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/

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.

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 you
• The warning signs of high-pressure sales tactics disguised as skincare advice
• What 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

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

Catch full podcast episodes on YouTube: youtube.com/@MedspaMayhem/podcasts

Be the first to know about upcoming appearances, live Q&As, and new investigations → https://www.drkatedee.com/

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

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.

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/

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

Catch full podcast episodes on YouTube: youtube.com/@MedspaMayhem/podcasts

Be the first to know about upcoming appearances, live Q&As, and new investigations → https://www.drkatedee.com/

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

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.

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.

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 near you → MedspaBoard.com

Please leave us a review on Apple Podcast: HERE

Details about GLOW Medispa in 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.

Views shared by Dr. Kate Dee and her guests reflect their professional opinions and experiences, every patient is unique, and no doctor-patient relationship is created.

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.

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 age.

• Testosterone and thyroid hormones play significant roles in women's health, affecting energy, metabolism, and overall well-being.

• Metabolic health, including managing blood sugar and visceral fat, is foundational to preventing age-related diseases.

• Dr. Flora Waples emphasizes the importance of addressing health issues before they develop into full-blown diseases.

• Exercise and proper nutrition are essential components of a healthy lifestyle and can significantly impact longevity.

• Dr. Waples shares her personal journey of overcoming pre-diabetes and improving her health through hormone therapy and lifestyle changes.

• The podcast highlights the need for a shift from disease-centric to health-optimizing medical practices.

Chapters

00:15 Introduction and Welcoming Dr. Flora Waples

02:47 Journey into Longevity Medicine

04:04 The Importance of Hormones in Aging

06:12 Hormone Replacement Therapy and Its Benefits

13:18 The Role of Testosterone and Thyroid in Women's Health

17:59 Optimizing Hormone Levels for Better Health

25:45 Personal Struggles with Anxiety

26:49 The Importance of Progesterone

27:12 Shifting Focus to Longevity

28:23 The Four Horsemen of Aging

29:29 Addressing Metabolism and Visceral Fat

31:00 Hormone Replacement and Weight Management

40:49 Exploring Rapamycin and Longevity

44:36 The Role of NAD and Peptides

51:16 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

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 vital for ethical and compliant practice.

• Consumers should be aware and carefully select their aesthetic providers to ensure safety and quality.

• Industry certification and elevating standards are necessary to improve the overall quality of aesthetic services.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to MedSpa Mayhem

01:05 Meet Mandy Ward: A Journey in Nursing

03:20 Breaking into the Aesthetics Industry

06:29 First Job Horrors: Unsafe Practices

13:04 Finding a Better Fit: Mentorship and Legal Battles

16:08 Industry Insights: Ethics and Practices

20:07 Exploring New Treatments and Techniques

25:49 Compliance and Business Growth

27:27 Understanding Good Faith Exams

29:00 Legal Requirements and Compliance

30:13 Challenges in Medical Practices

33:43 Handling Vascular Occlusions

37:57 Weight Loss Clinics and Ethical Concerns

50:38 Navigating the Med Spa Industry

54:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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

Takeaways

• The Med Spa Board aims to provide certification for legitimate med spas.

• Consumer safety is a primary concern in the med spa industry.

• There is a significant amount of misinformation regarding med spa practices.

• Medical directors play a crucial role in ensuring safe practices in med spas.

• Legislation is evolving to address issues within the med spa industry.

• The industry has seen an increase in unethical practices due to rapid growth.

• Consumers need to be educated about what to expect from med spas.

• The Medspa Board seeks to empower consumers with knowledge and resources.

• Ethical practices are essential for the credibility of the med spa industry.

• The Med Spa Board will help set standards and regulations for the industry.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to MedSpa Mayhem

01:06 Meet Nicole Gregory: Med Spa Innovator

01:49 The Med Spa Board: Elevating Standards

02:56 Challenges in the Med Spa Industry

04:49 Certification and Consumer Awareness

08:51 Legislative Changes and Ethical Practices

12:38 The Importance of Real Medical Directors

17:57 The Role of the Med Spa Board in Regulation

27:29 Conclusion and Call to Action

Dive into the fascinating world of DIY skincare with Dr. Kate Dee and her guest, Anne-Marie Faiola, the visionary CEO of Bramble Berry Handcraft Provisions. Anne-Marie shares her journey from criminology to becoming a soap-making entrepreneur, the science behind safe skincare practices, and the importance of preservatives and safe ingredients in skin care. They discuss the regulations for selling homemade skincare products, the challenges of ensuring ingredient quality, and the benefits of creating your own skincare. Anne-Marie also highlights inspiring success stories from Bramble Berry customers who turned their DIY passion into thriving businesses.

Reach out to 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 Anne-Marie Faiola

Bramble Berry website

Soap Queen TV on youtube

Follow Anne-Marie on Instagram

Takeaways

• Anne-Marie Faiola transitioned from a career in criminology to founding Bramble Berry, driven by her passion for creativity and change.

• DIY skincare allows individuals to control their ingredients, ensuring product safety and customization for personal needs.

• The cosmetic industry is highly regulated, but small businesses can thrive by adhering to good manufacturing practices.

• Creativity can lead to personal empowerment and even successful business ventures, as seen in Bramble Berry's community stories.

• Anne-Marie emphasizes the importance of authenticity and passion in building a successful and fulfilling career.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mold and Bacteria in Skincare

00:27 Welcome to MedSpa Mayhem

01:21 Meet Anne-Marie Ola: From Criminology to Soap Making

02:30 The Journey from Prisons to Soap Business

05:01 Ensuring Ingredient Safety in DIY Skincare

12:26 The Importance of Preservatives in Skincare

24:18 The Benefits of Homemade Products

26:54 Success Stories in the Handmade Industry

28:38 Regulations and Legalities of Selling Handmade Products

35:53 Ensuring Product Quality and Authenticity

41:44 Connecting with Bramble Berry and Final Thoughts