Acute Communicable
Disease Control

 
Contact Information
County of Los Angeles
Department of Public Health
Acute Communicable Disease Control
313 N. Figueroa Street, #212
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 240-7941
Fax: (213) 482-4856
Email:acdc2@ph.lacounty.gov


Safety Information for Aesthetic (Beauty) Treatments

Aesthetic medicine is a term for specialties that focus on improving appearance by treating scars, wrinkles, excess or loose skin, spider veins, skin discoloration, liver spots, unwanted hair, or cellulite. While surgical procedures (cosmetic or plastic surgery) are more regulated, non-surgical procedures or “aesthetic treatments” are not well regulated. The most popular minimally invasive/non-surgical treatments are: botulinum toxin injections, dermal fillers, chemical peels, laser hair removal, and microdermabrasion. When performed correctly, these treatments are considered low risk; however, when performed incorrectly or by untrained medical practitioners, these treatments may present a risk for dangerous side effects, such as disease transmission.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health encourages those who receive any treatment to be vigilant and ask their provider about associated risks and safety procedures; however, any treatment that involves needles or other devices that puncture the skin call for heightened awareness, as unsafe injection practices have been linked to outbreaks of hepatitis and HIV. Any treatment that punctures the skin should be administered in an appropriate setting using sterile instrument by a qualified licensed practitioner. 

For more information:

INFORMATION FOR COMMON TREATMENTS THAT PUNCTURE THE SKIN
 
Public Health has made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translation. However, no computerized translation is perfect and is not intended to replace traditional translation methods. If questions arise concerning the accuracy of the information, please refer to the English edition of the website, which is the official version.
Los Angeles County Seal: Enriching lives through effective and caring services