Is Your Medspa Putting You First? Here’s How To Tell

The medical spa (medspa) industry is experiencing rapid growth across the United States, driven by increasing demand for non-invasive cosmetic treatments and a growing cultural emphasis on self-care and wellness. Services such as Botox, dermal fillers, and laser treatments are gaining popularity, offering noticeable results with minimal downtime. As more people seek out these convenient alternatives to surgery, medspas have become increasingly accessible in communities of all sizes. While this growth has opened the door to exciting advancements and more personalized aesthetic care, it has also created some real challenges.

As the number of medspas increases, so do concerns about regulation, staffing, and patient safety. In some cases, businesses have entered the field without the proper medical oversight, putting patients at risk of complications that could have been avoided with the right protocols and expertise. At the Aesthetic Associates Centre, we believe that safety, transparency, and expertise should never be optional. We encourage every client to be informed, ask questions, and feel confident in the care they receive.

Why Asking Questions at Your Medspa Matters

As aesthetic treatments become more common, medical spas are increasingly sought out for their convenient, non-surgical services. These facilities offer a range of cosmetic procedures in a relaxed setting, often blending wellness with clinical care. However, as the industry expands, concerns arise about who is providing these treatments and under what level of medical supervision.

There are no federal regulations that specifically govern medspas, leaving oversight responsibility to individual states. As a result, laws vary widely. Some states require strong medical supervision and licensing, while others have minimal standards or weak enforcement.

Asking thoughtful questions offers several important benefits for your safety and satisfaction:

• Protect your safety: Medical aesthetic treatments carry risks, even when they are minimally invasive. Asking about safety protocols, staff qualifications, and medical oversight helps confirm that trained professionals are handling your care.
• Make informed decisions: Learning about the procedure, including its benefits, limitations, and possible side effects, allows you to make confident choices based on clear information.
• Personalize your care: Sharing your medical history, current medications, and personal goals provides your provider with the necessary details to tailor treatments to your individual needs.
• Establish trust and clarity: Open, honest conversations with your provider create a foundation of trust. Clear answers show that the medspa values communication and prioritizes your well-being.
• Recognize red flags early: Paying attention to how your questions are answered can reveal warning signs. Vague, dismissive, or evasive responses may indicate a lack of proper training, licensing, or oversight.

Questions To Ask Before Booking With a MedSpa

Will I receive a comprehensive consultation before any treatment?

At the Aesthetic Associates Centre, every treatment begins with a thorough consultation. This is your time to ask questions, share your goals, and discuss any health concerns. It is also our opportunity to ensure that your chosen procedure is safe, medically appropriate, and aligned with your expectations.

A proper consultation includes a review of your medical history, medications, and relevant lifestyle factors. It also involves a good-faith exam by a qualified clinician, such as a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant, before any cosmetic treatment takes place.

If a medspa skips this process, avoids answering your questions, or fails to provide clarity around qualifications and safety practices, it should raise concerns. Rushed procedures without proper evaluation put your health and results at risk.

Is there a licensed medical director on site who actively oversees procedures?

This question addresses one of the most important safeguards in any medical spa setting. A licensed and actively involved medical director is responsible for supervising all medical activities, approving treatment plans, ensuring regulatory compliance, and upholding patient safety. Their involvement helps prevent unsafe practices, ensures treatments are medically appropriate, and provides accountability when needed. If a medspa cannot clearly identify who holds this role or how they are involved, it may be operating without proper oversight.

At the Aesthetic Associates Centre, you can feel confident knowing that Dr. Samuel Shatkin Jr., a board-certified plastic surgeon, serves as our on-site medical director and actively oversees all procedures.

He leads a highly trained team that includes:

• Dr. Rose Berkun, board-certified anesthesiologist and clinical professor.
• Michelle McCarthy, PA-C, dermatologic physician assistant and injectable safety trainer.
• Licensed medical aestheticians, including certified instructor Kay Barbera.
• Kathy Ackerman, RN, surgical coordinator and medical aesthetic provider.

Can you provide references, reviews, or before-and-after photos of previous clients?

Any reputable medspa should be able to show evidence of their work and share feedback from real patients. If a practice cannot provide reviews, before-and-after photos, or references upon request, it may be a sign that they lack experience, transparency, or consistent results. In those cases, it is wise to consider seeking care elsewhere.

At the Aesthetic Associates Centre, we maintain an open and accessible record of our patient outcomes. You can find before-and-after photos across our Instagram, Facebook, and official website, offering real examples of the work we’ve performed. Our website also features reviews from individuals we’ve had the privilege of caring for, reflecting their experiences in their own words.

We believe patients should be informed, empowered, and confident in the care they choose. Providing clear, honest information is simply part of how we uphold that standard.

A Medspa Experience You Can Feel Confident About

Choosing a medspa is about more than just finding a place that offers the treatments you’re interested in. It’s about feeling confident that your care is in the hands of experienced professionals who value safety, honesty, and real results. At the Aesthetic Associates Centre, we take that responsibility seriously.

We invite you to explore our website, review real patient experiences, and take a closer look at the work we’re proud to stand behind. Our team is always available to answer questions and guide you through the process. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.