Have you noticed that the Spa you’ve been going to for 10 years to get that annual facial or deep tissue massage is suddenly offering a new array of medical treatments? BOTOX, laser hair removal, and lipodissolve are just a few of the new aesthetic procedures that physicians are bringing into the spa business. Here’s an overview of what you might see on your spa’s list of offerings.
Day Spa vs. Medical Spa
The main difference between a medical spa and a general day spa is that the former must be operated by a licensed medical practitioner primarily because of the offered. This is not to say that stepping into a med spa is the same as spending time at your doctor’s office. Most med spas have that wonderful day spa vibe: large comfortable chairs, shelves full of beauty products, and that “pamper yourself” feeling. Moreover, many medical spas were originally general day spas that simply expanded their offerings and brought a physician into their management team.
Does this mean I will be getting a massage from a physician?
What a spa physician does varies. Not only do they consult with patients on procedures and administer treatments such as lipodissolve, but they also work to train nurses and other staff to perform certain medical procedures. Many procedures offered at medical spas require that they be handled solely by a physician. Skin Peel Treatments:
This treatment involves applying a chemical solution to the skin to improve texture including ridding the skin of bumps and wrinkles. The solution causes to skin to blister and eventually peel in order to achieve a healthier new look.
Restylane & BOTOX Injections:
If bigger, fuller lips are your goal then consider restylane shots. Injections of the solution may lead to slight swelling and bruising but results can last up to 6 months.
Having botulinum toxin - or BOTOX - injected into areas of the face can smooth lines including, “crows feet,” and frown lines. The solution works by decreasing muscle activity, not allowing contraction. Results last between 3-6 months.
Getting Rid of Unwanted Hair:
Lasers work to remove unwanted hair by selectively heating melanin at the hair follicle. The laser energy is absorbed by the dark pigment (melanin) and keeps the hair from growing from the follicle. Often multiple sessions are needed before results are visible, the number depending on where in the body the hair is located, coarseness of the hair, and color of the skin.
PCDC Injections
Lipodissolve involves the injection of a chemical solution of Phosphatidylcholine and Deoxycholate into areas of unwanted fat over several sessions to remove localized fat deposits. The exact mechanism of how the solution, often referred to as PCDC, works is still unknown because credible research has yet to be performed regarding the procedure. PCDC is not FDA approved for use in fat removal or any other medical treatment.
Doctor’s Office vs. Medical Spa
Comfort is the main ingredient in the medical spa formula. Similarly, Waiting times at the doctor’s office are often longer than at your spa. Another benefit of visiting a medical spa is that multiple cosmetic treatments and pampering treatments can be performed at the same time. However, because the regulations placed on medical spas may be less stringent than those on physicians’ offices, consumers should always research the medical spa they are going to visit and how active a role the physician plays in performing procedures.
Read More About: Spa Procedures List Grows - Restylane for Lips, Lipodissolve for Fat Removal
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