It is hardly surprising that the popularity of medi-spas has skyrocketed in recent years. Today’s medi-spas are promoted as a hybrid between a medical clinic and a spa; in addition to the usual spa offerings (manicures, pedicures, massages), they also include therapies that claim to reduce the appearance of fine lines, age spots, and body hair. With the added convenience of having procedures like Botox and laser hair removal performed there, too, you would think these centers provide the best of both worlds.
The fact is that the majority of medi-spa employees lack substantial clinical training. Although the current Groupon may entice you to try a spa near you for a cosmetic surgery, before you book an appointment, you should think about these six things the spa’s management may rather you didn’t know:
There could not be a doctor available
A physician must serve in the role of medical director, although he or she can “supervise” from their own medical practice hundreds of miles away. Medi-spas, in contrast to doctor’s offices, typically employ little to no medical staff to provide or monitor treatments or keep track of patient information. In case of emergencies, a medical professional may not be immediately available.
It’s important to remember that the supervising doctor could not have the necessary level of expertise or training. Some doctors, in an effort to supplement their income in the face of declining medical insurance reimbursements, are taking on additional duties as directors of medi-spas. Even though the director of your spa has a medical degree, they may not have the expertise to deal with any complications that may develop from spa treatments if they don’t focus on that area of medicine. As the best bet, Seek cosmetic procedures performed by doctors who have completed further training in cosmetic, plastic, or facial plastic surgery and who are board certified to do such procedures.
Think about how extensively educated a “medical aesthetician” is
Spas frequently claim to employ medical aestheticians, or skin care professionals, to carry out their operations. Only 400 hours of schooling are needed to become an aesthetician, and that number might include on-the-job training. Aestheticians learn about facials, massage, and waxing after completing cosmetology school where they learn about hair, nails, and cosmetics. After taking further classes in laser and injectable techniques, these professionals can call themselves “advanced aestheticians.” Think about the fact that personnel at medi-spas may be administering potentially harmful treatments while having little to no medical training.
How perilous is it? Botox and other dermal fillers like Juvederm Voluma, Restylane, and Radiesse can cause major problems if administered improperly. A greater chance of injecting into a blood vessel, which can result in blindness, exists when filler is injected in the area surrounding or between the eyes. When injected too close to the eyebrow, Botox can induce temporary drooping that lasts up to four months. This latter problem can only be solved with the passage of time.
In addition, there are potential dangers associated with laser treatments. They are potent tools that can leave lifelong scars on your skin and eyes if used improperly. In addition, while it takes a medical license to buy a laser, the technicians who use them may have less education and experience. Lasers’ intense bursts of light have the potential to inflict severe harm if misused.
Equipment costs a lot of money
Devices that perform functions like liposuction, skin tightening, fat removal through heat or cold, hair removal, skin resurfacing, and laser spot removal have come a long way in the realm of nonsurgical techniques. A spa can’t afford to invest in a portable gadget that costs more than $100,000 without paying customers. Try not to be the first person to “try out” any new services. Instead of relying just on manufacturer brochures, ask to view before and after photos of actual spa guests who have received the procedure.
The workers at medi-spas aren’t educated to look for signs of cancer
If you have an annoying zit or an unattractive mole, it might be for more than just looks. Skin cancers can be removed by a board-certified dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or facial plastic surgeon, who will then send the tissue to a specialized lab for analysis. A dermatologist or aesthetician who isn’t well-versed in skin lesions could overlook this.
Unlike conventional swimming pools, spas do not need to adhere to the same safety standards
Medical spas are not subject to the same regulations as hospitals or other medical facilities. Spas that do not operate out of a doctor’s office have to adhere to a different set of safety regulations than hospitals.
If the technician isn’t qualified or the spa isn’t clean, getting a manicure or facial might put your health in jeopardy. Be sure the spa you intend to visit has the necessary licensing before you commit to any services.
You can buy fake Botox
Consider your Botox treatments a bargain, right? An extremely low price might indicate that you are being scammed. Fake dermal fillers, Botox, and other injectables have been on the market. Neither a reputable spa nor a medical clinic would ever consider using a product that has been altered.
Of fact, not all medi-spas pose risks, especially for the kinds of spa services most people associate with such establishments. Make sure an expert doctor is in charge of administering any “medical procedures,” such as fillers, Botox, laser treatments, or deeper peels. A doctor’s advice, some web research, and some inquiries into the staff’s credentials should all precede your next day of primping.
