How to Choose the Right Medical Spa for You
A medical spa, or med spa, blends the soothing environment of a day spa with medical-grade treatments usually found in a doctor's office. Med spas offer a range of services focused on beauty and rejuvenation.
For patients, it's important to understand that not all med spas are created equal. The gold standard is a med spa run by a physician with specialized training in the treatments offered – typically a board-certified plastic surgeon, facial plastic surgeon or dermatologist. However, some med spas are operated by doctors from unrelated specialties who may have little or no training in cosmetic procedures. Others may be run by non-physicians, such as nurses or physician assistants, who typically receive far less medical training overall and may not have in-depth knowledge of the anatomy involved in many of these treatments. That's why it's important to do your research before choosing a facility.
Although most med spa treatments are considered low risk, they still involve your health and appearance. Some services, like cosmetic injections, soft tissue fillers, laser skin procedures and hair transplants, are legally classified as "the practice of medicine." These treatments require medical knowledge, clinical judgment and proper training to be performed safely and effectively. Even procedures that seem minor can lead to complications if not done correctly. It's important to choose a provider who is trained to handle any complications that may arise during or after your treatment. The best way to be sure you're in safe hands is to see a physician with specialized training in the types of procedures – and areas of the body – commonly treated in a med spa setting.
With so many choices available, selecting the right med spa takes a bit of research – but it's worth it to find safe, professional care. The following guide outlines the most important factors to consider when choosing a med spa that meets your needs and expectations.
Who's actually overseeing your treatment?
A medical spa should be overseen by a licensed physician with deep, specialized training in the procedures offered, ideally a board-certified plastic surgeon, facial plastic surgeon or dermatologist. Most doctors you know are likely specialists – like radiologists, neurosurgeons or oncologists – and they gained their expertise through an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited residency program. This type of training is standardized, so every doctor in a given specialty learns the same essential skills as others in that field. When it comes to med spa procedures, only three medical specialties – plastic surgery, facial plastic surgery and dermatology – require comprehensive training in the treatments typically offered at a med spa.
Before booking your appointment, take the time to verify the credentials of the medical director, supervising physician and any provider who may perform your treatment. Choosing qualified professionals helps keep you safe and improves the chances of a good outcome.
Do they offer a consultation?
A quality med spa should offer a thorough consultation before any treatment. During the consultation, the provider will talk to you about your medical history, your goals and a personalized treatment plan. They should also be transparent about risks, expected results and costs.
What services are available?
Medical spas vary in the types of services they offer. Most focus on anti-aging and skin rejuvenation treatments such as injectables, chemical peels or laser therapies. Some body contouring is appropriate in a med spa, but more serious procedures, like liposuction, should only be done in appropriately equipped, staffed and accredited surgical facilities.
Certain med spas offer additional types of services such as hormone replacement therapy, weight loss treatments, IV therapy, sexual wellness treatments or functional medicine. When choosing a med spa, make sure they offer the specific procedures you're looking for and have experience performing them safely and effectively.
It's also important that all procedures are properly supervised by a physician, in accordance with your state's laws. Oversight requirements vary, so doing a little research and confirming that the facility follows appropriate medical guidelines is a good step to take.
Be cautious of med spas offering treatments that seem overly complex, invasive or beyond the training of the staff on site. As a general rule, avoid having any procedure at a med spa that requires more than local anesthesia (a shot that numbs a small area) or light sedation (a pill, gas or liquid that helps you relax but keeps you awake and aware, though you may feel a little groggy). Treatments that involve general anesthesia, regional anesthesia (which numbs a larger part of the body) or moderate-to-deep sedation should only be done in a licensed surgical center or hospital – not in a med spa.
How qualified are the providers?
Take time to review the qualifications of everyone who may be involved in your treatment – not just the doctors, but also nurses, physician assistants, estheticians and other staff. Check the med spa's website for staff bios to confirm that each provider is a licensed medical professional. For less invasive procedures, look for technicians with proper certifications, training and hands-on experience with the specific procedure you're considering.
In general, the more experienced the provider, the lower the risk of complications. Visit the "About Us" section of the med spa's website to see who works there and what their roles are. Make sure the person performing your procedure is clearly identified in advance and that you are not unexpectedly switched to someone else on the day of your appointment.
Is the facility clean and safe?
Any medical setting needs to be a clean, well-maintained environment. The facility should follow strict rules to keep things clean, use FDA-approved equipment and products and comply with all health and safety laws. You should also be asked to sign an informed consent form before any procedure. This is a key sign that the medical spa values honest communication and ethical medical practice.
What do other patients say?
Research online reviews and testimonials to get a sense of customer satisfaction. Look for consistent positive reviews about staff professionalism, treatment quality and the overall experience. Personal referrals from friends or family can also be valuable. Review before and after images online to get a feel for the med spa's previous work and to help set your expectations. However, it's important not to base your decisions only on social media. Med spa provider credentials, experience and professional referrals should outweigh marketing photos.
What technology and products do they use?
The best med spas invest in state-of-the-art technology and high-quality skincare products. Don't hesitate to ask about the brands and devices they use for treatments such as laser therapy, chemical peels and injectables. Trusted, FDA-approved products are a sign of a reputable facility.
Are prices clear and transparent?
While cost shouldn't be your only deciding factor, be cautious of prices that seem too good to be true. Extremely low prices may indicate the use of lower-quality products or less experienced providers. A reputable med spa will clearly outline pricing and avoid hidden fees.
Do they customize treatments for you?
Your skin and body are unique, so your treatment plan should be too. The best med spas tailor treatments rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. Ensure that the provider listens to your concerns and customizes a plan that aligns with your goals.
What about aftercare?
Proper aftercare is essential for getting the best results and preventing complications. Before your procedure, ask whether the med spa provides follow-up appointments or supports ongoing treatment. Ask the provider what complications to watch for and who to contact if anything goes wrong, especially after hours.
In the rare event that you have serious complications – like a serious reaction that requires a trip to the emergency room or even a hospital stay – it's important to know what kind of support you'll have. Will the provider who performed your procedure be involved in your care? Can they admit you to a local hospital or continue managing your treatment if surgery or follow-up care is needed? These situations are uncommon, but it's still a good idea to ask ahead of time so you're prepared and know what to expect, just in case.
Final thoughts
Choosing a medical spa is an important decision that affects both your appearance and well-being. Take your time researching online, visiting facilities and consulting with professionals before committing to any treatment. Whether you choose to have procedures performed at a plastic surgeon's office or at a medical spa, it is important that your providers maintain the highest standards of care.
