In many states, a doctor’s involvement in a med spa clinic is mostly unregulated. Sometimes, the doctor is attached to the clinic in name only, and rarely comes into the office. This can put you at risk for subpar services that can burn you—literally, in the case of some services. Just because someone is wearing a white coat doesn’t mean that they are a doctor or even a trained medical professional. An esthetician doesn’t have to have much more practical knowledge than anyone else off the street. There are very few states that regulate med spa clinics, and even in those states the restrictions aren’t enough to keep you completely safe, so it’s important to do your research to protect yourself.
Not Just a Doctor, an Expert
Knowing this, the first thing you should look for in a good med spa clinic is an actual doctor that is present full-time. One that specializes in dermatology, plastic surgery, ophthalmology, or otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat) is best for the job, and the safest bet for you. You don’t want a cardiologist supervising your laser hair removal, do you? Many med spa clinics are associated with doctors in name only, and the doctor is rarely present, which is a huge red flag. Because insurance won’t cover cosmetic procedures like laser hair removal, chemical peels, or cellulite removal, these can be lucrative opportunities for unscrupulous doctors to make extra income. In a quality med spa clinic, the doctor does not have to be the one performing each and every procedure on you personally, but they must be able to meet with you and outline a course of treatment for the esthetician to follow. Do your own research on the doctor attached to the med spa clinic you wish to work with to make sure that they are qualified to make decisions about your skin.
Top of the Line Equipment
It is also important that a good med spa clinic have up-to-date equipment. Because advances are made in aesthetic technology all the time, machines can become dated within a few years. A good med spa will always have the latest equipment to give you the best results with the least discomfort possible. It can be a good measure of the amount of business a med spa receives, because the equipment itself can run into the thousands or tens of thousands to replace, so a busy clinic is an up-to-date clinic. Ask about the equipment before you receive treatment. A trustworthy clinic with nice new machines is going to be happy to tell you all about it.
Qualified Technicians
Make sure the technicians running the machines are qualified too. Ask lots of questions—how many times has a technician performed a procedure? Do they have pictures? how many years of experience do they have? They are performing delicate procedures on your skin that can have devastating consequences for you if performed improperly. Laser hair removal can burn you if the laser isn’t calibrated correctly for your skin tone. In fact, accidents can happen before the machines are even turned on. Overdosing on numbing cream before a laser hair removal treatment can result in serious injury, or even death. A good technician should be happy to tell you about what they’re doing and how they’re doing it. A good esthetician should continue their education throughout their career so that they can keep up with advancing techniques.
Cleanliness
A good med spa clinic should be clean. Many procedures done carry a serious risk of infection, and a med spa should be considerate of this. The waiting rooms and procedure areas should be free of dust, organized, with everything in its proper place. Any spills should be immediately cleaned up.
Location, Location, Location
Make sure the location is maintained and manicured. It can seem kind of trivial, especially considering all the other important things discussed so far, but a good med spa should be organized, well-lit, and tastefully decorated. These places aren’t just about procedures like a doctor’s office, they’re about general wellness too, and providing you with the comfort and relaxation of a day spa.
It’s also important to look for a clinic near your home. Driving an hour to and from the spa can be a hassle, especially when you have procedures done that are painful or leave you uncomfortable or unable to be in the sun for long periods of time.
Welcoming, Professional Staff
When it comes to a med spa clinic, look for welcoming staff that make you feel relaxed and comfortable. It’s important for you to listen to your gut when it comes to a place like this, and if you wouldn’t stick with a doctor that made you uncomfortable, why would you stick with a med spa that makes you feel on edge? Look for integrated services, friendly staff, and a clean environment.
A med spa clinic worth visiting is one that makes you look and feel your best. Rejuvenation and replenishment is the goal, so make sure you do your research and choose a med spa that will do their best to take care of you and your specific needs.
