Many people think of a med spa as a type of one-stop shopping for all their personal cosmetic needs. In theory, a med spa – short for medical spa – is a cross between a doctor’s office and a day spa, with all procedures carried out under the supervision and authority of a licensed medical doctor. The reality, however, is far from that.

Not all medical spas cater to the same clientele.

If you want to have a facial using the latest French products or a full back massage, then looking in the phone book and finding your nearest med spa is your best bet. But if you want anything more invasive, from having a laser hair treatment to trying out the latest chemical peel, it’s best to do your homework first.

Better Safe than Sorry

Visiting a med spa should be fun, relaxing and productive, and not result in a visit to the emergency room, infection or permanent scarring. While the non-invasive treatments carried out at most med spas have less risk of complication than full-on plastic or cosmetic surgery, serious injury could still occur. Ask these questions before you book an appointment:

Is there a doctor in the house? Med spa regulations vary from state to state. While medical treatments are, in theory, supposed to be carried out only with full medical supervision, often the doctor is not even on-site, let alone in the same room. And in some cases, unlicensed personnel with only the most rudimentary training in a specific procedure will be working on you. Make sure there is a licensed full-time medical director and nurse on-site – preferably in the room with you, or at least in a supervisory position overseeing qualified medical personnel. It’s advised that the doctor be either a licensed plastic surgeon or member of an affiliate group such as the American Society of Aesthetic Medicine.

Is staff experienced in specific procedures? A med spa may have ten years of experience overall – but only two weeks’ experience in the procedure you want to have carried out. Find out who your practitioner will be and ask how many times he or she has carried out the specific procedure you want – in the last year, month and week. Also, find out how often serious side effects occur – this should happen with less than one percent of the treatments provided. Finally, check credentials and ask about training and background. If staff appear insulted by your questions, go somewhere else.

Is the consultation up to standard? It’s no use visiting a med spa where personnel are condescending to their clients and questions are either brushed off or not allowed. Real med spas encourage their patients to ask as many questions as they need to until they feel entirely comfortable, and will give them up-to-date information to take home and leaf through in private. Consultations should be one-on-one with a medical professional, not a secretary, and should leave you feeling satisfied with the outcome, not uncomfortable or confused.

What is the equipment like? The equipment should not only be up-to-date, well-maintained and sterile, but there should be the right choice available for different skin types – different types of FDA-approved lasers, for example. There also be resuscitation equipment on hand, especially if the spa offers procedures such as varicose vein removal and deep chemical peels. The equipment should not only be clean but the entire facility should be hygienic, with proper hand-sterilizing facilities available for both guests and personnel. If the facility cannot afford to invest in quality equipment, you can’t afford to invest in them.

Are clients satisfied overall? Find out if patients return for repeat visits because they are so satisfied with the med spa’s reputation and practice, or if they vow never to come back again. Some med spas draw people in with seemingly cheap prices, but for some reason nobody ever returns. Find out why. If you are interested in one specific procedure, ask if the med spa can provide contact details of satisfied patients. A confident doctor would not mind doing this – or will have patients contact you.

Is the price right? Beware the bogus scams. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is – and if the price is way out of your reach, what’s the point? Med spa websites that make impossible promises or offer prices that are significantly cheaper than other places in the same area are usually not to be trusted. And remember, over-eager med spa personnel who want to sell you a series of treatments usually don’t have your best interest at heart (unless you’re impossibly ugly, that is). In most cases, their main goal is to make money.

Do’s and Don’ts in Choosing the Right Med Spa

Now that you know the basics, you may think it’s all plain sailing from here on in. But many people still get roped in by unbelievable promises, and make decisions they later regret. Here are a few do’s and don’ts to follow, to make sure you get the best treatment at the right price…

DO take your time in finding a med spa that’s right for you, where you feel comfortable, and where the staff are fully trained, certified and licensed. Time spent now will save you hours rectifying mistakes later.

DON’T go for the lowest-price option. If a price is way too low, that usually means something fishy is going on. You’re talking about your body, not just buying a new dress or fancy pair of shoes. You really can’t afford to risk your health, can you?

DO make sure the clinic or facility in question is devoted to med-spa procedures and aesthetics in general. You don’t want to be seen by a chiropractor who is making a bit of money on the side by running a third-rate med spa. Or by a proctologist with no training in dermatology who is making money by doing facial skin procedures.

DON’T be embarrassed to leave if something doesn’t feel right. Often, our gut instinct is all we have. Rely on it. If something seems more than a little suspicious or a bit out of kilter, there’s probably a damn good reason. Go with your intuition and go somewhere else.

