5 Things to Consider Before a Med Spa Procedure

 

Are you seeking skincare in Los Angeles? Then you must be aware that the med spa market has grown over the recent years. Though it is quite obvious as it is being marketed and promoted to be a blend between a medical clinic and a spa. Contemporary med spas provide traditional spa services like facials, mani/pedis, and massage, besides assurances of younger-looking skin, lesser age spots, and hair-free bikini lines.  

If you add to that, procedures such as Botox and laser hair removal treatments once exclusively conducted by doctors, it’s alluring to trust that these facilities can provide the best med spa treatments. 

 

The ground reality is that maximum med spa staffs have limited medical exposures. That's why you must consider these five secrets of spas. 

 

1. Lack of an On-site Physician 

 

A doctor is supposed to be as medical director, but maybe from a medical office mile away. In a physician’s clinic, clinicians supervise treatments and maintain medical records. But med spas have few or no medical staff. A doctor may not be around if problems arise. 
The supervising doctor may lack the requisite experience or training. Due to lower reimbursement rates from medical insurance, few physicians serve as med spa directors to boost their bottom line. Remember that the spa’s director may hold a medical license, but aren’t properly skilled to address any arising problem. Better opt for cosmetic treatments from board-certified physicians, specialized in plastic surgery, skincare, cosmetic, or facial plastic surgery. 

 

2. The Training Level of a Medical Aesthetician 

 

Most spas claim their procedures to be performed by medical aestheticians or skincare specialists. Remember that aestheticians need to undergo only 400 hours of training, which may include earlier job exposure. Post-completion of cosmetology school for training in hair, nails, and makeup, aestheticians are trained in facials, waxing, and massage. Thereafter finishing additional course training in laser and injections, they can be called advanced aestheticians. So, it implies that med spa staff may be performing potentially dangerous treatments with limited medical experience. 

 

If injected improperly, Botox or dermal fillers may have serious risks. Laser treatments carry risks as well. The high-powered devices can damage your eyes and scar your skin forever. As you cannot buy a laser without a medical license, few technicians who conduct laser treatments may be insufficiently trained. The powerful light pulses from lasers may lead to burns, scarring, and pain. 

 

3. Expensive Equipment 

 

As nonsurgical technology has grown drastically over the years with devices devised for skin tightening, liposuction, hair removal, fat removal with heat or cold, skin resurfacing, and laser spot removal. However, a machine that applies a handheld device priced above $100,000; a spa must recover the cost from the clients. Make sure that you are not the first scapegoat to be experimented with the newest services. Ask for pictures of the spa’s patients who all have undergone the treatment. Mere brochures from the device’s manufacturer won’t be enough. 

 

4. Inability to Identify Cancer 

 

An irritating pimple or hideous mole may be more than a cosmetic challenge only. Dermatologists, plastic and facial plastic surgeons certified by the board are qualified to spot and eradicate potentially cancerous bruises and send the tissue to an authentic lab to be diagnosed. Any aesthetician with insufficient knowledge of skin injuries may ignore this. 

 

5. Spas Don’t Follow the Same Safety Regulations 

 

All med spas are not held in high esteem like a free-standing accredited medical or surgical facility. In the case of the spas providing treatments outside a physician’s office, the safety protocols do not measure up to those required in a more trustworthy medical facility. 
An easy manicure or facial can have health consequences if a technician isn’t properly equipped or a facility indulges in unsafe or unsanitary practices.  

 

Inference 

 

For any skincare treatment in California, conduct thorough research before signing up for a service, and ensure that the spa you’re visiting has the proper authorization. All med spas are not danger zones, particularly for usual spa-type treatments. However, if you’re looking for medical treatments, ensure that an experienced physician supervises the procedure. Go through online reviews and question the staff about their training and experience.