Medical spas are a hybrid between the traditional day spa and a medical clinic.

They provide nonsurgical cosmetic medical services.

Medical procedures that can’t be done at the average day spa can be performed at the medical spa.

Laser Treatment On Woman’s Face in medical spa

Ugur Karakoc / Getty Images

The person who actually does your treatment depends on the treatment itself.

The physician who oversees the medical spa is in charge of all procedures that fall under the medical realm.

Estheticians can also perform certain noninvasive treatments, such asacne treatment facials,microdermabrasion, and superficial chemical peels.

Medical spas themselves can vary widely, depending on where you go.

Some are as posh as the day spa you visited during your last vacation; others are more clinical.

Day spas focus on relaxation, whereas most medical spas are driven by results.

Medical spas also offer more specialized treatments that are typically found only at a dermatology or plastic surgery clinic.

you’re free to get acne treatment at the medical spa, too.

Treatments at Medical Spas

Treatments available depend on the medical spa and the certifications of its providers.

Always choose med spas that offer clear information about their qualifications and FDA-approved treatments.

For example, up to 25% of patients who receiveBotoxexperience bruising.

Many med spas require you to have a consultation to discuss treatment options.

Consultations alone can cost $25 to $50.

As always, it’s a good idea to discuss the full cost of your treatment upfront.

Med spas that are fully licensed with qualified healthcare providers should have nothing to hide.

Providers should have certifications for each procedure they perform.

Summary

Med spas are facilities that bridge traditional spa treatments with advanced medical technology.

If something doesn’t feel right, do not hesitate to retract your consent to a procedure.

American Med Spa Association.Med spa treatments.

2019;12(1):223-228. doi:10.2147/CCID.S202919

U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA-approved dermal fillers.

2022;14(6):e26261.

2020;10(2):e2020048.

doi:10.5826/dpc.1002a48

Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School.Is CoolSculpting effective?

2023;5(1):ojad050.

2022;15(12):42-46.

Soleymani T, Lanoue J, Rahman Z.A practical approach to chemical peels.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol.

2018;11(8):21-28.

2023;383(1):e071725.

2017;16(4):308-324.

Marwah M, Kerure A, Marwah G.Microblading and the science behind it.Indian Dermatol Online J.

2019;8(2):96-103.

2018;50(1):13-19. doi:10.1002/lsm.22768

U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Dermal fillers (soft tissue fillers).

2023;28(20):7219. doi:10.3390/molecules28207219

American Society of Plastic Surgeons.How much do botulinum toxin injections cost?

American Society of Plastic Surgeons.How much do dermal fillers cost?

American Society of Plastic Surgeons.How much does laser skin resurfacing cost?

American Society of Plastic Surgeons.How much does laser hair removal cost?

West Michigan Plastic Surgery.How much does microneedling cost?

American Med Spa Association.Medical aesthetic laws state by state.