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The medical spa
is a fairly new phenomenon. In fact, the first medical
spa in the United States reportedly opened its doors sometime in the late
'80s. Nearly two decades later, medical
spas have seen enormous growth, both in sheer numbers and popularity. Yet
confusion still abounds. The number of medical
spas in the country now reaches into the thousands. I found nearly as many
definitions of the term "medical spa."
Like any smart woman, I know when I'm in over my head. So, I turned to a team
of industry experts and insiders to get the skinny on medical
spas, from wellness clinics to aesthetic dermatologists. Attention, ladies:
Before that needle gets anywhere near your forehead, lips or eyes, here's what
you must know about medical spas, from
what they are to how to pick the right one for you. Walk into the nearest
medical spa and you may be surprised
to find a space that is at once soothing and sterile. Contradiction in terms?
Not quite. From plush spa robes to crisp lab coats, the medical
spa thrives on blending results-driven medical treatments with the relaxing,
stress-busting attributes of a traditional day spa. I've always thought of a medical
spa as type of clinic and spa hybrid. A place where I could go and get a facial
or Fraxel. But what is a medical
spa really, and who decides? I posed this and other questions to John Buckingham,
CEO of Solana Medspas, a medical spa
management consulting company and a director of the International
Medical Spa Association (IMSA). According to Buckingham and the IMSA,
a medical spa is "a facility whose
medical program is run under the strict supervision of a licensed healthcare professional.
Services are provided that integrate both traditional and nontraditional medicine
and spa treatments." Most medical
spas fall into one of two categories: aesthetic and cosmetic medical
spas, or preventive and wellness medical
spas. Services offered can range from weight loss programs to dermatology,
from plastic surgery to alternative medicine. Medical
spas are admittedly a new animal. Buckingham refers to them as "the new kids
on the spa industry block." As such, opinions differ dramatically as to whether
a true medical spas has a doctor on
site or is merely physician-supervised with other healthcare professionals running
the show (think: registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants).
One thing most experts agree on is that by asking a few key questions,
consumers can cut through some of the confusion. Ask your professional
of choice how many of these specific treatments he or she has performed and over
what length of time. Ask about possible side effects; a reputable spot should
paint a complete picture of the treatment in question, warts and all. Tammy
Romer, Radiance Group vice president, concurs, explaining that the staff should
"thoroughly explain the options for your particular skin type/situation, and they
should be forthcoming with any side effects." The bottom line is that doing
your due diligence is always a must. The skill and reputation of the technician
is key in achieving the results you paid for. What you know before you go can
make all the difference in the success of your medical
spa day.
Chicago and Suburban Medical Spas For more information Ask
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