National outlets—from Bloomberg to HBO’s Last Week Tonight with John Oliver—have zeroed in on “rogue” med spas that cut corners on physician oversight, use counterfeit products, or allow unlicensed staff to inject patients. The American Med Spa Association (AmSpa) notes that these bad actors fuel media exposés and erode public trust just when interest in aesthetic treatments is soaring.
New Laws Are on the Way—Especially in Texas
Texas lawmakers drafted HB 3749 (“Jenifer’s Law”) to tighten supervision requirements of elective IV-therapy clinics. The bill seeks to tighten clinical oversight by clarifying who can perform treatments, how far away supervising physicians may be, and what training standards must be met.
What This Means for SAPSI Patients
San Antonio Plastic Surgery Institute (SAPSI) performs surgical procedures, but we also oversee The Heights Plastic Surgery Med Spa, our sister practice. Because our surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and are active members of both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and The Aesthetic Society (ASAPS), The Heights Med Spa already meets—and often exceeds—the safety measures legislators are now demanding of others.
How We Go Above & Beyond
- Direct Surgeon Oversight – All treatment menus, training paths, and emergency plans are approved by our board-certified plastic surgeons, not just a distant “medical director.”
- Licensed, Highly Trained Providers – Every injector, aesthetician, and laser specialist holds state licensure and receives ongoing education far beyond weekend courses.
- Physician-Level Protocols in a Spa Environment – From FDA-approved products to physician-approved solutions, we apply hospital-grade standards to every service.
- Private, Accredited Operating & Procedure Suites – Whether you’re having BOTOX® or a breast lift, you’re treated in spaces built for surgical sterility and patient privacy.
How to Vet Any Med Spa—A Quick Checklist
- Ask Who’s Really in Charge. A board-certified plastic surgeon should be present or available, not 100 miles away.
- Verify Licenses & Training. Request to see provider credentials and sedation permits.
- Confirm Product Authenticity. Reputable practices buy directly from manufacturer-authorized distributors.
- Look for Written Protocols. Complication management plans and consent forms should be transparent and thorough.
- Trust Your Instincts. A credible team welcomes questions and never pressures you into extra services.
Your Safety, Our Promise
The recent media spotlight and pending legislation are excellent reminders that safety isn’t a trend—it’s the baseline. At SAPSI and The Heights Med Spa, we treat every injectable, laser session, or surgical procedure with the same rigor you’d expect in a hospital OR, because our surgeons wouldn’t have it any other way.
Ready to experience aesthetic care that’s as safe as it is sophisticated? Book your consultation with our surgical or med spa team today and feel the difference that physician-led excellence makes.
