Lately, I’ve noticed quite a few new “med spas” popping up—not just in my neighborhood, but around the island. I recently tried one that advertised a specialized laser treatment for dark facial pigmentation (melasma). Despite spending $4,400 for 10 laser treatments, the dark spots worsened. When I expressed my dissatisfaction to the owner, my concerns were met with no resolution.
The owner of the med spa is described on her website as a “medical grade esthetician,” but without specifying the qualifications or the source of that credential. Her official license with the state is listed as “beauty operator.”
Are these med spas monitored to ensure they deliver outcomes that justify their high price tags? I’m concerned about their safety and effectiveness, given an apparent lack of oversight and exaggerated claims of beauty enhancement on social media. I want to prevent others from experiencing what I went through. Is there any recourse for consumers in this situation?
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**Answer:**
Neither the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) nor the state Department of Health routinely monitor med spa businesses, according to spokespersons from each department. However, the DCCA does oversee licensing for beauty operators and many other lines of work, including doctors and other medical professionals.
If you believe the beauty operator violated the terms of her license—such as by practicing medicine without a license—you can file a complaint with the DCCA’s Regulated Industries Complaints Office (RICO).
– Visit: [hawaii.gov/rico](https://hawaii.gov/rico)
– Or call the DCCA Consumer Resource Center at 808-587-4272.
If RICO takes up your complaint, they will investigate on behalf of the public health, welfare, and safety. Keep in mind, however, that they do not represent individual consumers personally.
As for recovering your money, that would be a civil matter. You may consider taking the issue to the appropriate civil court. Consulting an attorney of your choice for guidance and advice is a decision for you to make. — William Nhieu, DCCA spokesperson.
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**Understanding “Medical Grade Esthetician” and Licensing**
You mentioned the person who treated you is a licensed beauty operator but describes herself as a medical grade esthetician. According to the American Med Spa Association, “medical grade esthetician” is not an official title and may give customers a false impression that the person is licensed to perform medical treatments.
Under Hawaii Revised Statutes 439A, a beauty operator falls into one of four license categories: cosmetologist, hairdresser, esthetician, or nail technician.
– A cosmetologist is licensed to work as a hairdresser, esthetician, and nail technician.
– A licensed esthetician may be paid for massaging, cleansing, stimulating, manipulating, exercising, beautifying, or doing similar work on various parts of the body using hands or nonmedically prescribed mechanical or electrical devices or cosmetic preparations (such as antiseptics, tonics, lotions, or creams).
– However, estheticians may not perform medical procedures or work requiring a medical license.
Estheticians can own med spas in Hawaii but must only perform services within the scope of their licenses. Nonmedical owners may employ medical professionals licensed to perform procedures that estheticians cannot do themselves.
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**Concerns About Med Spa Oversight**
For years, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association has advocated for stricter oversight of med spas nationwide. They warn that a “lack of regulation and enforcement has enabled many medical spas to offer medical procedures by inadequately trained or supervised persons to an unsuspecting public.”
Devices such as lasers and energy-based tools are regulated as medical devices by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and should be used only by physicians or adequately trained medical professionals under a physician’s supervision.
The association encourages states to adopt the Medical Spa Safety Act, a model legislation focused on ensuring facilities deliver safe medical care supervised by an on-site physician.
For more information, including tips for patients considering treatment for melasma, policy guidance, and a link to the model legislation, visit: [808ne.ws/4qGx294](https://808ne.ws/4qGx294).
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**Mahalo**
I just read about Operation Shine the Light recovering 10 missing children and youth, according to the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General and Department of Human Services. Bless them for their work saving our vulnerable keiki.
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**Thanksgiving Column Invitation**
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Whether you want to thank a friend or a stranger, share your good news and aloha spirit by emailing your submission to: [email protected].
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*Stay informed and be cautious when choosing med spa treatments. Understanding licensing and regulatory oversight is crucial to protecting your health and your wallet.*
https://www.staradvertiser.com/2025/10/26/hawaii-news/kokua-line/kokua-line-how-do-i-report-errant-med-spa/