What to Do When You Weren’t Told About the Risks
You booked the appointment. You did your research (well, mostly). You showed up, ready to feel a little more confident, refreshed, or “you, but with better skin.” Maybe it was Botox, filler, microneedling, or laser hair removal – something that seemed simple and safe. When friends, coworkers, and influencers make these procedures seem so routine, it’s natural to think they must be safe.
But now you’re dealing with side effects no one mentioned in the consultation: swelling that won’t go down, painful burns, uneven results, or a scar that’s hard to ignore. And on top of that? Maybe the feeling that you weren’t told all the risks before saying yes.
You’re not overreacting, and you are not alone.
Key Takeaways
- Informed consent is your right. You should always be told the risks, not just sold the results.
- Medi Spas aren’t tightly regulated. Many operate with limited medical oversight, which can increase the risk of harm.
- If you were injured, you may have legal options. Compensation can cover medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
- You don’t have to handle this on your own. A malpractice lawyer who understands Medi Spa negligence can help you access compensation and hold practitioners accountable.
The Not-So-Pretty Side of the Beauty Industry
Medi Spas are everywhere, popping up alongside new trends in the beauty industry. They’ve become as common as coffee shops, promising glow-ups with quick results and minimal downtime. But behind the pretty branding, sleek packaging, and soft lighting, there’s a growing issue: a lack of regulation.
In Alberta, there’s no universal rulebook for who can own or operate a Medi Spa, and the amount of medical oversight varies wildly. Some are run by trained nurses or doctors, others by people with minimal qualifications. And while many do great work, not all are transparent about the risks involved in medical-grade procedures.
That’s where things can go wrong.
What You Should Have Been Told About Cosmetic Procedures
Before any treatment, no matter how “routine” it sounds, you should have been given something called informed consent. That’s just a fancy way of saying: you get to know exactly what you’re signing up for.
Informed consent means that you gave your permission after you’ve been told the following:
- The benefits and the risks (even the rare ones)
- What could happen if things don’t go as planned
- What recovery looks like
If that conversation didn’t happen, or if you were brushed off with “don’t worry, it’s totally safe,” that’s a problem. Because informed consent isn’t optional, it’s your right.
When a “Simple” Aesthetic Procedure Isn’t Simple
When something goes wrong, it’s not just about how you look, it’s about how you feel. You trusted someone with your face, your body, and your safety. And now you’re left trying to fix something that should’ve been avoided in the first place.
Maybe you’ve been told “these things happen,” or “it’ll fade,” but you know something isn’t right. If you were never warned about the risks, or if the person performing the treatment wasn’t properly qualified, you may have a legal claim for negligence or malpractice.
That could mean compensation for:
- Medical costs to repair or treat the injury
- Lost wages or time off work
- Emotional distress and pain
- Scarring, paralysis, or disfigurement
And yes, you have every right to explore those options.
What To Do Next After A Cosmetic Injury
If your Medi Spa experience left you injured or in pain, here are some steps that can help:
- See a doctor right away, even if it seems minor. Get checked out and document everything.
- Take photos of your injuries or results as they change over time.
- Write down what happened. Who you spoke to, what you were told (or not told), and what went wrong.
- Save any paper trail. Keep any forms or receipts as these could be important.
- Talk to a lawyer who understands Medi Spa negligence.
After cosmetic treatments, some short-term side effects like swelling, bruising, or redness are often completely normal and usually settle within days or weeks. These reactions don’t necessarily mean anything went wrong. Legal concerns usually come into play when injuries last longer than expected or cause permanent harm – like ongoing pain, scarring, paralysis, nerve damage, infection, or disfigurement.
And if your unsure whether you might have a claim, that’s okay too. You don’t have to make sense of this alone. Get to know our medical malpractice lawyers here.
You Deserve Better
No one books a Medi Spa appointment expecting to get hurt. You deserve to feel safe, respected, and fully informed before anyone touches your skin or body. If that didn’t happen, you have every right to speak up, and to be supported while you heal.
At Litco Law, we’ve helped people all over Alberta who’ve been injured, including those harmed by Medi Spa procedures gone wrong. We’ll take the time to listen to your story, explain your options, and help you figure out what comes next.
Ready to Talk About What Happened?
You’re not just a “case.” You’re a person who deserves care, understanding, and answers. If a Medi Spa didn’t tell you the risks, or if a treatment left you injured, we’re here for you.
We never bill by the hour, and consultations are always free. If a claim isn’t in your best interest, we’ll tell you that too. Contact us to speak with our legal team and get free legal answers.