Doctors on hand at medical spas
This week’s expert: Dr. N. Eugene Morrow has been a dermatologist since 1982. He has been the owner and medical director of Seasons Medical Spa in Springfield since 2003. He is a fellow of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery. He researched some of his answers through the American Academy of Dermatology, medicalspaassociation.org and spafinder.com.
Q. What is the difference between a medical spa and a regular spa? Is there a difference in the types of treatments offered?
A. A medical spa is a facility that operates under the full-time, on-site supervision of a licensed health-care professional, according to The International Medical Spa Association, but there are no definitive regulations governing the use of the term “medical spa.”
Medical spas focus on intense treatments that make a significant improvement to the individual’s appearance, without the down-time associated with more invasive procedures. Medical spas may use lasers and intense pulsed light technology, as well as medical microdermabrasion, photofacials, Botox and Juvéderm injections, medical peels and other medical-aesthetic procedures. These are procedures that may be used for skin tightening, permanent hair removal, wrinkle reduction, acne treatment and the fading of brown spots, freckles, pigment irregularities, rosacea and redness.
Medical spas may incorporate other services found in regular spas, such as waxing, massage, make-up, manicures, pedicures, body wraps, soaks and hair-salon services.
Q. What are the most common treatments at your spa?
A. A facial, customized to the individual needs of the client, is the treatment we do most often. A regular monthly facial may relieve stress and, when combined with proper home care, may soften lines, reduce blemishes and renew skin. During a facial, the skin is cleansed, exfoliated and hydrated, and appropriate serums and masks are applied.
Permanent laser hair removal is our most popular treatment. Excessive or unwanted facial or body hair is a common problem for women and men. After a few treatments, clients may no longer have to contend with razor stubble, ingrown hairs or folliculitis.
The medical spa also features injectable treatments for wrinkles, including Botox and Juvéderm.
