Avoid them at all cost.
When Bea Amma sought treatments at a med spa in 2021, she anticipated energy boosts and fat reduction, not an enduring struggle caused by a drug-resistant infection. Aiming to become a fitness and lifestyle influencer in California, the 24-year-old opted for injections of vitamins B12 and C, along with deoxycholic acid, a fat-dissolving compound.
Allegedly, Amma received over 100 injections across her arms, stomach, and lower back, following the spa’s recommendation for multiple injection sites. However, within 24 hours, she experienced dizziness, fever, and painful, pus-filled injection sites, causing extreme discomfort and a sensation of intense heat throughout her body.
The proliferation of med spas and hydration clinics has transformed the wellness industry into a $15 billion market. However, federal health officials and representatives warn that with this boom comes the risk of unlicensed personnel administering unapproved substances in unsanitary conditions.
Cases of injuries sustained at med spas often go unreported, creating challenges in determining the scope of such incidents. In Amma’s case, tests revealed an infection with Mycobacterium abscessus, a robust bacterium present in water, soil, and dust. Dr. Claire Brown from UCLA linked this bacterium to improper sterilization in cosmetic procedures involving injections.
Despite the Los Angeles County Public Health Department’s inconclusive investigation into Amma’s case, the severity of her infection required hospitalization and treatment with multiple antibiotics due to the limited options available for such bacterial strains.
While wellness treatments like vitamin injections and IV infusions are marketed with medical benefits, their actual efficacy lacks substantial scientific evidence, according to Dr. Richina Bicette-McCain from Baylor College of Medicine.
The FDA issued warnings regarding unauthorized fat-dissolving injections sold online under various names, highlighting severe infections and skin deformities reported in consumers. The only approved product for subcutaneous fat breakdown is Kybella, specifically for double chin reduction.
Dr. Bicette-McCain observed a rise in complications from med spa visits, ranging from infections at IV insertion sites to burns from laser treatments and complications following poorly administered Botox injections.
The lack of federal health regulations for med spas leaves oversight to individual states, leading to inconsistent enforcement, as per Alex Thiersch, CEO of the American Med Spa Association. While most spas operate safely within state laws, a subset permits unauthorized procedures and employs unlicensed practitioners, posing significant concerns within the industry.
The association strives to support med spas in compliance with state regulations but remains vigilant about unauthorized practices, highlighting the challenges and risks stemming from a segment of the industry that operates outside established norms.
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