When you think about a spa day, maybe you think about soaking in a hot tub or having a long massage. As med spas continue to grow in popularity, you may be wondering how they differ from your traditional spa experience.
While there are some similarities to a day spa, there are a lot of medical spa procedures that you won’t find at your typical day spa. Many of these aesthetic treatments are used to restore a youthful appearance by targeting trouble spots on your body, as well as addressing skincare issues.
Because of the difference between the two settings, there are naturally some misconceptions that you might have heard. If you’re considering visiting a med spa, this guide will help you debunk some of the common myths that go with it.
What is the Difference Between a Med Spa and a Day Spa?
The main difference between a med spa and a day spa is that a medical spa is a destination for conventional spa treatments but is also where you can undergo a wide range of cosmetic treatments at the same time.
At a med spa, your treatment plan will be overseen by a medical professional who is trained and experienced with the procedures you choose. This gives you access to medical-grade treatments, such as dermal fillers and chemical peels, along with those you’d find at a beauty spa, such as facials and massages.
The treatments at a medical spa are stronger and more intensive and this means staff usually have to be trained to specific levels as well as treatments being FDA approved. Some treatments may only be administered by specifically qualified practitioners.
General Myths Debunked
In addition to specific myths, which are outlined further below, there are some general misconceptions to be aware of if you’re considering visiting a med spa. Unfortunately, these myths are often the result of gossip or bad advice, but we’re here with medical input that gives you the most up-to-date and accurate information, so you can make the right decision for your needs.
Med Spas are Only for Rich People
Operating a med spa can be quite expensive, and as a result so can the treatments. For that reason, many feel that visiting one is only for those with a big bank account. While there will certainly be a price tag for effective treatment, seeking it out at a med spa can actually save you money, as compared to a traditional plastic surgeon or dermatology clinic.
The same safe products and cutting-edge tools are used, and staff is hired with qualification, safety, and experience in mind. All procedures are performed or overseen by a medical professional, so you will have peace of mind at a med spa, often with a lower price tag than the alternative.
Additionally, many med spas offer discounts and specials on treatment packages and often run deals during certain parts of the year. This can save you even more money on the procedures you desire.
Med Spa Procedures are Painful
No one wants to be in pain, even for the sake of beauty. However, there are rumors swirling that say that med spa treatments hurt. This really depends on the type of procedure, and each person can have different levels of sensitivity. Med spas commonly use local anesthesia for intense treatments, but many of the procedures offered only offer a small amount of discomfort to start with.
Procedures that target deeper layers of skin can sometimes be uncomfortable during the treatment, but local anesthesia can help minimize this, as well as quell the anxiety that may occur for fear that you will be suffering.
One of the best ways to ensure that your treatment proceeds smoothly and isn’t painful is to be sure you seek out a reputable clinic and experienced physician provider like you find at our location. That way you can rest assured that you are getting both a safe and a comfortable experience.
Med Spas are Only for Women
Maybe at one time, a med spa was somewhere that a man would never be caught visiting, but things have changed dramatically as their popularity has exploded. Now, there are numerous med spa treatments that are specifically geared toward men, including those for weight loss, as well as aesthetic treatments that target their specific skin concerns.
Men suffer from the concerns of aging, just as women do, so chances are you will see more and more med spas offering male-specific treatments as an excellent solution for eliminating crow’s feet or excess hair, for example. There are also increasing amounts of skincare products that are designed with a man’s skin in mind.
No one should be afraid to make an appointment at the med spa, including men. Debunking this myth ensures that anyone and everyone has access to the beauty treatments that best suit their needs and wants.
Myths About Specific Med Spa Treatments
Just as there are myths that are general to med spas, there are also some misconceptions that apply to specific treatment options that you’ll find at med spas. Understanding them can help you make an informed decision about whether the procedure is the right choice for you or not. Read more about each of them below.
Injectables
The technology behind advanced injectable treatments, also called dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle neuromodulators, continues to evolve, so understanding what myths might surround them is a good first step in deciding to give them a try. Dermal fillers typically use hyaluronic acid to add volume to the face, which can improve the appearance of wrinkles around the mouth, nose and eyes. Here are some myths that you can rest assured are not true:
- Dermal fillers and Botox are the same thing – fillers target volume loss, while Botox freezes the muscles.
- Fillers are only available to the wealthy – with financing options and special deals, dermal fillers are accessible to people from all demographics.
- Dermal fillers are dangerous – when done by an experienced injector, dermal fillers are a safe and effective treatment for smoothing fine lines and wrinkles.
- Fillers will make you look unnatural – when administered by a quality care professional, fillers are an injectable treatment that are the perfect solution for many types of wrinkles.
- Dermal fillers are permanent – the results will fade over time, and you can choose to repeat the procedure or not.
Botox
Botox utilizes the botulinum toxin to block nerve signals, which results in reduced muscle activity. Considered a cosmetic procedure, Botox is one of several anti-aging treatments that have exploded in popularity in recent years. It can be customized to each patient and is a fantastic way to look younger and fresher. Check out these myths so that you know what to expect.
- Botox is a one-time treatment – you will need to have the procedure repeated every 3 to 4 months to maintain the results.
- Botox isn’t safe for the general population – some rumors say that Botox is only for people with certain skin types or medical conditions, but it’s actually quite safe for most people looking for an anti-wrinkle solution.
- A Botox treatment will prevent you from forming facial expressions – when administered correctly, Botox creates natural results and won’t prevent you from making your normal facial expressions.
