Policy makers are struggling to keep up with the boom in recent years in cosmetic treatments such as liposuction, plastic surgery, and laser hair removal. While all of these treatments can have very real negative consequences, these treatments are as of yet not regulated in many states.
For example, in New York, anybody can provide laser hair removal treatment despite the fact that there have been multiple cases of second and third degree burns from unregulated and improper application of the treatment by self-proclaimed “professionals.”
In addition, medical spas across the country are increasingly offering invasive liposuction therapy and it is not uncommon to see walk-in Botox “clinics” in American malls. With news of the tragic death of a woman in Florida who passed away during liposuction surgery at a “medical” spa, the issue of regulation of these cosmetic treatments has again come to the fore.
I agree with the view that spa treatment should be limited to non-invasive massages and facials that allow customers to relax and pamper themselves. Any procedure that involves an operating table, anesthesia, lasers, or injections should be conducted in a medical environment with properly trained medical professionals, not at a mall kiosk or spa.
In addition, in the future, I would hope that regulatory bodies will take preemptive steps to regulate new medical technologies, not waiting for the alarm bells to ring after people have been harmed and even killed as a result of the lack of regulation.
Related links:
Sweeney, Camille. “Surgery at a Spa? Buyer Beware.” New York Times. 4 Nov. 2009.
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