The medical spa industry in the United States is booming. In just one year, the number of medspas jumped nearly 18%, climbing from 8,899 in 2022 to over 10,400 locations in 2023. To put that into perspective, this industry has expanded more than sixfold since 2010. While this explosive growth reflects the increasing demand for aesthetic treatments, it also raises some important questions: What should you look for in a medspa? And what does this rapid expansion mean for safety standards and the quality of results you deserve? When choosing a medspa in Buffalo, it’s helpful to understand what truly sets a practice apart. Not every medspa is equally equipped to deliver the level of care and expertise you expect. By knowing what to look for, you can feel more confident that your experience will be smooth, professional, and tailored to your needs.
At the Aesthetic Associates Centre in Buffalo, NY, we’re committed to combining advanced aesthetic treatments with the highest standards of care, providing results you can feel confident about.
What Medspa Regulations Mean for Your Care
If you’ve ever wondered why one medspa feels like a professional medical practice and another feels more like a beauty salon, the difference usually comes down to regulation. In the United States, there’s no single federal agency that oversees how medspas operate. Instead, every state writes and enforces its own rules, and those rules can vary widely.
So, what exactly are medspa regulations? In simple terms, they are the laws and professional standards that determine who can own, operate, and perform medical aesthetic procedures at a medspa. These rules exist to protect patients by keeping medical decisions in the hands of qualified professionals.
Across the country, most state regulations focus on four main areas. Here’s what they cover and why they matter to you:
Ownership and Corporate Structure
In many states, only licensed physicians or approved medical corporations are allowed to own a medspa that provides medical procedures. This ensures that business owners without medical training cannot influence decisions about patient care. New York enforces this strictly. Medspas here must be physician-owned and operated.
Supervision and Provider Qualifications
Every licensed medical professional is allowed to perform specific procedures based on their qualifications. A physician has broader authority than a nurse, and a nurse has a broader scope than an esthetician. States define these roles clearly, and medical spas are responsible for ensuring that staff only perform procedures for which they are legally qualified and trained.
Even when procedures are delegated to nurses or other team members, proper medical supervision must be in place to ensure patient safety. Some states require direct, in-person supervision, while others permit remote supervision. Either way, there must always be clear oversight and documentation.
Patient Safety and Medical Standards
This includes thorough medical consultations, informed consent, accurate record-keeping, and strict sanitation practices. A medspa providing medical procedures must treat you as a medical patient, not just a customer.
At first, you might think regulations only concern the people running the medspa. In reality, they directly affect your experience as a client. When a medspa adheres to the rules, you can trust that the team is well-trained, the procedures are appropriate, and your care is delivered professionally. When rules are ignored, the quality of care often suffers.
Here in New York, patients benefit from some of the strictest medspa regulations in the country. Physician ownership and medical oversight are required by law. That means your treatments are supervised by qualified professionals who are accountable for your care.
How To Spot a Patient-Focused Medspa in Buffalo
In the rapidly growing field of medical aesthetics, it can be challenging to tell which medspas truly prioritize patient care. Fortunately, there are clear signs that reveal a commitment to your safety and satisfaction.
Start by looking at who is providing your care. Every medical procedure, including injectables, lasers, and advanced skin treatments, should be performed by licensed professionals who are trained specifically for those services. Any provider you meet should be able to explain their role on the medical team and their qualifications.
Pay close attention to the consultation process. A patient-focused medspa will always begin with a comprehensive consultation led by a physician or another qualified medical provider. This is your opportunity to ask questions, discuss your goals, and review your medical history. If a medspa skips this step or rushes through it, that is a clear sign to look elsewhere.
Transparency and credibility also matter. Look for positive reviews from real patients, review before-and-after photos, and check for affiliations with professional organizations. These are signs of a practice that values honesty and holds itself to high standards.
At the Aesthetic Associates Centre, we make these decisions simple. Our practice is owned and operated by Dr. Samuel Shatkin Jr., a board-certified plastic surgeon who personally oversees all medical treatments. Our team comprises licensed physician assistants, registered nurses, and medical aestheticians, all dedicated to delivering care that meets New York’s rigorous standards. Every patient begins with a one-on-one consultation and receives a treatment plan that reflects their needs and goals.
Experience the Difference at Our Medspa in Buffalo, NY
The rise of medspas has given patients more choices than ever before, but not every choice offers the same level of care. In a field where regulations vary and expertise truly matters, knowing what to look for makes all the difference. At the Aesthetic Associates Centre, you can feel confident knowing your treatments are guided by strict standards, a highly qualified medical team, and a genuine commitment to your safety and satisfaction.
Schedule your consultation today and discover what it means to work with a medspa in Buffalo that prioritizes your care.
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