The growing demand for cosmetic procedures and facial rejuvenation has opened the door for spas to offer beauty treatments that were once limited to only sterile doctor's offices.
Medical spas offer a variety of services provided by skilled aestheticians in a calm, pleasant environment.
Although many procedures should only be performed by board-certified plastic surgeons, a growing number of aestheticians are able to undergo training and receive certificates to administer popular cosmetic treatments such as Botox and laser resurfacing.
These are not as invasive as traditional cosmetic procedures and recovery periods are generally short, requiring no medication and little aftercare other than a good night's rest and an icepack.
Facial injectables and dermal fillers such as Botox and Restylane are among the most commonly requested cosmetic procedures.
Although many plastic surgeons offer these services in-office, many patients find that the atmosphere of a medical spa is far more relaxing and comfortable.
Highly skilled and certified aestheticians can provide the same quality results and sometimes have even more experience, as they specialize solely in administering facial fillers and injectables.
Botox, the most commonly offered and popular injectable, is not a filler but rather paralyzes a small portion of the facial muscles to restrict movement, preventing the face from forming unwanted wrinkles and lines.
It is often used for forehead furrows and crow's feet.
Restylane does not paralyze, but rather fills facial lines and can also be used to augment the lips.
The results of both Botox and Restylane last between four to six months.
Recovery is mild with minor tenderness and the rare bruising.
For those seeking milder facial treatments, facials and microdermabrasion are effective and completely non-invasive.
You'll see visible results without the poke of a needle.
Facials provide a variety of solutions to complexion problems including extraction of blackheads, moisturizing dry skin, and evening skin tone.
Depending on your individual desires and skin type, a qualified aesthetician can customize a facial treatment specifically for your needs.
They often use a variety of different products and techniques such as mud masks, seaweed wraps, and aroma therapy.
Depending on the type of facial, you may be slightly red after treatment.
It is also important to reveal any allergies you might have to the aesthetician beforehand.
Microdermabrasion is a procedure similar to a facial where the top layers of the epidermis are gently scrubbed off using a wand with a rotating disc.
The disc is coated with gritty, sandpaper-like material that lifts off dead and damaged skin cells, revealing the fresh, unblemished layers beneath.
Multiple treatments over an extended period of time have shown to minimize and even eliminate some imperfections hidden deep within the skin.
Because there is some friction created, it is not recommended for very sensitive skin.
Most people will find that their face is slightly red or tender for a day or two afterwards but can usually be camouflaged by makeup.
Medical spas can offer great package deals in a calm and comforting environment.
As long as the aestheticians are all trained and certified within their area, you can expect great results.