It used to be medical treatments and spa treatments were two very different things. Patients would visit the doctor to have moles removed or infections treated, and they would be in a sterile, cold environment. Even those undergoing elective treatments like cosmetic surgeries had the procedures completed in a traditional medical environment like a clinic or hospital. Those with a desire to have luxury treatments like massages and facials visited spas. These were facilities that were held to certain standards as far as cleanliness was concerned, but underwent no medical regulation. The procedures offered at spas were intended to help people feel and look better, but they had limited medical credibility.
Times have changed. Not only have traditional spa treatments like massage become more medically oriented, new procedures have been developed that are aesthetic, but medical in nature. These are less invasive treatments than plastic surgery, but they must be performed by licensed health care professionals like nurses and nurse practitioners. These procedures include advanced aesthetic treatments like chemical peels, volumizing skin injections, laser hair removal, and photorejuvenation for the skin. With the line between medical and cosmetic procedure blurring, the environment in which these procedures are performed are a blend of medical sterility and spa-like comfort. The idea of a medical spa is a relatively new one, but these facilities are growing in popularity. The best ones integrate therapeutic wellness and cosmetic components. This mix of pampering and medicine is creating a phenomena that continues to evolve and offer medically-oriented, elective cosmetic procedures.
Paula Gilmartin, regional manager and aesthetic nurse trainer at Dermalounge in California, feels this blend of medical and spa environments offers clients a comfortable and cozy alternative to a sterile medical office. She says it “…helps the client build a relationship with the practitioner. It is sterile and safe, but also feels comfortable and pampering. Clients do not feel rushed.” Sometimes aesthetic medical procedures can be uncomfortable. Performing them in a cozy environment makes them more pleasant. While it is not possible for major medical procedures to occur in a “cozy” environment, hospitals are taking a cue from those who believe environment plays an important role in health. Recovery rooms and in-patient rooms have become warmer and more comfortable in recent years. With a medical spa, owners and operators have more flexibility. Many procedures are non-invasive, giving them a greater range of options for creating a comfortable environment.
There are three areas operators of medical spas have begun focusing on, hoping to create the ideal environment for treatments. For starters, medical spas seek to create a unique ambiance. Most spas want to go beyond their client’s expectations. Someone undergoing a cosmetic treatment is going to expect a sterile, clean environment, but if the medical spa can also provide soothing comfort, their clients can relax and enjoy the procedure. A lot of clinics are offering soft robes and comfortable linens. Even if a treatment is uncomfortable, at least a client can be surrounded by soothing materials. Medical spas are also focusing on creating a soothing color palette, incorporating aromatherapy into treatments, and using soothing music often heard in traditional spa environments.
In addition to ambiance, a lot of medical spas are making an effort to customize treatment. They work closely with the client to address lifestyle changes such as diet, stress, medication, sun exposure, and upcoming events. Building a relationship with the client is very important. Whereas a person may visit a doctor for a specific, one-time treatment, medical spas can offer a variety of treatments that are appropriate during different phases of a person’s life. Much like nutrition and fitness are on-going self-improvement practices, skincare procedures should adjust with a person’s life changes. Medical spas can also offer follow-up products for at-home use, allowing clients to have control over the care of their skin. It is important that the medical spa you choose be able to educate, as well as service you. Through the use of consultations and literature, you should play an active role in your skincare program.
As medical spas become more popular, a growing eastern influence is showing up in the environment. These facilities are not only offering medically-oriented procedures, they are also offering traditional spa treatments with a medicinal twist. Offering these wellness procedures brings people to the spa more frequently, and makes it a regular part of their self-care program, similar to the role a salon might play. Treatments like acupuncture, hydrotherapy, and massage all fit nicely into a medical spa’s menu of services. Medical spas should take care not to offer therapies that are viewed as “too alternative.” Incorporating services that target well-being is fine, but they should not sacrifice their medical credibility just to expand their client base.
Medical spas such as Dermalounge offer clients medically oriented skincare procedures in a spa-like environment. This environment ensures the comfort and confidence of clients, and encourages them to return again and again in order to keep their skin healthy.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
