John Oliver's 'Last Week Tonight' segment investigates the booming, largely unregulated med spa industry in the US, which generates $17bn annually. He highlights the lack of federal standards, varying state regulations, and the risks of malpractice, unqualified staff, and counterfeit products, warning that people are getting hurt due to lax oversight and profit motives.
John Oliver on the unregulated business of med spas: ‘People are going to get hurt’
John OliverTV comedyComedyCultureTelevisionTelevision & radio
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️John Oliver's 'Last Week Tonight' segment investigates the booming, largely unregulated med spa industry in the US, which generates $17bn annually. He highlights the lack of federal standards, varying state regulations, and the risks of malpractice, unqualified staff, and counterfeit products, warning that people are getting hurt due to lax oversight and profit motives.
Trending- 1 Latest 'Last Week Tonight' episode airs (published June 9, 2025).
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- Patient harm
- Malpractice
- Severe infections (e.g., necrotizing, antibiotic-resistant skin infection)
- Seizures
- Lack of accountability for injured patients
- 'Wild west' of medicine
- Potential for widespread public health issues
What: John Oliver's investigation into the unregulated and rapidly growing med spa industry in the US, exposing its dangers and lack of oversight.
When: Latest 'Last Week Tonight' episode (published June 9, 2025).
Where: United States (nationwide, specifically New Jersey, New York, Texas, Oklahoma, central Texas).
Why: To expose the significant risks and lack of regulation within the med spa industry, which can lead to patient harm due to unqualified practitioners, unvetted procedures, and counterfeit products.
How: John Oliver's segment on 'Last Week Tonight' dissects the industry's franchising model, inconsistent state laws, remote supervision by medical professionals, and the use of 'FDA cleared' devices, citing examples of malpractice and advocating for clearer regulations and consumer vigilance.