How to Find a Safe Medical Spa for Aesthetic Procedures

Find a Safe Medical Spa

If you have considered undergoing an aesthetic procedure to enhance your skin and look younger, no doubt you have heard horror stories about how some individuals have received unsafe and even dangerous care. FDA-approved cosmetic procedures like body contouring, facial fillers, Botox (botulinum toxin), chemical peels, laser rejuvenation and other common treatment options are generally considered safe. However, over the last few years, an increasing number of patients have reported botched surgical and nonsurgical treatments that have adversely affected their looks and health. How do you find a medical spa provider who can improve your overall appearance yet maintain a safe environment for cosmetic nonsurgical procedures? Consulting a cosmetic surgeon/board certified physician can ensure safety and informed decision-making.

Medical Spa Vs. Day Spa

The first rule of thumb when finding providers for cosmetic surgery or noninvasive cosmetic procedures is to find a practice that labels itself as a medical spa. Medical spas are a combination of aesthetic medical centers and day spas that provide nonsurgical cosmetic procedures under the supervision of a licensed/board certified physician. VIVAA is a unique medical practice in that our professionals offer aesthetic procedures along with a full slate of primary care medical services and vascular surgical services. The type of medical spa you choose depends on your aesthetic goals. For example, if you want surgical procedures like a tummy tuck, a breast augmentation or a reduction, it's in your best interest to seek a med spa practice under the supervision of a board-certified plastic surgeon. These medical professionals have training in non-surgical and surgical procedures, so they can give you various options to achieve your goals, which in some cases may involve surgery.

A traditional day spa provides personal care treatments focused on improving beauty and relaxation. Typical services include manicures, pedicures, massages, aromatherapy, mud wraps and facials. Some offer specialized treatments like reflexology, while others have hair salons and makeup services. While they can provide superficial facials, they cannot offer medical-grade facials or injectable treatments like Botox or dermal fillers because medical professionals like board-certified doctors and nurse practitioners do not supervise them. The only certifications that day spa personnel have are in their area of expertise, such as licensed massage therapists, cosmetologists or nail technicians.

Medical spas focus on providing nonsurgical procedures to enhance aesthetics. Common treatments include botulinum toxin injections (Botox), injectable dermal fillers, body contouring procedures, laser hair removal, microdermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing, and tattoo removal.

Every med spa differs, as procedures vary depending on providers' preferences. Med spas that have carefully curated their list of cosmetic procedures will have carefully reviewed their treatments to select the ones they feel are the most effective. However, one thing is certain: a high-quality medical spa will always have a trained medical professional, such as an aesthetic nurse practitioner, administering nonsurgical treatments while an attending doctor is on hand in case any problems arise.

All Cosmetic Procedures Have Risks

All cosmetic procedures have some risks. Patients who have diabetes, are obese or have contraindications for a particular type of plastic surgery may have a higher risk of complications. Complications after med spa treatments can include slow wound healing, blood clots and infections. Using tobacco products also increases your and slows healing following any cosmetic procedure.

Nonsurgical techniques have risks, too, including improper placement of injections for Botox and dermal fillers, infections in areas treated with laser resurfacing or other laser treatments and severe pain following some types of chemical peels. Before administering treatments, healthcare providers should make their patients aware of common risks and indicate when to contact their care team or seek emergency help.

Evaluating Med Spa Services

With more minimally invasive cosmetic procedures gaining popularity, evaluating a particular med spa to perform the treatment becomes essential. Perform upfront research to save you time and money, avoid the hassle of botched treatments and help you find the perfect medical spa. Consider these aspects when evaluating med spa healthcare providers.

Does the Med Spa Have the Appropriate Licenses?

This aspect is vital when evaluating a doctor's office for surgical cosmetic procedures, but it is also applicable for non-invasive procedures. Medical spas without a licensed physician operate under the radar and may incorporate dangerous practices. For example, three women who underwent microneedling treatments at an unlicensed Albuquerque, NM, facility contracted HIV, according to federal health officials. The spa reportedly reused disposable equipment intended for one-time use, resulting in transmitting HIV to clients via contaminated blood. You'll also want to ensure that all technicians administering treatments have proper training.

How Involved is the Supervising Physician?

Plenty of med spas have medical professionals who aren't supervised closely. Top med spas have supervising doctors who work closely with experienced aesthetic professionals who work closely to develop a personalized treatment plan for each patient. The supervising physician should meet with patients before each cosmetic procedure and oversee daily operations. The involvement of a supervising physician or a plastic surgeon can help patients decide on specific procedures and help them reach their aesthetic goals.

Comprehensive Complexion Analysis and Medical History

When you select a med spa for skin rejuvenation procedures like intense pulsed light (IPL) and another procedure that stimulates collagen production, you should receive an analysis of your existing skin issues. In addition, the staff needs to take a complete medical history, as certain medications and health conditions may contraindicate some of the procedures offered. With this information, your team can develop a comprehensive aesthetic treatment plan to suit your skincare needs. Quality med spas will closely monitor your progress to determine how well your plan works and make adjustments if needed.

Post-Procedure Care Plan

Once you agree to a specific treatment, the supervising doctor should discuss possible complications with you. You should also receive a post-procedure care plan that you should follow after you leave your doctor's office that details how you should care for your skin in the ensuing days and weeks. The post-procedure plan should also outline possible severe complications and when to contact the staff for help. Many practices also carry and recommend medical-grade skincare products to augment your treatments. Quality med spas select specific products and skin care lines based on how well they work and client feedback.

Questions to Ask Med Spa Professionals

Feeling comfortable with a supervising doctor and the supporting med spa staff is crucial. Ask the following questions before committing.

• What is your experience and education?
• Are you board-certified, and for how long?
• How many times has your staff performed this procedure?
• Who will be involved in my care?
• What are the common risks for procedures offered at your spa?

Questions to Ask About Cosmetic Procedures

• Is this procedure right for me, or will something else work better?
• Is anesthesia available to prevent pain?
• How can I manage post-procedure pain?
• What is the recovery time?
• Will I have limits on activities following my procedure?
• When can I return to my routine?
• How long before I see results, and how long will they last?

What You Can Expect From the VIVAA Medical Spa

The entire staff at our Seattle area medical spas will ensure you have a clear understanding of what will happen before, during and after any of the aesthetic procedures we offer. This information is also essential so you have realistic expectations. If you decide to have a procedure done at VIVAA, rest assured you will have someone to reach out to 24/7 if needed. Cosmetic procedures can enhance your looks and self-esteem when performed correctly. To learn more about your aesthetic treatment options, contact VIVAA today by calling 425-250-9999 or completing our convenient Request an Appointment form.