What Is a Med Spa? How Is It Different from a Dermatology Office?

Medical spas – known as “med spas” for short – have gained popularity in recent years. But if you’ve never visited one before, you may be wondering: What is a med spa, and what makes it different from a regular spa or a dermatology practice? We’re here to tell you everything you need to know about medical spas, including how to decide on the best place to visit for your skin care needs.

As compared to regular day spas, the biggest thing that sets med spas apart is the treatments and services they provide. These facilities offer the soothing, therapeutic treatments you’d typically expect to find at a traditional spa, such as massages and facials. But unlike regular spas, they are also authorized to provide many of the same specialized skin care procedures as a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon.

Clinical procedures can be offered at med spas because these establishments must be run or overseen by a medical doctor. A few examples of professional skin care treatments you might find at a med spa include:

Injectables such as Botox, Juvederm and Restylane
Acne treatments such as chemical peels and laser/light therapies

If you visit a med spa for a non-invasive procedure such as a massage or a superficial chemical peel, you will likely be served by a licensed skin care professional called an esthetician. However, all medical treatments – including injectables and laser therapies – must be administered by the physician who oversees the practice.

Med Spa or Dermatologist: Which Is Right for Me?

Hopefully we’ve provided a clear answer to “what is a med spa?” and you understand how these practices differ from dermatologists and regular spas. Now, we’d like to offer a bit of advice on choosing the right skin care provider for your needs: Dermatologists are experts in conditions of the hair, skin and nails. They can offer comprehensive treatment for all of your dermatologic concerns, thus eliminating the need to see multiple providers.

If you’re willing to splurge for a relaxing spa experience while you address your skin care needs, a medical spa might be just the place for you. But the bottom line is, there’s really no need to visit a med spa for your skin care – a dermatologist can provide all of the same advanced procedures, plus prescribe oral and/or topical medications for skin conditions like acne or psoriasis.

Visit Kessel Dermatology for Superior Skin Care

Seeking an all-in-one skin care specialist? You can count on Kessel Dermatology to offer your whole family the safest, most effective treatment methods available for their skin conditions. We also provide a wide array of anti-aging treatments for those interested in achieving more youthful skin.

To learn more about our dermatology services and to schedule an appointment, give us a call today at 609-890-2600. We look forward to being your trusted skin care team.