Exclusive | Inside the unregulated billion-dollar med spa industry taking over NYC: People doing injections who shouldnt be
On July 20, 2026, 27-year-old Elizabeth Baron arrived at the Bereshit Lifestyle Center in Riverdale, New York, for an NAD IV+ injection.The popular anti-aging molecule has become a highly sought-after treatment at med spas.The legal — but not FDA-approved — therapy has been touted by celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner for its ability to repair DNA, increase energy, and boost metabolism, à la the “fountain of youth.”The clinic was run by Luis Rojas Cabrera, a man who claimed he held a doctor’s license in the Dominican Republic but, he allegedly admitted in the aftermath of the tragedy that unfolded, in New York. While receiving her IV treatment, Baron went into cardiac arrest.
She was rushed to the hospital, but was pronounced dead shortly after. Her death shone a light on the enormous medical spa industry — where clients can book lunchtime body-contouring treatments, discounted injectables with hard-to-pronounce names, and beauty-boosting IV drips that promise to burn fat and cure hangovers.As a result, medical spas have become one of the fastest-growing sectors of the beauty and wellness industry in New York City.And the democratization of looking and feeling great has been profound; it’s never been more affordable.At the same time, it’s never been more unregulated.Med spas have increased sixfold nationwide since 2010, and are projected to explode into a $47 billion market over the next 5 years. According to data obtained by The Post, in 2008, med spas occupied 20,641 feet of retail space.In 2024, that had jumped to 83,370.But oversight of these businesses is complex, especially in New York, where it’s divided among multiple agencies.
Who is responsible when something goes wrong may not be immediately clear.Under New York Law, any company providing medical services needs to file as a physician-owned LLC or PLLC.Attorneys say it is not uncommon for businesses to look like they’re compliant on paper by listing doctors or mana...