What a body treatment visit involves
Body treatment visits differ by method, though most follow a pattern:
- A consultation about your health, medicines and the area.
- A look at the area, and sometimes measurements or photos for your record.
- The treatment itself: an applicator or handpiece placed on the skin, or a massage done by hand.
- Aftercare instructions, such as staying hydrated or what sensations to expect.
- A plan for any further visits, if you choose to go ahead.
A licensed provider decides what is suitable, and you can take time to think before agreeing to anything.
Things a provider may rule out for now
Sometimes a provider decides a body treatment should wait or is off the table. Common reasons include:
- pregnancy or breastfeeding
- recent surgery in the area
- a hernia or unexplained lump in the area
- a pacemaker or implanted device, for some technologies
- skin infection, rash or open wound
- a condition that reacts to cold, for cooling devices
If you hear a no, ask what the reason is and whether a doctor should take a look. That is part of a careful consultation.
If you have a health condition
If you have a heart condition, circulation problems, a history of blood clots, a pacemaker or another implant, or a nerve condition, prepare a little more. Write down the condition, your medicines and the name of the doctor who looks after it. Note any advice they have given you about massage, cold, heat or devices.
Bring this to the consultation and mention it at the start. A licensed provider may suggest checking with your doctor first. That is a sensible step, and it is fine to ask for time before deciding.
Questions about body treatments
What counts as a body treatment?
At a med spa, body treatments usually mean non-surgical services such as body contouring devices, cellulite treatments and lymphatic massage. Contouring devices apply cold, heat or other energy to chosen areas. Lymphatic massage is a gentle manual technique. A licensed provider explains what they offer.
Are body treatments the same as surgery?
No. The body treatments on a med spa menu are non-surgical, with no incisions or general anesthesia. If you want to ask about surgery, a surgeon is the right person to see. A licensed provider at a med spa can tell you when that is the case.
Do my health conditions matter for body treatments?
Yes. Heart and circulation conditions, blood clot history, pacemakers and other implants, metal implants in the area, nerve conditions and cold-related conditions can all matter for certain methods. Bring a full list to the consultation. The provider may suggest checking with your doctor first.
Want to know if a treatment may suit you? Request a consultation with a provider near you.
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