What Is A Med Spa?

Med spas are all the rage these days, but for many people, they may appear to be a completely novel idea that has sprung out of thin air. Medical spas are the fastest growing kind of business in the medical tourism sector. There are over 4,200 of them – dotted all around the USA, proving they’re serious business and growing in popularity. But what is a med spa, exactly?

The first medical spas appeared in the 1990s – offering spa-like treatment alongside non-surgical cosmetic procedures. They tend to be places that people book into in order to get more tangible results than a traditional spa whilst maintaining a relaxing atmosphere. The 1990s just happened to be the decade in which cosmetic lasers were approved for a wide range of non-surgical treatments. This may have contributed to the introduction and success of medical spas. The best medical spas have a staff cadre comprising a combination of spa therapists and professional medical technicians. 

Interestingly, 85 percent of visitors to medical spas are female: reflecting broader gendered social attitudes towards cosmetic enhancement. As you might expect, the number of men visiting these institutions has steadily risen. 

What treatments, then, can be administered at these institutions? Here is a quick rundown. 

Laser And Electrolytic Hair Removal 

Institutions like Dermani Medspa in Texas offer various semi-permanent hair removal procedures. The longest-lasting hair removal techniques are:

Laser

Laser hair removal is a procedure that involves the firing of highly concentrated beams of light directly at the follicles that form the roots of the hair. This laser beam destroys the follicles, which inhibits future hair growth. Laser hair removal is not available at regular spas because it must be completed by a qualified dermatologist or laser technician. 

Electrolysis

Electrolytic hair removal operates on the same principle as laser hair removal – it destroys follicles. Instead of using a laser beam to do this, electrolysis technicians use small needles or wires to transfer heat via electricity to the follicles. It might sound painful, but electrolysis is not known to have many side effects when carried out correctly. Some clients may have a brief rash-like patch where the procedure has taken place. 

Microneedling 

Microneedling – otherwise known as Collagen Induction Therapy – is a kind of non-surgical procedure that uses tiny needles to provoke the body into producing collagen. The idea behind this treatment is to create firmer skin and flesh consistency. Collagen is one of the materials that help keep body tissues firm. Each session lasts around 30 minutes and must be completed by a qualified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. 

Botox Injections 

Botox is a chemical that relaxes facial muscles. It is injected just under the skin – usually in the lower face – in order to remove the signs of wrinkles or laugh lines. Botox is one of the most popular minimally invasive cosmetic procedures in the world. Medical spas offer Botox more often than not. It is worth noting that Botox does not last forever – it is eventually absorbed fully into the body and loses its effect on wrinkles.