The world of aesthetic medicine has exploded in recent years—from subtle tweakments like microneedling and botox to advanced lasers .With so many providers offering cosmetic procedures, how can you know who to trust?
We tapped Gabby Garritano, board-certified Physician Assistant and Founder & CEO of JECT, to break down what every patient should watch out for before booking a treatment. With licensure across California, New York, and Florida—and over a decade of experience working with some of NYC’s most esteemed plastic surgeons—Gabby has built a reputation for expertise, education, and natural-looking results.
“At JECT, we’re obsessed with safety and specialization. It’s not just about what you do—it’s about how well, how safely, and how consistently you do it,” she tells us.
We asked her to share the biggest red flags she sees in the industry—and how to protect yourself before committing to your next treatment.
1. Lack of Credentials
“Medical aesthetic treatments marry science and art,” says Gabby. “Just because someone can treat, doesn’t mean they are well trained to treat or hold the appropriate credentials.”
At JECT, all providers are board-certified Physician Assistants or Nurse Practitioners—and they undergo rigorous in-house training before treating clients. Gabby recommends looking for the credentials PA-C (Physician Assistant-Certified) or NP-C (Nurse Practitioner-Certified). The “C” signifies certification from national boards like the NCCPA or AANPCB, meaning your provider has the education and testing necessary to safely perform medical procedures.
Having these credentials shows that the injector understands human anatomy—a non-negotiable when it comes to your face.
2. Edited Before & After Results
Instagram filters may be fun, but when it comes to before-and-afters, they’re a major red flag. “I’d recommend reviewing the before and after photos on your provider’s page and the specific treatment you are interested in,” Gabby advises. “If photos on their social media seem overly edited, retouched, or too good to be true, it could indicate photoshopping or unrealistic results.”
Translation: If something looks too flawless, it probably is.
3. Lack of Specialization
In aesthetics, niche expertise is everything. “You will want to avoid medical aesthetic practices that offer any and every treatment under the sun,” Gabby says. “The best clinics will specialize in certain aesthetics and ensure that they do it well.”
At JECT, that focus is crystal clear. “We specialize in natural looking medical aesthetics for the face that is perfectly tailored to your unique anatomy,” she explains. “You wouldn’t go to an Italian restaurant for Thai food in the same way you wouldn’t come to JECT for laser hair removal or body sculpting. We don’t specialize in those treatments. We do, however, specialize in: Fillers, Microneedling & Wrinkle Reducers.”
That kind of clarity—and humility—is exactly what you want in a provider.
4. Lack of Personalization
A one-size-fits-all approach has no place in aesthetic medicine. “Believe it or not, some medical spas operate without prior consultations,” says Gabby. “At JECT, we make sure to provide a personalized experience. This all starts with a consultation where we assess your history, keep your specific goals in mind, all while sticking to your unique anatomy.”
JECT’s expertise, Gabby adds, makes their consultations approachable. Patients feel heard, seen, and supported—not rushed through a cookie-cutter experience. “If you are not feeling like you are the main focus, or the services are not tailored to you, leave.”
5. Lack of Pre-care & Aftercare Instructions
An expert provider will not only know what to do during your treatment—but how to prepare and care for your skin before and after.
“During your consultation, your provider should explain in detail what you should or should not do before and after treatment to prevent adverse reactions from occurring,” Gabby explains. “At JECT we give take-home treatment calendars to address appropriate next steps. If you have unanswered questions prior to the treatment, don’t get the treatment.”
This step-by-step guidance is crucial to ensure long-term results and avoid complications.
Bonus Red Flag: Too-Cheap Services or Groupon Specials
If you find yourself tempted by that too-good-to-be-true discount… pause. “Discount websites are for hotels, not your body,” Gabby cautions. “You get what you pay for, and usually that means safety, sanitary conditions, and certified professionals.”
Aesthetic medicine is still medicine. “Don’t take a gamble—it could cost you time, money, and pain. Book directly with an office, and be sure to check out the Google reviews beforehand.”
