Med Spa Horror Stories: Patients Left Scarred by Unregulated Beauty Procedures

Cosmetic procedures promising stunning results for less cost and downtime are luring patients into med spas across the country. However, a growing number of patients, including Carla Schneider from North Dakota, are sharing horror stories of irreversible damage caused by unregulated treatments.

Four years ago, Schneider sought firmer skin through a plasma pen procedure at a local med spa. She paid $600 but left with permanent skin discoloration and indentations. "It makes me want to cry," she said, reflecting on her ordeal. Her esthetician had assured her she was a "perfect candidate," but the treatment damaged melanocytes, the cells responsible for skin pigmentation, leaving her with hypopigmentation.

After consulting with Kylie Buchholz, a board-certified nurse practitioner at the Institute of Facial Surgery, Schneider learned that plasma pens only stimulate collagen when used correctly on the dermis, the skin’s middle layer. Estheticians, however, are only trained to work on the epidermis, the outer layer, making effective treatment nearly impossible.

Buchholz warns that even licensed nurses may manipulate the system, sometimes relying on telemedicine loopholes to bypass physician oversight. The North Dakota Board of Nursing reported nine complaints related to med spa violations in 2024, with the issue steadily growing.

Schneider has since spent an additional $1,000 on corrective treatments and now urges others to ask tough questions about provider qualifications. "We’re trusting these people," she said. "Why would we question that they’re not authorized?"

Experts emphasize the importance of verifying credentials and consulting with licensed medical professionals for any cosmetic procedure. Don’t let the promise of quick and affordable beauty lead to lasting regret.