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 [email protected] 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   Visit the Fat Mascara Podcast   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 awFind or Get Your Medspa Certified: https://medspaboard.com/ Grab Your Copy of Medspa Mayhem the Book Today: HERELearn about The MedSpa Board — the national registry that verifies legally compliant, doctor-led med spas.Find a certified provider near you → MedspaBoard.comWant the anti-aging essentials I actually use: Download my FREE  Gift GuideFollower Instagram: instagram.com/drkatedeePlease leave us a review on Apple Podcast: HERE Catch full podcast episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrKateDeeGLOW Medspa - Seattle, WA: https://glowspaseattle.com/Disclaimer:  This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before any aesthetic procedure.Med Spa Confidential with Dr. Kate Dee exposes illegal practices, compliance failures, and patient safety risks inside the medical aesthetics industry. Consumers learn how to find licensed injectors, avoid counterfeit products, and make safer treatment decisions. Med spa owners and providers get real accountability, industry standards, and a pa...