Medical spas have become increasingly popular destinations for everything from laser hair removal to RF microneedling to injectable treatments. But not all med spas are created equal. One of the most important factors in keeping you safe and achieving beautiful results is choosing a facility with genuine physician oversight—not just a “medical director” in name only.
What Does “Physician Oversight” Actually Mean?
In the medical spa industry, you’ll often see the term “medical director” used loosely. Many med spas operate under a physician’s license, but that physician may rarely—or never—set foot in the facility. They may sign off on protocols remotely, review records occasionally, or simply lend their credentials for regulatory compliance.
True physician oversight is different. It means a physician is physically present on a regular basis, directly involved in treatment decisions, and available to address complications or concerns as they arise. It also means having qualified medical professionals like physician assistants or nurse practitioners onsite who work under the physician’s direct supervision and can consult with the physician as needed. True oversight includes ongoing training and supervision for all providers, regular protocol reviews, and a culture of medical accountability.
Mountain Radiance is a physician-led medical spa in Asheville co-owned and operated by Dr. Mark Chandler. Dr. Mark isn’t just a name on a certificate. He’s onsite, he treats patients himself (injectables and laser), and he oversees every aspect of our clinical operations. We believe this hands-on involvement is essential.
Onsite Physician Presence Matters for Safety
Medical spa treatments may seem routine, but they involve real medical procedures with real risks. Even commonly performed treatments like laser skin resurfacing, laser hair removal, and RF microneedling require proper training, appropriate patient selection, and the ability to recognize and manage complications. The wrong settings for a patient’s skin type can lead to burns, prolonged redness, or unsatisfactory results. Certain medical conditions and medications may make RF microneedling inappropriate for some patients. In short, these treatments can be quite risky in the hands of an unskilled provider. (You may have heard that the FDA issued a warning about RF microneedling from unskilled providers.)
An onsite physician can evaluate these factors, adjust protocols as needed, and step in immediately if a concern arises during or after treatment. In the right hands, they are considered to be quite safe.
“I got new hormone pellets today (the second I have ever had at 59 years old, the first set being in Scottsdale, AZ). I wanted the Evexipel and this is the only place in town so I was hoping so much it would be a good fit. It was! Dr. Mark Chandler was awesome. He explained everything perfectly and was thorough in my history and such. He’s funny and professional at the same time. The office staff were nice to me, even made me a cup of coffee! Problem free and anticipate staying that way so I will be back!”
—5-star Google review
The Risks of “In Name Only” Medical Direction
When a med spa operates without meaningful physician involvement, several problems can develop:
- Staff may lack adequate training or supervision.
- Protocols may become outdated.
- Complications may go unrecognized or be handled improperly.
- And patients may not receive appropriate screening before undergoing procedures.
Unfortunately, the med spa industry has seen cases of serious injuries at facilities where physician oversight existed only on paper. Burns from improperly calibrated lasers, infections from poor technique, and adverse reactions to injectables have all occurred at facilities lacking genuine medical supervision.
This isn’t meant to alarm you—when performed correctly by trained professionals under proper medical oversight, these treatments are very safe. But it’s important to understand that the safety profile depends heavily on who is performing the treatment and what level of medical supervision is in place.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Med Spa
Before booking a treatment at any medical spa, consider asking these questions:
Is there a physician onsite?
Find out whether the medical director is physically present at the facility or simply provides remote oversight. Ask how often the physician is actually in the office. For comparison, Dr. Mark is on-site at our Asheville medical spa 4 days a week, offering injectables, hormone replacement therapy, and laser treatments, with our Physician Assistant Christina providing care on his off days to ensure continuous physician-supervised medical support.
Who will be performing my treatment?
Understand the qualifications of the person who will actually be treating you. Are they a physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, registered nurse, certified laser operator, or aesthetician? Different states have different regulations about who can perform which procedures. For example, licensed aestheticians are trained to perform advanced skin treatments, certified laser operators have specialized training in laser safety and application, and medical credentials (such as physician, PA, or NP) are required for injectable treatments like dermal fillers or Botox.
What happens if something goes wrong?
Ask about the facility’s protocols for managing complications. Is there a physician available to evaluate and treat adverse reactions? Or would you be directed to urgent care or the emergency room?
What training have the providers received?
Inquire about ongoing education and training. Reputable med spas invest in continuing education for their staff and stay current with the latest techniques and safety protocols, such as through the Botox manufacturer Allergan or at conferences. We are always excited to talk about our latest training with clients!
Our Commitment to Physician-Led Care
At Mountain Radiance, our team brings expertise and artistry to every treatment, but they also have the security of knowing that physician guidance is always available. We believe this collaborative approach allows us to deliver exceptional results while maintaining the highest safety standards, which matters to our clients. We are proud to have been voted a “Best of Asheville – Best Med Spa” winner for three years in a row, with Dr. Mark winning silver for Best Doctor. We have received hundreds of 5-star Google reviews.
We also have fun together—follow us on Instagram to see what we’re up to in the office!
“I had such a wonderful experience at Mountain Radiance. The level of kindness and professionalism is unmatched. Dr Mark has an exceptional eye for detail and truly listens to what you want, taking the time to understand your goals rather than using a cookie-cutter approach like I’ve experienced elsewhere. 10/10 experience.”
—5-star Google review
Ready to learn more about our services or schedule a consultation? Call us at (828) 627-2711 or book your appointment online. We look forward to helping you look and feel your best—safely and beautifully.
