Med Spa Confidential - Exposing the Risks, Rewards, and Business of Beauty

Dr. Kate Dee | Medical Spa Founder & Safety Advocate

Exposing the Good, the Bad and the Ugly secrets of the Medical Aesthetics Industry.Dr. Kate Dee takes you inside the medical spa industry, an unregulated mix of medicine and marketing where the results can be stunning… or dangerous. As a board-certified Physician who left hospital medicine to found GLOW Med Spa, she’s seen both sides: the art, the science, and the shady practices that put patients at risk.You’ll hear insider stories, expert conversations, and practical advice that help you spot who’s qualified, who’s not, and how to stay safe while still looking your best.Subscribe to become a smarter patient and find out what questions to ask and how to figure out who is cutting corners in the wild west of the medspa world

  1. 6D AGO

    Why Tipping Nurses After Your Botox Might Be Illegal with Med Spa Founder Dr. Kate Dee | EP 72

    When that tip screen pops up after your Botox appointment, should you feel obligated to pay?  This practice walks a fine line between unethical and outright illegal. Dr. Kate Dee breaks down the troubling spread of tip culture into medical settings, where it doesn't just create awkward checkout moments, it can actually compromise your safety.  When businesses underpay nurses and rely on tips and commissions to fill the gap, it creates a flawed system. That system gives your provider a financial incentive to push treatments you don’t actually need. Key Takeaways: Why low hourly wages plus tips create dangerous incentives for providers to oversell treatmentsThe legal and ethical lines that tip screens cross in medical settings What this practice reveals about the overall safety and oversight at your med spaYou'll learn how to spot the difference between appropriate tipping (facials and spa services) and situations where you're being asked to tip for medical procedures like lasers and injectables.  Dr. Dee explains why the American Medical Association calls it unethical, and what it means when money starts influencing medical decisions. She'll also help you understand when a tip screen might be an honest mistake versus a deliberate money grab. Listen and learn exactly what to do the next time you're faced with that awkward screen and you'll understand why speaking up about it matters for everyone's safety.  Pick up your copy of Medspa Mayhem: https://www.drkatedee.com/ MORE FROM DR. KATE DEE Have a question, story, or insight to share? Leave Dr. Dee a Note → drkatedee.com/contact Follow Her on Instagram: instagram.com/drkatedee Learn about The MedSpa Board — the national registry that verifies legally compliant, doctor-led med spas. Find a certified provider near you → MedspaBoard.com Please leave us a review on Apple Podcast: HERE Catch full podcast episodes on YouTube: youtube.com/@MedspaMayhem/podcasts GLOW Medspa - Seattle, WA: https://glowspaseattle.com/ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before any aesthetic procedure. Some episodes include anonymous or secondhand accounts; while accuracy is a priority, these stories represent individual experiences. Verify credentials, do your research, and always prioritize your safety.

    9 min

  2. OCT 29

    The 3 Legal Loopholes That Let Unsafe MedSpas Stay Open with Dr. Kristen Jacobs, Aesthetic Physician & Founder | EP 71

