Frist Visit to a Med Spa? What to Expect and Look for in a Med Spa

Today we have so many options for keeping up our appearance. Sometimes there are so many options and places that we could go that it is almost overwhelming. How do we know that we are going to the right place to get the right thing done? What do we need to get done to fix “XYZ” that is bothering you? That is where I have found going to a med spa solves that dilemma for me.

I am all about self-care and taking care of my body and mind. There are so many things that you can do to keep your appearance that will enhance the things that you have done at a med spa. So before we look at how to find a great med spa and what to expect you might want to visit a few other posts I have written.

What Is a Med Spa?

A medical spa or med spa is a combination of an aesthetic medical center and a day spa. Have you noticed more of these popping up near where you live? Have you been marketed by med spas? Are you wondering if they are all equal?

Most likely the answer to those questions is yes. That could be why you are reading this as well. The reason that there are more meds spas is that there is more demand for more noninvasive procedures. We want to do things to help slow down Father Time without having to undergo surgery. Medical spas can provide a wide array of treatments to do so.

Many, but not all medical spas are located within a doctor’s office. That is because medical spas are overseen by medical directors/practitioners. The type of practitioner can vary from state to state. So let’s look at some things that you should consider when choosing the med spa for your aesthetic needs.

doctor in a white coat talking with a patient during a consultation at a med spa 02

Who is the Medical Director?

It is always good to know who the supervising doctor is. Their information should be on the website for the medical spa. Here are some questions that you can ask or look for the answers on the website before booking an appointment

What is their specialty?
How long has the supervising doctor been working at the facility?
Is the doctor’s office located in the same location as the spa?
Does the doctor consult with the new patients to help suggest the procedure(s) that will help get the results you are looking for?

What you should expect when you go in?

On your first visit to any med spa you should plan to get there a few minutes early. There will be paperwork to fill out like at any doctor’s office. Most likely you will have to answer questions about your medical history, general health, allergies, and your cosmetic concerns. Also there will be paperwork regarding patient privacy rights and consent.

Depending upon the spa, medical director, and the type of services you are scheduling you may have a consultation before the services. At some offices, the consultation and services are on different days. It is always good to ask about that upfront so you know how long to block out in your schedule.

What Services Are Offered at a Med Spa?

The treatments offered at a med spa can vary. Some will have a very long list of services that they provide, while others have a more tailored offering. It may be that the medical director chooses services and treatments that work well in conjuction with their medical specialty.

It is always good to look at their website to see what they offer so that you can look up the procedures. That way you know if they are truly on the cutting edge with their equipment and knowledge. There are always new treatments and technology being introduced.

Treatments offered at medical spas basically fall into four categories:

Injectables

These are neurotoxins that are injected to reduce facial lines and wrinkles formed by the aging process and by hyper-functional muscles. The most common names that you hear are:

Laser Treatments

There are different types of lasers used for cosmetic purposes. Some of the different things that you can have done with lasers are:

Laser hair removal
Tatoo removal
Skin resurfacing
Acne scarring
IPL Photofacials

It is best to check with each facility to see what type of lasers they have at their facility. I have learned that different lasers do different things. When I had a surgical scar lasered, they actually used two different lasers in conjunction to achieve the best results.

Face Treatments

Medical spas can offer a wide variety of facial treatments. Many will offer a skin care services such as facials and products; however, there are many other types of treatments for the face and could include

Different types of chemical peels and facials
Dermaplaning
Microneedling
Hydrafacial
Ultherapy

What I have experienced is that when I have a facial at a medical spa versus a day spa the types of formulas used on my face are different and usually have more antiaging properties.

Body Treatments

Noninvasive body treatments have really come along way in the last few years. These are nice for when you diet and excercise can’t quite take care of some problem areas. A big advantage of these is that there is little to no down time. Some body treatments that are offered are:

Who is the staff and who will be performing your treatment

The amount of staff at a medical spa is typically determined by amount of services that they offer. You will usually find an aesthetician, nurses, a doctor. Who performs your treatment is usually determined by which treatment(s) you are receiving. This is usually regulated by each state. Some things you may want to ask before your treatment are.

How many times has the person performed the treatment?
How and when were they trained/certified on the equipment being used?
Can they show you before and after photos of someone who has had the treatment done?

Should You Tip At A Med Spa?

Unlike at a traditional day spa, you are not expected to tip. Think of your visit to a med spa like a trip to the doctor’s office. You usually don’t tip at your doctor’s office.

THANKS

Thank so much for stopping by my blog today. I hoped this help you decide if a med spa is for you. If so, I hope it helped you know what to look for and things to ask before booking a treatment.

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First Visit To A Med Spa? What To Expect And Look For In A Med Spa