Medical spas: What you should know before you go

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 three 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; we found nearly as many definitions of the term "medical spa." So, we 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, a type of clinic and spa hybrid.

But what is a medical spa really, and who decides? According to the International Medical Spa Association (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. 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.

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.

Click here to read our round up of the top 3 most effective med spa services for turning back the clock

Chicago and Suburban Medical Spas

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