    What if the person injecting your Botox learned how to do it over a single weekend and there's no one checking if they're even qualified? In Texas, a woman died after receiving IV treatments from someone who had no medical license at all. No training. No oversight. No one stopped it until it was too late. Stories like this aren't rare, they're just rarely talked about. Dr. Kate Dee sits down with Dr. Dr. Kristen Jacobs, a board-certified physician who's been practicing medical aesthetics since 2008, to walk through the new MedSpa Board certification standards and why they matter for everyone. Chapters: 00:05:20 - Medical Director full responsibilities   00:16:15 - Outsourcing the Good-Faith Exam   00:26:05 - Delegation & supervision rules   00:31:50 - Legal versus illegal product sourcing 00:36:40 - Emergency protocols & complications   Dr. Jacobs shares what real medical oversight looks like in her practice, from ensuring every staff member has an active license to knowing exactly which high-risk areas of the face she refuses to touch.  You'll learn the questions to ask before your next appointment, what a legitimate medical director actually does, and how to spot the red flags that most people miss. Whether you're getting treatments or running a med spa, you will walk away with the tools to navigate the medspa world safely. Dr. Dee and Dr. Jacobs are more than exposing the problems, they're building the solution.  By the end, you'll understand why choosing a certified medspa could protect your health, your face, and your future. Listen and learn how to protect yourself. Help us raise the standard for an entire industry. Be the first to know about upcoming Dr. Kate Dee's appearances, live Q&As, and new investigations → https://www.drkatedee.com/ Connect with Dr. Jacobs: https://kristenjacobs.com/ Texas woman: https://arnoltcenter.org/work/the-drip-lack-of-regulation-in-growing-iv-therapy-hydration-industry-potentially-puts-patients-at-risk/ Pick up  Bright Girl Skincare: https://brightgirl.com/DRKATE  USE Coupon: DRKATE20 MORE FROM DR. KATE DEE Have a question, story, or insight to share? Leave Dr. Dee a Note → drkatedee.com/contact Follow Her on Instagram: instagram.com/drkatedee Learn about The MedSpa Board — the national registry that verifies legally compliant, doctor-led med spas. Find a certified provider near you → MedspaBoard.com Please leave us a review on Apple Podcast: HERE Catch full podcast episodes on YouTube: youtube.com/@MedspaMayhem/podcasts GLOW Medspa - Seattle, WA: https://glowspaseattle.com/ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before any aesthetic procedure. Some episodes include anonymous or secondhand accounts; while accuracy is a priority, these stories represent individual experiences. Verify credentials, do your research, and always prioritize your safety.

    51 min

  3. OCT 22

    The “Celebrity Facialist” That Cost Her $30,000 and Her Skin - Victoria Nelson Exposes Hollywood Esthetician | EP 70

    What happens when trust in a "celebrity facialist" costs you your face? Dr. Kate Dee breaks down how an esthetician with a celebrity client list got away with performing medical procedures without a medical license or oversight for years. Victoria Nelson’s account on TikTok went viral recently. She had walked into a Hollywood spa with acne and walked out with permanent scars.  The woman she trusted, Sonya Dakar, self-proclaimed "Skin Ninja" to the stars, promised flawless skin but delivered chemical burns, unauthorized medical procedures, and charged $30,000 for treatments to fix the injury she allegedly caused Victoria.  Key Takeaways: How to verify if someone is legally allowed to perform the treatment they're offering youThe warning signs of high-pressure sales tactics disguised as skincare adviceWhat to do immediately if a treatment goes wrong Dr. Kate walks you through the difference between legal esthetic treatments and the medical procedures this esthetician performed without proper licensing or oversight. Walk away with exact questions to ask before letting anyone touch your skin with a chemical peel, microneedling device, or any treatment that sounds "no big deal." You'll learn how to spot practitioners who prioritize their wallet over your safety, and why free treatments from Instagram influencer outreach often come with hidden costs. Stay until the end to hear Dr. Kate's simple checklist for vetting any esthetician or med spa before your first appointment. Your skin is permanent, so make sure the person treating it is actually qualified to do so. Listen and learn how to protect yourself from predatory practitioners who hide behind celebrity endorsements. Victoria’s Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@victoria.nelson?lang=en Articles:  https://people.com/woman-accuses-celebrity-facialist-permanently-scarring-her-face-11802854 https://nypost.com/2025/09/11/health/celeb-aesthetician-sonya-dakar-left-me-burned-and-scarred-says-client/ Pick up  Bright Girl Skincare: https://brightgirl.com/DRKATE  USE Coupon: DRKATE20 MORE FROM DR. KATE DEE Have a question, story, or insight to share? Leave Dr. Dee a Note → drkatedee.com/contact Follow Her on Instagram: instagram.com/drkatedee Learn about The MedSpa Board — the national registry that verifies legally compliant, doctor-led med spas. Find a certified provider near you → MedspaBoard.com Please leave us a review on Apple Podcast: HERE Catch full podcast episodes on YouTube: youtube.com/@MedspaMayhem/podcasts GLOW Medspa - Seattle, WA: https://glowspaseattle.com/ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before any aesthetic procedure. Some episodes include anonymous or secondhand accounts; while accuracy is a priority, these stories represent individual experiences. Verify credentials, do your research, and always prioritize your safety.

