Medical Spa: Is It Better Alternative To Cosmetic Surgery

Despite the fact that it's a popularly prescribed treatment by both medical and holistic doctors, many people have no idea what a medical spa actually is. When the term is mentioned, many people have visions of retirement communities, weight loss camps, or women recovering from facelifts somewhere in the Caribbean.

In reality, it is a mixture of treatments you'd receive at a relaxing day spa and procedures that should only be performed under the care of a licensed medical doctor.

The list of things offered by one is fairly extensive, and a popular and more pleasant alternative to a visit to the dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon's office. Medical spas even offer nutrition and weight loss counseling, stress relief-oriented procedures such as acupuncture, and yoga classes.

Among the touch-ups you might want to consider on your next visit to a medical spa are Botox injections, collagen treatments, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, laser treatments, and laser hair removal. Even though all procedures performed at the retreat must be overseen by a doctor, it is highly likely that you will be not be seen by the doctor lending his name to the spa.

Before you consent to having anything done, even something as seemingly minor as a skin tightening masque, ask who is performing the work you've requested and what their relevant credentials are. After all, there's no need to pay the higher prices when you could have had the same thing done by an aesthetician working in a regular day salon. If you feel comfortable only having specific work done by your doctor, it's best to stick to office visits with your dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon.

Before signing up for a day at the medical spa, it's important to have a realistic idea of what the treatments you're undergoing will do for you, and how long-lasting the effects are likely to be. Most of the procedures performed at the spa are temporary measures designed to refresh and rejuvenate a person's look, and are an alternative to surgery for those just looking to have minor touch-ups done. For effects that are more permanent in nature, surgical touch-ups are a better choice.

As relaxing as a day of pampering may be, it's disappointing to spend money on a variety of treatments that simply don't accomplish the goal you're after. It's best to do your research and consult friends and loved ones that have been to a medical spa before to get an idea of what you're likely to expect and who's likely to be attending to your needs while you're there.