Cosmetic treatments like CoolSculpting, chemical peels and laser treatments are often marketed as safe, quick, and low-risk. But increasingly, patients are reporting serious complications including thermal burns, skin necrosis, scarring, and permanent disfigurement after procedures performed at medical spas (“med spas”).
At Abend & Silber, PLLC, we are actively investigating cases involving burn injuries from cosmetic and aesthetic procedures, including those performed without proper medical oversight.
Many cosmetic procedures rely on controlled thermal or chemical injury to achieve results:
- CoolSculpting (cryolipolysis) – uses extreme cold to destroy fat cells
- Laser treatments / RF procedures – use heat energy to target tissue
- Chemical peels – use acids to remove layers of skin
When performed improperly, these treatments can cause:
- Second- and third-degree burns
- Blistering and skin breakdown
- Permanent scarring or discoloration
- Nerve damage and chronic pain
- Infections and delayed wound healing
In one recent case, a patient undergoing a treatment suffered a deep thermal burn due to improper energy delivery and inadequate monitoring, resulting in permanent scarring after a technician at a Med Spa performed the procedure without medical clearance and without medical supervision, in violation of New York State Law.
Under New York State law, many aesthetic procedures must be performed by or under the supervision of a licensed physician. Some examples:
- Lasers
- Radiofrequency devices
- Chemical peels (medium to deep)
- Energy-based fat reduction (e.g., CoolSculpting)
This means:
- A physician must be involved in treatment planning
- Procedures must be performed by properly trained personnel
- There must be appropriate monitoring and safety protocols
When Med Spas cut corners, such as allowing unlicensed or inadequately trained staff to perform procedures, patients are put at serious risk.
If you suffered a burn or other injury from a cosmetic procedure, multiple parties may be legally responsible:
- Med Spa Owners / Operators
- Supervising Physicians
- Nurse Practitioners or Technicians performing the procedure
- Corporate entities running the practice
Liability may arise from:
- Improper device use or settings
- Failure to assess skin type or risk factors
- Inadequate supervision
- Failure to monitor during treatment
- Delayed recognition of injury
- Failure to obtain informed consent
Warning Signs of a Negligent Med Spa: Be cautious if a provider:
- Downplays risks or guarantees results
- Does not have a physician available or involved
- Allows non-medical staff to perform procedures independently
- Fails to monitor you during treatment
- Dismisses pain, burning, or discomfort during the procedure
Contact the personal injury and medical malpractice attorneys at Abend & Silber, PLLC if you or a loved one has suffered a CoolSculpting burn injury, chemical peel burn, laser treatment injury, scarring, or other complication from a cosmetic or med spa procedure. We will help determine whether you have a valid legal claim.
We offer confidential consultations and can evaluate:
- Whether proper medical supervision was provided
- Whether the procedure met accepted standards of care
- Whether your injury could have been prevented
