Planning to make your first medspa appointment but don’t know where you can possibly begin? You’re not the only one. There are so many treatments out there that it can be a little overwhelming to figure out what’s right for you. Then there is the matter of what actually happens during an appointment. Will it hurt? How much is it? Do you need to take time off work after that? And how do you know that you are choosing a reputable one?
Fortunately, you don’t have to make your first medspa experience complicated. With some research and prep work, you can make the whole process a lot easier. Here’s what you need to know before you make that first booking.
What is a MedSpa?
There’s a chance you’ve heard the term medspa, but not everyone knows exactly what one is. Many mistake it for a regular day spa or a beauty salon. It is so much more than this. Essentially, a medspa (medical spa) is a blend of a traditional spa with aesthetic treatments that may require medical procedures or equipment.
While a regular spa will usually offer massages, relaxation, and basic facials, medspas usually offer a wider range of services that are geared toward treating particular skin conditions. A well-known place that does just this is dermani MEDSPA®. For anyone who heads their way, they can choose between treatments such as:
- Skin rejuvenation
- Cosmetic injectables
- Microneedling
- Laser hair removal
And so much more. Its Park Ridge location even offers consultations to help clients determine which treatments might best meet their needs. Of course, not all medspas will offer the same services, and the qualifications required to perform treatments may vary. So it’s very important to do a bit of research before booking.
Know What You Really Want
Before you start scrolling through treatment menus, ask yourself a simple question:
What am I hoping to achieve?
Have you seen a couple of new lines by your eyes? Maybe you’re irritated with uneven skin texture or ready to be done with unwanted hair. You might simply want a facial that makes your skin feel fresh. Whatever the reason, knowing in broad terms what you want to achieve will help make your choice of treatment much easier. Don’t worry if you’re not sure exactly what your skin needs. That is what a consultation is for.
It’s also important to remember that you do not have to change anything about your appearance to warrant a visit to a medspa. Sometimes a little time for yourself is reason enough.
Do Your Homework Before Booking
Not all medspas are created equal, so take some time to research your options. First, start by exploring the treatments. Do they match your expectations? Then, seek out customer reviews on their website and beyond. If you can find 90% excellent reviews, this can give you confidence in deciding who to go with. By this time, you’ll want to do some more digging into the medspa itself. Look into its staff and their qualifications. This is especially important if you want to get treatments like Botox or dermal fillers. You want a guarantee that the person doing the procedure has the proper medical credentials and training required. During your research, don’t hesitate to ask the medspa directly about this, as well. A good provider should be happy to explain their services, discuss potential risks, and help you understand what to expect.
Get a Consultation Before You Agree to Treatment
If there’s one thing to take away, it’s this:
Don’t feel pressured into making a treatment appointment right away.
At most medspas, you’ll get a chance to sit down with a consultant who will listen to your concerns and educate you on the choices you have. At this visit, the professional may examine your skin and ask about your medical history and recommend suitable treatments. This is also your chance to ask questions. You might want to know how long the procedure will take, if it will hurt, or how many sessions you will need.
At this point, ask how much it will all cost. Of course, remember, certain treatments require multiple visits, so the first cost may not be the final cost. When you have these consultations, this does not obligate you to move forward. It’s perfectly reasonable if you’d rather think things over.
What to Expect with Different Treatments
One reason medspas can be confusing is that treatments vary widely. For instance, a hydrating facial is not the same as a chemical peel or an injectable treatment. Facials usually involve cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing the skin. They’re often a popular starting point for people exploring professional skincare.
Chemical peels are the application of exfoliating solutions to treat certain skin problems, but they vary in strength and recovery time. Microneedling is the act of creating small controlled wounds in the skin, which causes the skin to repair itself. What is normal is temporary redness and sensitivity.
Botox and dermal fillers, however, are injectable treatments where special attention must be paid to the qualifications of the practitioner, medical suitability, and possible complications. There is no one best treatment. What works for someone else may not be right for your skin, budget, or expectations.
Getting Ready for Your First Appointment
Once you’ve booked, you may be wondering if there’s anything you need to do in advance. The answer to this question will depend on the treatment you choose.
You might have to stay away from some skin care ingredients, sun exposure, or other treatments in the days before your appointment. Others might consider the preparation fairly simple. Your provider will give you specific directions, but here are some general tips:
- Bring a list of medications, allergies, or other pertinent medical information.
- Be ready to talk about your current skincare routine and any past cosmetic procedures.
- Ask if you need to avoid makeup or certain products beforehand.
- Allow enough time for paperwork and any necessary consultation.
If you’re not sure about something, ask the clinic rather than guess, and don’t be tempted to try a tonne of new skincare products right before your appointment. Annoying your skin beforehand isn’t likely to make it any more fun.
Upon Arrival
Walking into a medspa for the first time can be a bit intimidating, especially if you’ve never had a professional aesthetic treatment before. Luckily, it’s usually pretty easy. You’ll normally be seen by a member of staff who will check you in, fill in any forms required, and discuss your treatment. Depending on the procedure, you may have to remove your makeup, wear the right kind of clothes, or have the area being treated cleaned.
Your practitioner should explain what they are going to do and ensure you understand the procedure before they begin. If something isn’t clear, say so.
Eric is a professional news editor, writer, and blogger for the last 10 years. He is working with NewsGater as an off-beat news editor cum writer.