Why I Started The MedSpa Board: A Mission Born from Mayhem

There's a moment that stays with me. A woman in her forties came into my office, her face disfigured from what should have been a routine filler treatment. She'd gone to a "med spa" she found on Instagram—slick marketing, beautiful before-and-after photos, prices too good to pass up. What she didn't know was that the person injecting her had no medical license. The product? Probably counterfeit, shipped from overseas. The medical director listed on their website? He'd never set foot in the place. He just rented out his license for a few hundred dollars a month. 

She was one of the lucky ones. She had no permanent harm, and we could fix her issues. But how is it that these places are not only open for business, but go completely unregulated– so consumers think they’re getting quality procedures when they’re really getting ripped off or even injured?

That's when I knew something had to change. That's why I founded The MedSpa Board.

The Problem Is Bigger Than Most People Realize 

After spending sixteen years as a breast imaging specialist, I transitioned into aesthetic medicine in my forties. I thought I was entering a field focused on helping people feel confident and beautiful. What I discovered instead was an industry rife with dangerous practices, illegal operations, and predators exploiting both consumers and well-meaning practitioners. 

Here's what most people don't know: Many med spas are operating illegally. 

I'm not talking about minor regulatory violations. I'm talking about: 

• Unlicensed practitioners performing medical procedures—aestheticians injecting Botox and fillers when they have no medical training whatsoever 
• Counterfeit products purchased from sketchy websites overseas and injected into unsuspecting patients Ghost medical directors who lend their license for a fee but provide zero oversight or supervision 
• No emergency protocols when complications arise—and trust me, complications happen 
• Corporate ownership structures that violate state medical laws but continue operating anyway 

The worst part? Consumers have no way to tell the difference between a legitimate, safe med spa and a dangerous one cutting corners. They all look the same on Instagram. 

The Incident That Changed Everything 

Beyond that woman with the disfigured face, I've heard countless horror stories. I've treated patients who came to me after botched procedures elsewhere. I've watched colleagues struggle to compete with illegal operations that undercut prices because they don't follow regulations. Then a forty-seven-year-old woman died in Texas after treatment by an unlicensed provider.

And I've had enough. 

I wrote my book, Med Spa Mayhem, to expose these practices and educate consumers. But a book can only do so much. People need a reliable, independent way to identify safe, legal med spas—and legitimate med spas need a way to stand out from the dangerous competition flooding the market. 

That's where The MedSpa Board comes in. 

What The MedSpa Board Does 

The MedSpa Board is the first independent certification organization dedicated to verifying that med spas meet rigorous safety and legal compliance standards. We're not owned by any chain, product line, or investor group. We're not pay-to-play. You can't buy your way onto our registry—you have to earn it. 

Here's what certification requires: 

Licensed Providers Only Every practitioner must hold an active medical license. No aestheticians performing injections. No "trained" staff with weekend certificates. Real licensed doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and registered nurses. Aestheticians practice within the scope of their license.

Qualified Medical Director A doctor (or NP in some states) who is actively involved, not just a name on paper. Someone who provides actual oversight and is available when medical decisions need to be made. 

FDA-Approved Products No counterfeit Botox from China. No unapproved compounds. Only legitimate, legal products from verified suppliers. 

Proper Medical Assessments Every patient must receive a good faith medical examination by a qualified provider before treatment. 

Emergency Preparedness Every certified spa must have protocols and supplies to handle common emergencies like vascular occlusions from fillers or burns from lasers. 

Legal Ownership Compliance The business structure must comply with state laws. No corporate practice of medicine violations. 

Why This Matters 

For consumers, The MedSpa Board provides peace of mind. When you see our certification, you know that spa has been thoroughly vetted. We've checked licenses, verified ownership, confirmed product sources, and ensured proper medical oversight. You can book your Botox or laser treatment with confidence, knowing you're not gambling with your health. 

For legitimate med spa owners, certification provides a competitive advantage. You've invested in proper licenses, quality products, and legal compliance—why should illegal competitors who cut corners get the same marketing visibility? Our certification lets you stand out. You get digital badges for your website and social media, a profile in our national directory, and the backing of a nationally recognized symbol of quality and safety.

The Vision Moving Forward 

The MedSpa Board is just getting started. We're building a national registry of certified med spas so consumers across the country can easily find safe, legal providers. We're educating the public about what questions to ask and red flags to watch for. We're creating a community of practitioners who are committed to doing things the right way. 

This isn't about putting people out of business. It's about raising standards. It's about protecting consumers. It's about ensuring that the aesthetic medicine industry lives up to its potential to help people feel beautiful and confident—without sacrificing their health or safety in the process. 

If you're a med spa owner who's doing things right, I encourage you to get certified. Show your patients that you're committed to their safety. Stand out from the competition. Join us in raising the bar for the entire industry. 

If you're a consumer, look for our certification when choosing a medspa. Ask questions. Verify licenses. Don't let beautiful Instagram feeds and discount prices lure you into dangerous situations. 

And if you've had a bad experience—or know someone who has—please share your story. The only way we create change is by speaking up. 

My Bottom Line 

I didn't leave a successful career as a breast cancer specialist to watch people get hurt by an unregulated industry. I didn't write Med Spa Mayhem just to tell scary stories. And I didn't found The MedSpa Board to make friends. 

I did all of this because you deserve better. You deserve to know that when you walk into a medspa, you're in safe hands. You deserve to trust that the products being injected into your face are legitimate. You deserve a medical director who actually cares about your outcome, not just cashing a check for their license. 

The aesthetic medicine industry can be wonderful when done right. But "done right" has to mean something. That's what The MedSpa Board is all about. 

Because your face—and your life—are worth protecting.