Beauty and health are often distinguished as different avenues of wellness. In reality, several medical treatments enhanced with new and advanced technologies are bridging these two disciplines.
The booming medical spa industry continues to capture the interest of patients who need medical support to achieve their body and health goals.
A medical spa or MedSpa is a medically-supervised treatment center for physical enhancement services that require the expertise and intervention of a physician or medical specialist. Unlike day spas, medical spas are more result-driven than focusing on patient relaxation. However, some MedSpa also offer treatments similar to a typical day spa, such as facials where doctor supervision is not required. With all the wellness centers and aesthetic clinics around, it can be hard to distinguish between a med spa and other aesthetic and wellness services.
A doctor and medical services, both invasive and non-invasive, are the factors that set the difference between a traditional spa and a MedSpa. Unlike traditional spas, medical spas must be run, overseen, or affiliated with a medical doctor and provide more advanced medical treatment and aesthetic services.
Treatments done in a MedSpa can pose risks if they are improperly administered to a patient. There is a thin line between a MedSpa and an aesthetic practice. Medical spas are owned by medical professionals as an extension of their medical practice or solely to provide medically-supervised aesthetic services. An aesthetic practice can be owned by a dermatologist or a medical professional but operates to a certain extent. Certain chemicals and invasive procedures are not allowed to be performed by a licensed aesthetician.
