There’s no question that women, on a whole, have a tendency to do things in groups. Most women like to shop for clothing, makeup, and accessories in the company of other women, and many prefer to bring their girlfriends along to pick out household items such as linens, furnishings, and decorative pieces. In fact, some women are so clingy that they can’t so much as use a public restroom without bringing at least one additional member of the same gender along for a degree of moral support.
Given the propensity of women to travel in clusters, it’s no wonder that more and more females are seeking out ways to turn their medical spa outings into parties or social experiences. After all, few things are more girly than a day at the spa, and what could be better than multiple hours of aesthetic indulgence in the company of friends? While it’s certainly understandable that many women might wish to bring their closest allies along for a medical spa visit, not all skin care procedures are conducive to conversation and bonding. Roxanna Liu is a licensed aesthetician at Bastrop Total Skin Care, a Bastrop, Texas, medical spa that offers skin-related services and products, and according to her, few medical spa treatment options can accommodate women in groups.
Unlike regular spa treatments, which are often performed without any sort of medical supervision, medical spa treatments often require a specific degree of preparation and care. Additionally, medical spa procedures are often far more invasive and painful than regular spa staples such as massages and specialty baths. While some women might not mind the idea of getting injected or prodded in front of their friends (hence the ever-popular Botox party option), others might be less inclined to bring their cohorts along for the ride. Additionally, there are certain medical spa procedures during which the presence of outside company is strictly prohibited; any technique that involves the use of a laser is one during which no one beside the customer and administrator can be in the room. Also, those seeking treatment options like chemical peels and laser facials should know that alcohol cannot be consumed prior to such procedures because it can cause a bad reaction; and since liquor tends to play a role in many types of social outings, most women would be best served by reserving the party-like atmosphere for an occasion other than a medical spa visit. Finally, certain medical spa procedures require that you be undressed. While it might not bother some women to go naked in front of their friends, others might be put off by the idea and decide to simply go it alone.
In Liu’s opinion, the only medical spa treatment option that is actually somewhat appropriate in a group setting is the standard facial. Since facials tend to be non-invasive and pain-free, many women might enjoy the idea of accompanying one another for a bit of skin-related improvement. However, those who do wish to go the group-facial route should be advised that such outings will usually need to be booked well in advance, as many medical spas are unable to accommodate larger parties on short notice.
If you’ve been planning a trip to the medical spa to address a specific area of concern, then you might want to think twice before inviting seven of your closest friends to come along with you. Remember, it’s perfectly fine to want company on a shopping spree, and there’s no harm in getting a second opinion when you pick out your new kitchen countertops. However, when it comes to medical spa treatments, you’re probably best off experiencing them alone.
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.
