A medical spa is a cross between a medical clinic and a day spa. While it often provides the same soothing atmosphere and pampering as a day spa, it also provides an array of results-oriented treatments that can only be provided by people with medical training. Examples of procedures that can only be provided by people with medical training include injections, laser treatments, and the more aggressive forms of chemical peels or dermabrasions.
What is a lunchtime procedure?
A lunchtime procedure is any procedure that takes under an hour to complete and requires no recovery time. The patient can therefore return to work or their normally scheduled activities immediately after treatment. Lunchtime procedures never involve surgery, and the client experiences little discomfort. Examples of lunchtime procedures include Botox injections and microdermabrasion.
What is microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a treatment used to exfoliate the skin. It is non-invasive and does not involve the use of chemicals. In addition to removing the outermost layer of skin, microdermabrasion stimulates the production of elastin and collagen, compounds that give the skin its elasticity and thus keep it from sagging and developing wrinkles. Microdermabrasion can also be used to treat mild, shallow scars and rosacea.
Microdermabrasion takes about 30 to 60 minutes. The doctor will place a hand-held device against the treatment site, and it will emit a stream of aluminum oxide crystals that exfoliate the patient’s skin. The device has a suction built into it that will vacuum up the crystals and dead skin. Far from being painful, microdermabrasion has been described as feeling like a facial massage. The only aftercare needed is applying sunscreen to protect the new skin.
What is IPL?
IPL stands for “Intense Pulsed Light.” Also called a photofacial or fotofacial, it is a treatment used for both wrinkles and discoloration. It works by producing light that penetrates the skin and causes both collagen fibers and blood vessels to constrict, thus reducing both wrinkles and redness. It also stimulates the body into producing more collagen.
The patient will have to wear protective goggles to shield their eyes from the bright light. The doctor will apply a cooling gel on the treatment site to protect it and allow the handpiece emitting the light to glide easily on the skin. Depending on the size of the treatment site, an IPL session can take a few minutes, or it can take an hour. Most clients need around five treatments to get the desired results.
