Before You Start: Things to Ask Your Doctor

Q: What’s the deal with Medical Spa Franchises?

A: Do you research before you go to a Medical Spa instead of a Medical Doctor.

There have been some great advances in Non-Surgical Cosmetic Medicine, especially in the past 5 years. That has led many Doctors to train in these new procedures or add these procedures into their practice. There have also been a number of non-physicians, including businesspeople with little to no medical training, to open “laser centers” or “medical spas” in search of profit.

While this is a great time for patients to experience improvements to their appearance without surgery or prolonged downtime, you have to collect information before you start any treatment plan.

Ask these questions:

• Who will I be consulting with?
• Who will be doing my treatments?
• Who actually owns the facility?
• What is the educational background of my practitioner?
• What experience do they have in Non Surgical Cosmetic Medicine?
• Why has a certain procedure been recommended for me?
• How many hours or days a week are they performing these procedures, especially the procedure(s) recommended for me?
• What can I realistically expect to happen after my procedure?
• How long will it take to see results?

I find that most patients prefer to consult with a Medical Doctor experienced in Cosmetic Medicine procedures, and also want to be treated by a Doctor. It is your personal decision whether you feel comfortable being treated by a practitioner other than a Medical Doctor.

If you do receive treatment by someone besides a Doctor, make sure that individual can legally perform your procedure in your state, and can demonstrate that they have enough knowledge and experience to put you at ease. If a Doctor is only “supervising” the procedure, some states may require the Doctor to be in the office. Many patients (and doctors) feel this is simply better patient care. I would definitely agree.

I’m concerned about businesses that are owned by non-medical businesspeople. Often, such businesses will spend a lot on marketing proclaiming how beautiful you’ll look, and how affordable your “med spa” experience will be. These same businesses will fail to mention the fact that you may never see a Medical Doctor, much less be treated by one.

ou may also get “sold” on a package you don’t need, since many “med spas” and “laser centers” are indeed businesses, and not doctor’s offices. Beware low prices - many times you’ll get what you paid for.

There are many types of treatment facilities, and different levels of quality. There are “med spas” owned by Medical Doctors who are very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about caring for Cosmetic Medicine patients - and this shows when you talk with that Doctor. There are also “med spas” whose owners are mainly focused on selling you whatever you are willing to buy, regardless of whether it’s the best treatment for you.

Sometimes, even going to see a Doctor may not result in a good experience; a few Doctors may consider Non-Surgical treatments as just “another source of revenue” for their main practice, and may not as interested as other Doctors in constantly educating themselves about the newest medical technology available.

You must do your research and be informed. Ask plenty of questionns, request references, and search the Internet for information about a “med spa” before you go. Your work before signing up will pay dividends.