'm all for innovation, but this stuff is just reckless. we need better regulation around these places before someone gets seriously hurt 
the fact that 3/4 of them had no medical professional overseeing is crazy! 
also the finding of fentanyl in a facility? that's straight up terrifying 