NYC Investigation Highlights Safety Risks at Unlicensed Medical Spas
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In December 2025, the New York City Council released findings from a joint city-state investigation into medical spas operating across the five boroughs—and the results raised serious concerns for patient safety.
The investigation, conducted in partnership with multiple New York State agencies, inspected 15 medspas between June and September 2024. Every location inspected was cited for violations of state law, many involving unsafe or illegal medical practices.
Read the full NYC Council investigation report here.
What the Investigation Found
According to the Council’s report, violations uncovered at these medspas included:
- Medical procedures performed without proper licensure or physician oversight
- Failure to display required professional licenses
- Lack of liability insurance
- Sanitation and hygiene issues
- Use of mislabeled or unverified products
- Unlicensed or improperly credentialed staff performing treatments
In several cases, these violations were severe enough to result in the loss of operating licenses. Other disciplinary proceedings remain ongoing.
Why This Matters for Patients
Medical spas often blur the line between traditional spa services and medical treatments. While services like facials or cosmetic skincare may fall under appearance-enhancement licensing, procedures such as injectables, IV therapy, and certain hair restoration treatments are considered medical—and must legally be performed or supervised by licensed medical professionals under New York State law.
When these regulations are ignored, patients may be exposed to unnecessary risks, including infection, improper dosing, use of unsafe products, or lack of recourse if complications arise.
What Patients Should Look for Before Any Treatment
The NYC Council’s investigation underscores the importance of being an informed consumer. Before undergoing any medical aesthetic or hair restoration procedure, patients should feel comfortable asking:
- Is this practice physician-led or medically supervised?
- Are all providers properly licensed and credentialed?
- Are medical licenses clearly displayed?
- Is the facility clean, professional, and transparent about treatments and products used?
- Is the practice insured and compliant with state regulations?
Reputable practices welcome these questions—and prioritize patient education, safety, and transparency.
A Commitment to Medical Standards and Patient Safety
At 740 Park Beauty & Hair Restoration, patient safety is not an afterthought—it is the foundation of care. Our treatments are delivered within a medically supervised environment that adheres to New York State regulations, professional licensing requirements, and strict hygiene standards.
As the medspa industry continues to grow, this investigation serves as an important reminder: where you receive care matters. Choosing a medically compliant, physician-led practice helps protect not only your results, but your health.
If you have questions about a treatment or want to better understand what safe, ethical care should look like, we encourage you to ask. Informed patients are empowered patients.