The Top Questions About Popular Medical Spa Services

What are the top medical spa services—and what do you need to know before you schedule your first appointment? Unlike surgical options, a medical spa provides aesthetic enhancements without the need for stitches or lengthy recovery times. If you're searching for a way to freshen your face or want a more youthful appearance, take a look at what you need to know about these non-invasive types of treatments.

Is a Medical Spa Treatment the Same As a Day Spa Service?

No, medical and day spas aren't the same and don't offer all of the same services. While some medical spas may have facials or massages on the menu, they also provide clients with nonsurgical aesthetic treatments, such as botulinum type A injections, dermal fillers, laser hair removal, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing procedures, and targeted fat reduction through cryolipolysis and other similar options. 

The word "medical" in front of "spa" is more than just an adjective. While it does describe the type of spa, it also lets the client know that the services are done by or under the supervision of a medical provider. This medical provider is a dermatologist, cosmetic surgeon, or other medical doctor (M.D.). Unlike this type of spa setting, the practitioners at a day spa don't typically have medical licenses. Instead, day spa professionals are estheticians, massage therapists, or similar non-M.D. practitioners. 

Do All Med Spas Offer the Same Services?

No, not all of these spas provide clients with the same service menu. Some med spas focus on fillers and other injectables, others primarily offer spot fat reduction, and others may have a broad range of options that include everything from chemical peels and skin resurfacing to therapeutic massages.

Which Services Are the Most Common?

The answer to this question depends on where you live, the demographic group you fall under, and the specific spa. Even though there are geographic and other differences in popular med spa treatments, some services are more common than others. According to the Plastic Surgery Statistics Report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), botulinum toxin type A therapy was the most popular treatment in the United States in 2020. 

The ASPS statistics also include other popular noninvasive or minimally invasive cosmetic procedures. Soft tissue (dermal) fillers were the second most performed procedure in 2020—with more than 3.4 million treatments. This was followed by laser skin resurfacing (997,245) and chemical peels (931,473).

For more information, look to a service such as Regenesis MD.


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