DO make sure that all medical procedures are performed by medical personnel, not unlicensed or non-medical staff. Check state laws to see if procedures such as giving injections and doing deep chemical peels must be preformed by a doctor, or if nursing staff can carry them out under a doctor’s supervision. And if you see an untrained secretary giving injections or doing a chemical peel, don’t be afraid to report them. You may be doing someone else in future a big, big favor.

DON’T go to someone’s home, a hotel room or a temporary rented space for a medically related treatment. You would never have your tonsils taken out on your doctor’s kitchen table, would you? Similarly, be wary of locations in shopping mails or adjacent to nail salons that are outside a proper medical facility. Even if they are legit, there may be no resources available if something goes horribly wrong. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons as well as the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery recommends only visiting a med spa located within a physician’s office.

Choosing the right med spa, in the vast majority of cases, is a bit trickier than choosing the right place to have a haircut – and the consequences of choosing the wrong one can be much more dire than a broken fingernail. Do your homework carefully and make sure you make the right choice. Your health, safety and permanent appearance may depend on the choices you make.

By: S Matthews

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If you suffer from redness or bumps on your face, you may suffer from a skin condition called “rosacea.” This condition is physically harmless, but it can cause major social problems. Who wants to have red bumps all over their face? Luckily, it’s easy to treat, and you don’t even have to go to the doctor.

Medical spas now offer a variety of treatments for rosacea, so you don’t have to let it stop you from doing what you love. You can wipe away the red and keep your complexion smooth and soft, the way it’s meant to be.

Do It With Lasers

There are a number of effective laser treatments that can treat facial redness. It may sound a little scary, but don’t be afraid! There’s no pain involved and you can’t feel the burn. Some folks report a slight tingling sensation, but there’s nothing more than that. And there’s no recovery period; you’re ready to go as soon as the treatment’s done.

The way it works is that the laser zaps the deep layers of your skin, causing the skin to react by tightening and coming alive. Basically, it’s a kick in the behind for your skin’s natural functioning. Clinical trials have shown that laser treatment gets the collagen working again, and that’s what relieves the redness.

Peel The Red Away

Another popular treatment is the chemical peel. This is applied to the face, and when it’s peeled off it removes all the dead, irritated skin that’s causing the trouble. Removal of dry, dead tissue can help your skin deal naturally with its rosacea.

You can buy peels at the store and do it at home, but dermatologists don’t recommend it. Do-it-yourself peels can help rejuvenate, but for a problem like the redness and itching of rosacea, it needs to be done by a professional. That’s why it’s much better to have a licensed practitioner at a medical spa do it.

Pulsed Light To Treat Rosacea

Pulsed light is a relatively new technology, and it’s a little mysterious. Studies and clinical trials have shown that pulsed light has an effect on the collagen and other necessary amino acids in the skin. Test results have shown that pulsed light is effective in treating rosacea and other skin problems.

You can try pulsed light treatments at a medical spa. Often, they’ll put together a package of treatments made especially for you. You’ll have a consultation and explain your problem, they’ll have a look, and they’ll decide what should be done to best solve the problem. As more people are going to spas to treat their rosacea, treatment methods are always improving.

Don’t let redness or itching stop you from enjoying your life. Rosacea is a serious problem for the millions of Americans who suffer from it. Get the treatment you need at your local medical spa.

By: Anna Woodward

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It seems like there are ads for professional beauty treatments done by plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and by nurses or estheticians at med spas and day spas. Is it safe to undergo cosmetic treatments at a med spa or day spa? Is it cheaper to get cosmetic treatments done at a day or med spa rather than undergo treatment with a trained physician? Here is a guide to help you decide when it is best to see a qualified doctor for treatments, and which treatments are best when you go to the spa.

Plastic Surgeons

Plastic surgeons have received specialized training in aesthetic surgery techniques. If you are planning to undergo a surgical procedure, it should be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon at an accredited institution. Some surgeons focus their practices exclusively on facial plastic surgery procedures such as face lift and rhinoplasty. Other surgeons focus on body procedures such as breast augmentation and tummy tuck surgery.

Some surgeons have expanded their practices to include non-invasive services such as Botox injections, laser skin resurfacing, and chemical peels. If you feel comfortable with your surgeon, and he or she has experience with non-surgical treatments, it is appropriate to undergo these treatments with a plastic surgeon rather than a dermatologist.

Dermatologists

Dermatologists focus their practices on skin care and can diagnose and treat a range of skin conditions. From acne and rosacea to wrinkles and stretch marks, the dermatology industry continues to develop new treatments that safely and effectively treat skin problems. Dermal fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm can be used to fill in lines, while laser light treatments combat acne. Because dermatologists are educated and trained in problems and diseases of the skin, they are qualified to perform medical-grade skin care treatments.

