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Ask Charmayne | What Are the Differences Between a Medical Spa & Day Spa?
Q – CHARMAYNE, WHY DOES RENEW CALL ITSELF A MEDICAL SPA? IS THERE REALLY A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A MEDICAL SPA AND A DAY SPA?
A –
You’re looking for a spa because you want to relax, be pampered and heck – while you’re at it – take care of those fine lines and wrinkles popping up out of nowhere (that’s literally how it happens, right?).
But not all spas are created equal – especially medical spas and day spas – so let’s talk about the differences and which one is right for you.
What Are The Differences Between A Medical Spa & Day Spa?
When you hear the word spa, you’re probably imagining relaxation, tranquility and soothing music.
And that is definitely the goal of most spas.
But one of the biggest differences between a medical spa and day spa is in the results you’re seeking.
MEDICAL SPA
A medical spa – like Renew – wants you to not only feel good, we want you to look good as well (if that’s your goal, of course!).
THEREFORE, A MEDICAL SPA (OR MED SPA) OFFERS THESE DISTINCT DIFFERENCES —
- A med spa has a medical director that not only oversees the operation, but usually performs medical treatments like BOTOX® and filler injections, and other advanced skincare services as well as vaginal rejuvenation.
At Renew, Dr. Rochelle Elijah acts as the owner and medical director!
- Along with a medical director, med spas have Medical Aestheticians (that’s me, Charmayne!) that have added training to perform more aggressive skincare treatments like dermaplaning, microneedling, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and laser hair removal.
- You’ll typically see medical-grade skincare products at a med spa as well. Products like these offer a higher strength of active ingredients that can potentially create significant results for your customized treatments.
- Therefore, the treatments you’ll find at a medical spa are geared towards creating results for you which can be achieved with medical-grade skin rejuvenation and tightening, body sculpting, laser hair removal, injections and fillers and intimate health.
DAY SPA
Day spas are all about your comfort!
- A medical director is not required for a day spa and most likely you’ll see various people — including estheticians, cosmetologists, and resort or spa management companies — own and operate these businesses (depending on the laws for each state).
- A day spas goal is to help you feel relaxed and comfortable from start to finish by offering skincare services and body and wellness treatments that are non-medical.
- You’ll see that day spas offer everything from facials and massages, to waxing, lash and brow, spray tan, make-up application and nail services. You may even see that some day spas offer light medical treatments like microneedling or chemical peels – this all depends on state laws and varying factors.
I hope this helps you understand the differences between a medical spa (like Renew) and a day spa.
Both offer unique services for your specific desires.
And sometimes if you’re looking for specific results — a med spa could be just the type of spa you’re looking for!
Renew Medical Spa • Laser • Wellness in Downtown Pueblo
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Do you know what the true fountain of youth is? (If that made you think of the movie Death Becomes Her and their “immortality treatment”, it did the same for us!) Aside from a healthy lifestyle, strong self-care, and a positive attitude—we’d have to say collagen ranks up there with the fountain of youth. We know there’s no stopping the clock or test of time, but if we want to slow it down, the increased production of collagen in your skin can absolutely help a youthful appearance (and I think we all want a little piece of that pie!). Please allow us to introduce you to Radiesse® dermal filler—a collagen stimulator that works with your body to reveal a refreshed look. What Is Radiesse Filler? We fell in love with this product and company ( Merz Aesthetics ) from the very beginning because of what they offer and how it works to suit your unique needs. Radiesse is an FDA-approved dermal filler option that may give volume to areas that need help to smooth facial wrinkles, folds, and even hands. How Radiesse Filler Works “Collagen is the main structural protein in our skin—it’s what helps it feel and look tight, taught, and youthful. As we age, the production of collagen slows down, causing skin to sag. RADIESSE is a collagen stimulator. It stimulates the body’s process of generating collagen and encourages growth, for a more refreshed appearance, so beauty can bloom.” – RADIESSE®/Merz Aesthetics This unique dermal filler is made up of CaHA (calcium hydroxylapatite) gel microspheres that get to work upon injection. Most often, you should see immediate volume before the appointment is over and it continues to work long after by stimulating your own natural collagen (which creates that voluminous look). As time passes, the body metabolizes the CaHA gel and you’re left with your very own natural collagen to help maintain a youthful appearance—which is why this treatment can last longer than most other fillers . What Can I Expect During and After My Appointment? First and foremost, we highly recommend finding the right cosmetic injector . With research and consultation(s), you should be well on your way to finding the right fit for you! Once it’s time for your dermal filler injections, you’ll be given the option of numbing cream to help ease any discomfort that could be associated with the procedure. During this time, you and your cosmetic injector will have ongoing discussions on where you’ll be injected and the look you want to achieve. Aside from signing forms and numbing, the actual injections typically only take 15 minutes or so. As for what happens after your appointment—most people see volume or correction soon after injection and full results within a week or two. Maintenance and follow-up appointments are recommended which will be decided upon between you and your injector. It’s normal to experience swelling, bruising, and some discomfort but please consult with your skincare professional if any of those symptoms persist. What Are the Side Effects? If you have any of the following, Radiesse may not be the right dermal filler for you— • Allergy to any component of the product • History of severe allergies • Bleeding Disorder • Pregnant or breastfeeding • Allergy to lidocaine or medicines like it • Skin infection With any dermal filler, please thoroughly go over the intake forms and have an open conversation with your cosmetic injector about any concerns you may have. How Does Radiesse Differ from Other Dermal Fillers? One of the biggest differences with Radiesse is the use of CaHA (calcium hydroxylapatite) gel microspheres that stimulate the production of collagen versus hyaluronic acid that’s used by most other dermal fillers like Juvederm. Both fillers plump and add volume, but Radiesse works with your body for a long-lasting approach. Radiesse is best used for— • Back of hands for loss of volume • Smoothing facial wrinkles, especially around the nose and mouth • Volume loss in the cheek area • Reshape jawline • Contour the nose area Radiesse has quickly become one of our favorite dermal fillers at Renew! We love how it not only gives us the ability to add volume and reshape, but it also works with your body to produce natural collagen for long-lasting results—which is a key component to the fountain of youth (or at least looking refreshed!).