- You could become dependent on Botox – you may come to love the results after having Botox done, but there’s no risk that you will become dependent or addicted to the substance itself.
Skincare Procedures
When you visit a med spa, there are several skin care procedures you can choose from. That includes dermaplaning, microneedling and chemical peels. Each of these treatments works to create younger, healthier looking skin, either by boosting collagen production or removing the top layers of skin. As with any cosmetic procedure, there are some myths to be aware of.
- Dermaplaning makes hair thicker and darker – if this was true, you would experience the same thing on other parts of your body, such as when you shave your legs or armpits.
- Chemical peels can cause scars – when the right solution is applied by an experienced technician, a chemical peel should be painless and will not damage the skin or leave behind scars.
- Chemical peels are only for skin that is prone to acne – they are certainly effective for treating acne, but a chemical peel can also be used to target wrinkles, sun damage and age spots.
- Chemical peels can only be used on the face – in truth, you can apply a chemical peel to the neck, back, chest and hands to treat the skin in those areas, which is also prone to acne and/or the effects of aging and sun damage.
- Microneedling is painful – while the procedure does use tiny needles and it may be a bit uncomfortable with milder settings. With most procedures, the more aggressive it is, the more the discomfort can be.
- Microneedling is only used for anti-aging purposes – it can certainly be highly effective for fine lines and wrinkles but is also ideal for targeting scars, enlarged pores, pigmentation, loose skin, uneven skin texture and dull skin.
Fat Removal & Toning Techniques
Procedures such as liposuction and Coolsculpting are used to remove excess fat to create a more toned and defined physique. These techniques have been around for a while, but the techniques have evolved and advanced and are now safer and more effective than before, when administered by experienced professionals, like those at our clinic. However, there are some misconceptions to be aware of before you decide if these treatments are right for you.
- You won’t gain weight after treatment – these techniques target the fat cells you already have but cannot prevent new ones from forming.
- You will see immediate results – it can take several weeks to months before you see the complete results of liposuction or any other toning procedure.
- You will lose weight – these are not weight loss procedures, though you may notice that the number on the scale goes down a few pounds. You will have to adhere to healthy lifestyle choices to maintain the results.
- They get rid of cellulite – fat and cellulite are not the same thing. Cellulite is a result of issues with your dermal attachments and can appear on people who don’t have a lot of excess weight. For that reason, fat removal won’t get rid of the appearance of cellulite.
- It’s a simple procedure – while there have been great strides in fat removal and toning treatments, liposuction is still a surgical procedure that will require some downtime as you heal. Be sure you follow your medical professional’s advice very closely in the days and weeks following treatment.
- It’s only for the belly – there are several options when it comes to fat removal toning and the one you choose is dependent on your trouble spots. For example, Kybella is ideal for toning the face and chin, while Coolsculpting is more suited for the belly, buttocks and thighs.
Laser Treatments
Laser therapy can be used for hair removal, but also for tightening the skin, treating acne and for anti-aging procedures. It can sound a bit unsettling to consider allowing lasers to be directed at your skin, but when done correctly, it’s quite safe and effective. Here’s what else you should know about myths surrounding the technique.
- All lasers are the same – the type of laser used depends on the issue you’re treating, as well as your skin type, skin color and the current health of your skin.
- Lasers are painful – while you may experience minimal discomfort during a laser treatment, you won’t be in a lot of pain.
- It’s a one-time treatment – like many other cosmetic treatments, laser treatments, both for hair removal and skin concerns, may require repeat appointments to achieve your desired results.
- Laser hair removal is only for the legs – in general, any part of your body that grows hair can be suitable for laser hair removal, including the armpits, bikini line, back, and face.
- Lasers are only for light skin tones – there are laser options for all skin colors and types.
- Health history is important – certain health conditions can affect the results of laser treatments, including diabetes and past laser procedures.
Skincare Products
There are quite a few common skincare myths that go along with the products you choose for your skin. There are loads of options out there and we offer a wide variety of products to suit skin of all types, colors and needs. Understanding the misconceptions goes a long way toward helping you choose the right items for your routine.
- You only need sunscreen when it’s sunny outside – the damaging effects of the sun’s rays can penetrate cloud cover, so it’s important to wear SPF anytime you plan to be outdoors.
- More exfoliating is better – exfoliating can be quite effective for evening skin texture, removing dead, dull skin cells and restoring your youthful complexion. But doing so too often will strip your skin’s natural oils, which can lead to inflammation and irritation. Stick to twice a week for the best results.
- Your skincare routine should never change – your skincare needs will change with age, as the seasons change, when you are pregnant, etc. That means that switching up the products you used may be necessary from time to time.
- You only need a dime-sized amount of product – while this is a good starting point, it depends on the product being used. With certain products, if the issue you’re targeting with the product isn’t improving, you may need to put on a bit more to produce the results you’re looking for.
- Price indicates quality – sometimes a simple drugstore product will give you the best results. Other times, you’ll need something with more impact that could cost a bit more. Higher prices don’t automatically ensure better results, so keep that in mind when you choose skincare products to build your skincare routine.
In Summary
There are probably a lot of myths on this list that you have believed or heard. By taking the time to debunk them, we hope to help you create a routine that optimizes the health and appearance of your entire body, no matter which treatment you choose. Remember, to ensure the best experience possible make sure you are under the care of an expert aesthetic physician such as Dr. Zadeh. If you’re ready to take the next step, contact the Z Center for Cosmetic Health today to arrange your initial consultation.