Med Spas and Day Spas

Medical spas are typically run by a plastic surgeon or dermatologist, but often have nurse practitioners on staff that also perform some of the non-invasive procedures on patients. The nurse’s often perform medical-grade chemical peels and laser treatments on med spa patients, while the physicians inject dermal fillers and perform surgical procedures. Med spas often offer monthly specials or deals for new patients; however, patients must make sure that a qualified medical professional is performing treatment.

It is important to realize that treatments performed at day spas may be cheaper, but they are not considered medical-grade treatments and are not as effective as treatments that are performed under the guidance of a physician.

By: Chris M Morris

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A med spa is a hybrid between a day spa and a medical clinic, operating under the supervision of a trained medical physician. Treatments include those pertaining to facial conditions such as redness, brown spots, and broken capillaries that are not able to be treated quite as effectively by a traditional esthetician. In addition, many clinics also offer laser hair removal, IPL treatments, photofacials, microdermabrasion, and various facial fillers such as Botox.

These businesses tend to have more of a clinical atmosphere than that of traditional day spas. While many offer relaxation services like massages or various types of body treatments, they tend to focus more on wellness and health services.

Questions You Should Ask

Who Owns and Operates the Business?

Who oversees the operation? Is it a doctor? Are they physically available on the premises providing consultations, treatments and supervising? While regulations vary, it is generally required that a doctor oversee the procedures performed in the spa. However, this does not always mean that they are always on the premises. Some physicians simply lend their names to these businesses while having little to no involvement whatsoever.

Who Performs the Procedures?

Are the individuals providing the services licensed and trained? What is their experience level? Such questions are imperative for services such as laser hair removal, a task which most states do not require a license for. Ask for before and after photos and reviews detailing their work.

What Type of Equipment is Currently in Use?

The costs associated with treatments are generally high due to the expense of the equipment used to perform the treatment. Find out what type of equipment is used and do a little research. As technology is constantly evolving, you want to be sure that the procedures and methods used are the most current and up-to-date.

What Will the Results of the Treatment Be?

Be sure you’re obtaining services that are beneficial to you. Do not let yourself be sold additional treatments that you have no initial interest in, or that pose little to no benefit. It’s your body, get the treatments you came there for.

If you are interested in learning more about your local med spa, the best starting point is to find out whether you can take a tour and obtain a consultation. In this way, you will be able to view the facility and staff prior to making an appointment, while taking note of the available service options. Be sure to ask questions and discuss any and all concerns you may have. It’s your money. Be confident in your decision.

By: Andrew Stratton

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Med Spa

Like many other spa and medical procedures, Juvederm injections can be performed at Spas. A Med Spa is a hybrid clinic where a variety of treatments are given to patients who don’t quite need a doctor’s office but also need something more clinical than a traditional clinic environment.

If you’re planning to go to a Med Spa for these injectables, you should get informed first about the nature of medical spas and what you can expect there. A full-service medical clinic will have offerings ranging from massage, waxing and facials to dermal injectables like Juvederm and Botox. Laser treatments and some surgical procedures may also be offered there.

This is important to know because when you enter a clinic, you’re not just entering a place of relaxation and comfort, you’re entering a medical facility with clinical technicians and even doctors at work. Some people find the med clinic environment too impersonal, sterile or clinical for their needs and this should be factored into your decision to go.

The obvious benefit of having Juvederm injections at Spas rather than a doctor’s office or hospital is the opportunity to also have other treatments while there. Plus, you may feel more comfortable in a spa-like environment while receiving your injections than you would be in a purely medical space.

A doctor will likely be on site to help should any complications arise, but for the most part you will be in the hands of skilled and qualified medical technicians and aestheticians who have performed countless other Juvederm injections for other patients.

For some, the choices available at a Med Spa are overwhelming and they would prefer to go to their doctor or some other simple treatment area to have their Juvederm injections. If, however, you might be interested in a massage, facial, laser hair removal or other treatment at the same time as your injections – visiting a Med clinic is the right choice for you.

Another added benefit of visiting a clinic is the opportunity to develop ongoing personal relationships with its practitioners. You may find yourself going again and again for different treatments, and the comfort of the familiar may be very important to you. You’ll surely have a sense of continuity and comfort seeing the same smiling faces each time you show up there.

If you’re considering receiving Juvederm, think carefully about whether you would be more comfortable at a Med Spa or in a traditional medical setting.

By: A Aaronson

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Medical spas, also known as medspas and medi-spas, have a results-oriented, “medical” focus in addition to providing the relaxing/pampering atmosphere found at “day spas.”