    16 min

  4. OCT 17

    The Dark Side Of Medspas: Nightmare That Almost Destroyed Her Life with Bea Amma, Beauty & Fitness Influencer and Patient Advocate | EP 69

    Ever walk into a med spa and just assumed everything was legit? For today's guest that trust nearly cost her her life. Dr. Kate Dee revisits a riveting conversation she had with Bea Amma to help you understand exactly what went wrong and how to protect yourself. Bea shares her harrowing experience with an unlicensed provider who injected her with contaminated products. What started as a simple B12 shot appointment turned into a months-long nightmare involving a life-threatening infection, over 100 open wounds, and a desperate fight for survival.  Chapters: 00:07:30 - Fever, Shaking, and a Terrifying Drive Home 00:18:00 - Rushed to the ER Fighting for Her Life 00:24:30 - Eight Antibiotics and Hearing Loss 00:31:00 - The Injector Walks Free 00:40:00 - How Illegal Med Spas Keep Getting Away With It You'll hear about the warning signs she missed, the medical complications that followed, and why even smart, educated people fall victim to illegal practices. Dr. Kate breaks down the medical realities behind Bea's case and explains what questions you need to ask before any aesthetic procedure, no matter how simple it seems. You'll learn how to verify credentials, spot red flags in any med spa setting, and understand why having a real medical director on-site matters so much. Dr. Kate also shares practical steps to take if something goes wrong, because knowing your rights and options can make all the difference. Stay until the end to hear the one step Bea wishes she'd taken sooner and what you should do immediately if you suspect you've been treated by an unlicensed provider. Your safety is worth the extra questions. Watch, listen and learn how to choose licensed care and advocate for your own safety. Donate to Bea’s Recovery: https://www.gofundme.com/f/beatrizs-fight-against-mycobacterium Connect with Bea: https://www.instagram.com/beatriz.amma/?hl=en Pick up a copy of Medspa Mayhem the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Med-Spa-Mayhem-Aesthetic-Industry/dp/1642259802/ MORE FROM DR. KATE DEE Have a question, story, or insight to share? Leave Dr. Dee a Note → drkatedee.com/contact Follow Her on Instagram: instagram.com/drkatedee Learn about The MedSpa Board — the national registry that verifies legally compliant, doctor-led med spas. Find a certified provider near you → MedspaBoard.com Please leave us a review on Apple Podcast: HERE Catch full podcast episodes on YouTube: youtube.com/@MedspaMayhem/podcasts GLOW Medspa - Seattle, WA: https://glowspaseattle.com/ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before any aesthetic procedure. Some episodes include anonymous or secondhand accounts; while accuracy is a priority, these stories represent individual experiences. Verify credentials, do your research, and always prioritize your safety.

    57 min

  5. OCT 8

    Exposing Bait and Switch Tactics Inside a Popular Med Spa Aesthetics Clinic | EP 68

