Medical spas have seen explosive growth in the past few years as more and more Americans seek facilities which can provide certain cosmetic and therapeutic services in a spa atmosphere. Whether you require physical therapy or are looking to smooth wrinkles and beautify your skin without having to take significant time off from work, a medical spa could be of help to you. Here are some things to look for when choosing a medical spa.
THE ATMOSPHERE
Medical clinics have a feeling that can only be described as, well, clinical. They can feel sterile and uninviting at times. Medical spas, meanwhile, take the opposite approach. The best medical spas are extraordinarily relaxing and rejuvenating spaces, decorated in a way that make them feel like a sanctuary where people can depart from their daily woes. From the sounds and scents to little things like the feel of linens, every detail should be designed in a way that makes you feel comfortable and at ease as a patient.
THE DOCTOR
Medical spas are typically affiliated with a fully licensed doctor or medical practice, just like a regular medical clinic. But different medical spas handle the doctor’s responsibilities in different ways, so you should find out about the doctor’s background and what role he or she plays at the spa. Regulations on medical spas differ from state to state, and most states don’t require a full-time doctor on site. If you’re going there for a full medical procedure, as opposed to a traditional spa treatment, you should pay close attention to who will perform the procedure and what their experience and training level is. In the unlikely event that a problem is encountered, it’s good to have fully trained medical staff on site to deal with it. And while they’re taking place in a spa-like environment, you should take them just as seriously as any medical procedure. It’s a good idea to check the doctor’s certifications. The American Medical Association and the American Academy of Dermatology have online databases that let patients look up information about board-certified doctors.
THE TREATMENTS
Most medical spas offer a range of treatments to help patients look their best. Botox injections, facial peels, dermal fillers, hair removal, microdermabrasion and leg vein procedures are performed by many medical spas. You’ll want to find out what procedures your spa performs and get a doctor’s recommendation for them before you start. A doctor should be able to give you a good idea of what kind of results to expect once the treatment is started, along with how often these treatments should be repeated. You should also ask about who will be performing the procedures and what their qualifications are. The doctor may perform some treatments personally, while others will be handled by another professional under the doctor’s supervision. Either way, you should ask about this and know who will be performing it up front. If you find a good medical spa, you’ll see exactly why they’re growing so quickly in popularity. They help you look and feel your best, all in the luxurious atmosphere of a high-end day spa.