The Need for a Medical Spa

Our skin is often the most neglected part of our body and sadly, even the most abused part. In our ever busy lives, taking care of our skin is forgotten and relegated to the bottom of the list. Constant sun exposure and environmental pollution causes our skin to prematurely age and look wrinkled. A Medical spa can help to educate people about daily skincare routines and offer rejuvenating therapies to keep the skin fresh and youthful.

The Growth of Medical Spas

In the past decade, there has been a tremendous growth in the spa and cosmetic industry, with more and more individuals opting for various cosmetic and spa treatments. Medical spas are also rapidly becoming popular as people are increasingly opting for cosmetic or spa treatments which are medically supervised as they are more reliable and doubts can easily be clarified by well qualified physicians. These provide alternative beauty and health treatments in the not-so conventional medical environment, thus making the individual feel comfortable and tension free.

What does a Medical Spa offer?

Medical spas are a unique blend of medicine and aesthetics which provide quality cosmetic treatments in a relaxing and calming environment all of which are medically recommended and supervised. These medical spas are also known as medispas. Various treatments such as Botox injections, anti-wrinkle and fine line reduction treatments, acne therapy, fillers and latest laser procedures are conducted here. All these therapies are cosmetic and are mainly meant for rejuvenation or enhancing an individual’s appearance. Laser hair removal, vein and stretch marks reduction treatments are also provided here. Apart from these, they also sell dermatologist recommended skin care products which help in maintaining the skin after various procedures are done. Anti ageing, non surgical lifts which were initially only available in a physician’s clinic are now easily available in medispas.

The Need for a Medical Spa

Complete skin care and advice can be sought in these spas which are all medically recommended. People are educated on how to prevent further damage to skin and are suggested medical grade skin products which suit them the best. Teenagers with commonly occurring acne problems can receive world class treatment all in a very relaxing setup. Microdermabrasion, laser hair removal and chemical peels are also done here all under medical scrutiny and are now much sought-after cosmetic procedures.

Usually in traditional spas, facials and massage are done, but in medical spas these procedures are done with highly specialised lasers and instruments for greater penetration of medical grade skin products. This results in better and improved outcomes and greater client satisfaction. All medical procedures are conducted by a trained and qualified physician and spa therapies are done by well trained efficient aestheticians who are guided and supervised by the present physician. These spas provide complete care from consultation, therapies and guidance on skin care, all under one roof. Skin analyses are also provided during a consultation.

Medical Spa Vs. A Regular Spa

The major difference which makes a medi spa stand out compared to traditional day spas is the fact that they combine the medical expertise and technology with the relaxing experience of a spa. They provide comprehensive skin care which also includes nutrition advice enabling the individual achieve their goal of clear youthful skin not only from the exterior, but with overall wellbeing. They understand that every individual is unique and has different needs in skin care according to their skin type and lifestyle.

Treatment Costs

These medical spas are owned by medical physicians and apart from consultations they can also have other specialties such as acupuncture, nutrition and naturopathic doctors. Treatments are expensive as the equipment are costly and since technology is ever changing, constant upgrade is required. As most of these medical spas have latest and advanced equipment, all the procedures are literally painless and quick. Most of these treatments can be carried out during a lunch break!

Thus, a medical spa provides medical grade quality corrective cosmetic treatments for all your skin problems and anything related to cosmetic and beauty related issues. They are centres which have the supervision of well trained medical doctors along with beauty aestheticians who work towards enhancing your appearance and help your skin look young by stripping away years of your face by medically recommended cosmetic procedures. With increasing demands for beauty and self enhancing treatments by both the genders, the medi spa movement is becoming quite popular and a lucrative commercial business.

Contributed by Dr. Rachita Narsaria, MD

REFERENCES

• R Handley. The Medi-Spa: A Current Cosmetic Dermatology Public Safety Concern. The Internet Journal of Academic Physician Assistants. 2008 Volume 7 Number 1.
• Lawrence, C. General practitioners with a special interest in dermatology – the dermatologist’s perspective. Clinical Medicine. September 2003; 3(5), 440-442.