    Ever wonder who's really overseeing your Botox, your laser treatment, or that facial you booked online? What if the answer is... nobody? Dr. Kate Dee shares a firsthand account from a master esthetician who left a successful, well-known med spa after just a few months. What "Sarah" witnessed behind the scenes reveals troubling practices that put patients at risk every day: procedures performed without proper medical oversight, broken equipment passed off as fully functional, and clients charged premium prices for treatments they never actually received. Discover how some med spas operate when there's no real medical director on site. You'll hear about substituted products, half-working lasers, and why some facilities will do anything to get you in the door, including something that may even shock you. Dr. Dee, a board-certified physician and founder of GLOW Med Spa, breaks down the specific red flags that could save you from wasting money or worse, risking serious injury. You’ll learn exactly what questions to ask before booking your next appointment. Dr. Dee provides a practical guide for identifying whether a med spa is operating legally and safely, starting with one critical question about the medical director that most patients never think to ask. This is a must-listen if you care about your skin, your health, or your wallet. If you're considering any aesthetic treatment, from facials to laser procedures, this could be the difference between a great result and a dangerous mistake.  MORE FROM DR. KATE DEE Have a question, story, or insight to share? Leave Dr. Dee a Note → drkatedee.com/contact Follow Her on Instagram: instagram.com/drkatedee Catch full podcast episodes on YouTube: youtube.com/@MedspaMayhem/podcasts Be the first to know about upcoming appearances, live Q&As, and new investigations → MedSpaMayhem.com  Learn about The MedSpa Board — the national registry that verifies legally compliant, doctor-led med spas. Find a certified provider Pick up  Bright Girl Skincare: https://brightgirl.com/DRKATE  USE Coupon: DRKATE20 MORE FROM DR. KATE DEE Have a question, story, or insight to share? Leave Dr. Dee a Note → drkatedee.com/contact Follow Her on Instagram: instagram.com/drkatedee Learn about The MedSpa Board — the national registry that verifies legally compliant, doctor-led med spas. Find a certified provider near you → MedspaBoard.com Please leave us a review on Apple Podcast: HERE Catch full podcast episodes on YouTube: youtube.com/@MedspaMayhem/podcasts GLOW Medspa - Seattle, WA: https://glowspaseattle.com/ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before any aesthetic procedure. Some episodes include anonymous or secondhand accounts; while accuracy is a priority, these stories represent individual experiences. Verify credentials, do your research, and always prioritize your safety.

    13 min

  6. OCT 1

    Secrets to a Healthy and Vital Long Life with Dr. Flora Waples

    In this episode of MedSpa Mayhem, host Dr. Kate Dee welcomes back Dr. Flora Waples from Restor Medspa to discuss the importance of hormones and other groundbreaking approaches for improving wellness, longevity, and energy levels. They dive into the complex world of HRT, including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, and its critical role in optimizing health as we age. Dr. Waples shares her personal journey with HRT and metabolism management, discusses the science behind treatments like GLP-1 agonists, NAD, and rapamycin, and explores how these therapies can help stave off the 'four horsemen' of aging: cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurodegeneration, and metabolic dysfunction. Learn about the tangible benefits, the myths, the science, and the future of longevity medicine in this insightful conversation.   Connect with Dr. Dee Email Dr. Kate Dee at info@drkatedee.com Check out the Medspa Mayhem website for More about Dr. Dee Upcoming appearances Links to buy the book on Bookshop, B&N, Amazon Press and Podcast info Glow Medispa in Seattle, WA Purchase Medspa Mayhem on Amazon Find out about the Medspa Board   Contact Dr. Flora Waples Restor Medical Spa LinkedIn   Takeaways Hormone replacement therapy is crucial for maintaining health and vitality as we Pick up  Bright Girl Skincare: https://brightgirl.com/DRKATE  USE Coupon: DRKATE20 Grab Your Copy of Medspa Mayhem the Book Today: HERE MORE FROM DR. KATE DEE Have a question, story, or insight to share? Leave Dr. Dee a Note → drkatedee.com/contact Follow Her on Instagram: instagram.com/drkatedee Learn about The MedSpa Board — the national registry that verifies legally compliant, doctor-led med spas. Find a certified provider near you → MedspaBoard.com Please leave us a review on Apple Podcast: HERE Catch full podcast episodes on YouTube: youtube.com/@MedspaMayhem/podcasts GLOW Medspa - Seattle, WA: https://glowspaseattle.com/ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before any aesthetic procedure. Some episodes include anonymous or secondhand accounts; while accuracy is a priority, these stories represent individual experiences. Verify credentials, do your research, and always prioritize your safety.

