A medical spa is a non-invasive, medical-grade aesthetic practice that offers non-surgical cosmetic treatments, like laser hair removal or injectables. Unlike traditional day spas, these clinics are staffed by licensed healthcare professionals and typically have on-site physicians to oversee all services.

Medical-grade beauty treatments offer the same benefits as invasive cosmetic procedures, such as facial contouring, cellulite reduction and weight loss. The difference is the med spa’s emphasis on client safety and its use of state-of-the-art technology in a comfortable environment with well-trained and highly competent staff members.

Medical Spa: What to Expect from a Rejuvenating Experience

While it’s important for clients to feel safe, there are some concerns with the way med spas operate. For instance, if Medspa doesn’t require its providers to be certified in injectables or is staffed by PAs or NPs who do not have their own medical licenses, that could lead to a malpractice lawsuit.

Also, the law varies widely in different states about who can work at and own a medspa. Some states follow a doctrine called the corporate practice of medicine that says only physicians can own and run a medical practice, while others have laws that allow non-physicians to partner with or own a medspa.

Additionally, the training and scope of practice for physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses can vary significantly between states. For example, if a medspa provides a service like SculpSure, which affects living cells in the body, the supervising physician must be knowledgeable about the treatment and understand the risks and benefits.