How to Choose a Safe Medspa for Non-Surgical Treatments
| ABCS
While non-surgical treatments like Botox injections and dermal fillers are generally safe, they are not without risks. The expertise and qualifications of your chosen provider are important in order to minimize complications like infections, scarring, and unsatisfactory results.
While finding a medical spa is easier than ever, the ease of finding a provider should not diminish the focus on your safety. By doing thorough research and asking the right questions, you can have a safe and positive experience at a medspa.
Here is what to look for:
1. Physician oversight
Med spas should be overseen by a physician on a day-to-day basis. While some may only have physician oversight on paper, you should choose a medspa with a physician who is onsite to review your medical history, monitor your treatment plans, and care for you should a complication occur.
2. Credentials
The providers who are administering treatments like neuromodulators and fillers should have a medical credential: nurse, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or physician. Non-invasive skin treatments, like chemical peels, laser treatments, and facials, can be performed by an aesthetician. (Note: Laws about who may administer injectables vary on a state-by-state basis.)
3. Training
In addition to credentials, ask about the provider’s training specifically in the treatments you’re interested in. Many nurse injectors undergo special training in cosmetic injectables, for example, with manufacturers or other experts in the field.
4. Experience with your desired treatment
Inquire about how long the provider has been performing the specific procedures you’re interested in. More experience generally correlates with better results and a higher safety profile; similarly, some providers might specialize in certain treatments, so you may decide to choose someone with a focus on your desired procedure. Ask how many of these treatments they perform in a given week or month.
Non-surgical medspa treatments include a wide range of cosmetic procedures that do not require surgery. Common examples are Botox injections and dermal fillers, as well as skin resurfacing treatments like chemical peels, microneedling, and microdermabrasion. Further, treatments like CoolSculpting®, energy-based body contouring, cellulite reduction, laser hair removal, and IV infusions are now commonly offered alongside these other cosmetic treatments for the face.
5. Clean facility
Just like any doctor’s office providing medical treatments, medical spa facilities should adhere to stringent health and safety standards. In other words, a medical spa should look like a doctor’s office—not a salon. Pay attention to the cleanliness of the facility and ask about the protocols in place for protecting patient safety.
Just like any doctor’s office providing medical treatments, medical spa facilities should adhere to stringent health and safety standards.
6. Personalized consultation process
Look for providers who offer personalized treatment plans rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. This begins with a thorough consultation before your treatment, where you discuss your goals, medical history, and any concerns. Your treatment plan should be tailored to your specific needs and goals, and your provider should educate you about any treatment’s unique risks and how they handle complications, if they arise.
7. Real patient testimonials & photos
Check online reviews and testimonials to understand other patients’ experiences with the provider. Further, before-and-after galleries can give you an idea of the provider’s skill and the results you might expect.
Watch for red flags
Be wary of providers who guarantee results or downplay risks and recovery times. Further, a reputable provider will not pressure you to undergo more treatments than you’re comfortable with. At the end of the day, if you do not feel completely comfortable, there is never any harm in getting a second opinion when it comes to medical aesthetics.
About the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery
The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS) is a certifying board dedicated exclusively to excellence in cosmetic surgery. Our surgeons specialize in cosmetic enhancements and have passed rigorous exams and screening to illustrate their safety and aesthetic abilities, and many offer non-surgical medical spa treatments from their cosmetic surgery practices. Learn more about choosing a cosmetic surgeon here, or find a board-certified cosmetic surgeon near you in our surgeon directory.