    55 min

  7. SEP 17

    Real-Life Medspa Stories with Mandy Ward

    In this episode of MedSpa Mayhem, Dr. Kate Dee hosts Mandy Ward, a nurse practitioner with extensive experience in the chaotic world of medical aesthetics. Mandy shares her journey from working in trauma ICU to becoming an expert in cosmetic treatments like Botox and fillers. The discussion covers vital industry issues, such as the importance of good faith exams, the risks of subpar practices, and the legal and ethical concerns in states like Texas. Listeners gain insights on how to choose safe and legitimate med spa providers, the significance of having proper medical oversight, and the necessity for regulations to ensure patient safety.   Connect with Dr. Dee Email Dr. Kate Dee at info@drkatedee.com Check out the Medspa Mayhem website for More about Dr. Dee Upcoming appearances Links to buy the book on Bookshop, B&N, Amazon Press and Podcast info Glow Medispa in Seattle, WA Purchase Medspa Mayhem on Amazon Find out about the Medspa Board   Connect with Mandy Ward Instagram: @LadyWardAesthetics   Takeaways The importance of good faith exams and compliance in aesthetic practices is crucial for patient safety. Mentorship and continuous education are essential for success in the aesthetic industry. Understanding the regulatory landscape is v Pick up  Bright Girl Skincare: https://brightgirl.com/DRKATE  USE Coupon: DRKATE20 Grab Your Copy of Medspa Mayhem the Book Today: HERE MORE FROM DR. KATE DEE Have a question, story, or insight to share? Leave Dr. Dee a Note → drkatedee.com/contact Follow Her on Instagram: instagram.com/drkatedee Learn about The MedSpa Board — the national registry that verifies legally compliant, doctor-led med spas. Find a certified provider near you → MedspaBoard.com Please leave us a review on Apple Podcast: HERE Catch full podcast episodes on YouTube: youtube.com/@MedspaMayhem/podcasts GLOW Medspa - Seattle, WA: https://glowspaseattle.com/ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before any aesthetic procedure. Some episodes include anonymous or secondhand accounts; while accuracy is a priority, these stories represent individual experiences. Verify credentials, do your research, and always prioritize your safety.

    58 min

  8. SEP 3

    Introducing The Medspa Board with Nicole Gregory

    In this episode of MedSpa Mayhem, Dr. Kate Dee is joined by Nicole Gregory, an MBA and business owner of Med Spas in Michigan, to discuss the challenges of discerning legitimate med spas from illegal operations. They delve into the inception and goals of the Medspa Board, a credentialing organization aimed at elevating safety and standards in the aesthetics industry. The conversation covers the complexities of the sector, including the prevalence of absentee medical directors and the importance of having certified med spas for consumer reassurance and safety. They also highlight the upcoming launch of a certification process and the importance of consumer education.   Connect with Dr. Dee Email Dr. Kate Dee at info@drkatedee.com Check out the Medspa Mayhem website for More about Dr. Dee Upcoming appearances Links to buy the book on Bookshop, B&N, Amazon Press and Podcast info Glow Medispa in Seattle, WA Purchase Medspa Mayhem on Amazon Find out about the Medspa Board   Reach out to Nicole Gregory Urban You LinkedIn Interview on Medium Instagram Nicole Gregory @passportmoments Instagram MISPA @themimedspa   Takeaway Pick up  Bright Girl Skincare: https://brightgirl.com/DRKATE  USE Coupon: DRKATE20 MORE FROM DR. KATE DEE Have a question, story, or insight to share? Leave Dr. Dee a Note → drkatedee.com/contact Follow Her on Instagram: instagram.com/drkatedee Learn about The MedSpa Board — the national registry that verifies legally compliant, doctor-led med spas. Find a certified provider near you → MedspaBoard.com Please leave us a review on Apple Podcast: HERE Catch full podcast episodes on YouTube: youtube.com/@MedspaMayhem/podcasts GLOW Medspa - Seattle, WA: https://glowspaseattle.com/ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before any aesthetic procedure. Some episodes include anonymous or secondhand accounts; while accuracy is a priority, these stories represent individual experiences. Verify credentials, do your research, and always prioritize your safety.

    31 min
See All (72)

5
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

Exposing the Good, the Bad and the Ugly secrets of the Medical Aesthetics Industry.Dr. Kate Dee takes you inside the medical spa industry, an unregulated mix of medicine and marketing where the results can be stunning… or dangerous. As a board-certified Physician who left hospital medicine to found GLOW Med Spa, she’s seen both sides: the art, the science, and the shady practices that put patients at risk.You’ll hear insider stories, expert conversations, and practical advice that help you spot who’s qualified, who’s not, and how to stay safe while still looking your best.Subscribe to become a smarter patient and find out what questions to ask and how to figure out who is cutting corners in the wild west of the medspa world

Information

You Might Also Like