State licensing officials issued a warning this week about giving or using spa services this holiday season.
They say growing popularity of such services has led to increased reports of infections and other injuries caused by untrained or unsupervised attendants attempting treatments that are actually medical procedures, reports the Chicago Tribune. .
Investigators recently performed spot inspections at 11 spas all over Illinois and found many did not meet state standards. In some cases spa staff even recommended treatments that were dangerous.
A licensed cosmetologist can perform many treatments, but some popular procedures must be performed or supervised by a physician.
Daniel Kelber, associate general counsel for the Division of Professional Regulation tells the paper most of the complaints have been about laser procedures.
“The more serious complaints, however, are about more invasive procedures, including liposuction and lipodissolve, which is not approved by the (Food and Drug Administration)” Kelber said.
State officials advise anyone buying or booking spa service should ask if the treatment involves a medical procedure; and for the qualifications of the person providing the service.
