Frequently asked questions

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) describes it as blending a day spa setting with medical-grade treatments usually found in a doctor's office. ASPS says med spas vary: some are run by physicians with specialist training, and some by doctors from other fields or by non-physicians. See our guide to what a med spa is.

State law decides, and it differs by state. ASPS says some of these services are legally classified as the practice of medicine, and that oversight requirements vary. Ask who will treat you, what their license is and who supervises, then check with the state board. See our guide to who may inject.

ASPS and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) suggest asking who the supervising physician is, who will treat you and what their training is, what products or devices will be used, and what happens if something goes wrong. See our guide to questions to ask before you book.

ASPS says the provider should talk with you about your medical history, your goals and a plan, and be open about risks, expected results and costs. You should be asked to sign informed consent before a procedure. See our consultation guide.

AAD says cosmetic procedures are typically not covered by insurance, but it is worth confirming. AAD says insurance does not cover laser hair removal. Ask your own insurer.

AAD suggests asking to see before-and-after pictures of patients the doctor has treated with the same procedure, especially people with a similar skin tone and type. ASPS says not to base a decision only on photos on social media. Photos alone do not tell you about your own result.

No. The FDA describes botulinum toxin products such as Botox as injectable drugs that keep muscles from tightening. Fillers are gel-like substances, regulated as medical devices, that add smoothness or fullness. See Botox vs fillers.

The Botox Cosmetic label says the effect for frown lines lasts approximately 3 to 4 months. The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) says neuromodulators typically last about three months. Ask your provider about other areas.

The FDA says the effects of most approved fillers are temporary because the body absorbs them. On its approved-fillers page it says hyaluronic acid fillers last approximately half a year to a year. It lists one approved filler that is not absorbed, and says removal can be difficult or impossible for some.

The FDA says no. It says not to buy filler sold directly to the public and not to inject yourself, because products may be fake, contaminated or not approved.

The FDA says needle-free devices are not approved for injecting dermal fillers, and that serious injuries have happened, including permanent harm to the skin, lips or eyes. AAD gives the same warning.

The FDA says it is accidental injection into a blood vessel. It says the chance is low but the complications can be serious and may be permanent, including tissue death, vision problems and stroke. It lists signs that need immediate medical attention.

They are different brands of botulinum toxin type A with different labels. The labels say units of one cannot be compared with another's. See Botox vs Dysport.

No. The FDA says non-invasive body contouring does not treat obesity or improve your health, and will not result in weight loss. It lists rare serious complications. See our CoolSculpting page.

The FDA says it has legally authorized specific microneedling devices for facial acne scars, facial wrinkles and abdominal scars in adults. It says some products may not be devices, and it has issued a safety communication about radiofrequency (RF) microneedling. See our microneedling page.

AAD's pages differ. One says laser hair removal is permanent on most areas of the body. Another says most people stay hair free for months or even years and may need maintenance. Ask your provider what is realistic for your hair and skin.

AAD says common side effects are minor and last a few days. It says rarer ones include blistering, infection, scarring and skin lightening or darkening, and that some skin color changes can be permanent. It says it can be dangerous in inexperienced hands.

ASDS says it depends on the depth. Superficial peels take one to seven days, medium peels about one to two weeks, and deep peels about two to three weeks. ASDS says sun exposure and smoking after a peel can cause infection and scarring.

ASDS lists a change in skin color as a risk of chemical peels. The FDA lists pigmentation changes as a common risk of microneedling. AAD lists skin lightening or darkening as a rarer side effect of laser hair removal.