Although similar in name, medical spas are different from day spas. For a traditional spa appointment, all you’ll need to do is get ready for some relaxation but preparing for a med spa visit is a bit more involved. With help from an expert, you can select treatments that improve your skin’s health and appearance. Read on for a few tips on preparing for your first med spa visit.
Schedule Treatments with Plenty of Healing Time
Many day spa treatments, including massages and facials, offer instant results—making them popular with those planning events. With natural beauty enhancement procedures, however, it’s crucial to build recovery time into the process.
To allow for healing, don’t schedule appointments immediately before significant events. Spa staff can offer estimated healing times for intensive treatments, including touch-ups.
Limit the Use of Supplements and Medications Before a Procedure
When scheduling medical beauty treatments, the spa’s team members can tell you which supplements and medications to avoid. Aspirin, for instance, is a potent anticoagulant (blood thinner) that increases the risk of swelling and bruising. Certain dietary supplements also cause harmful effects.
Consuming alcohol or tobacco the night before an appointment will negatively affect circulation in the face. With ample hydration and adherence to professional recommendations, patients can minimize the effects of med spa treatments and heal faster.
Dress for the Occasion
Appearances are everything, and med spa visits are no exception. Don’t wear jewelry to an appointment, because you’ll likely be asked to take it off before the treatment begins. Dress neatly but comfortably, so you can be as relaxed as possible during the procedure. Wear what you’d normally wear to a doctor’s appointment, and you’ll be fine.
Don’t Be Late – Be Early Instead
As with other things in life, it’s better to be early for a med spa appointment than it is to be late. Arriving on time leaves you with time to relax and it keeps the spa on schedule. Before the first treatment, you’ll have paperwork to sign and medical questions to answer. Standard forms typically include a list of post-treatment dos and don’ts. Give yourself time to review this information thoroughly, so you’ll know what to expect and get the best possible results.
Wash Up Before the Appointment
No matter which treatment you’re having, it’s important to arrive at the med spa with hydrated, clean skin. Don’t wear makeup, even though the esthetician or nurse will clean the skin before treatment. Avoiding foundation and heavy moisturizers will ensure an on-time start and optimal treatment results.
Offer Honest Feedback
Medical spas provide semi-permanent or permanent results depending on the procedure, and patients should be honest about their expectations. Honest and ongoing feedback during an appointment will let the esthetician or nurse know how you’re feeling about the treatment and its results.
During follow-up procedures, let the provider know if there was something you did not like during the first visit. In some cases, touch-ups reinforce results, In every case, they allow a patient’s outward appearance to reflect their inner self. When patients offer unfiltered, unbiased feedback, they build stronger relationships with providers.

Maintain the Results Long After the Treatment
When visiting med spas, you’ll have access to products and services that are different from those promoted at day spas and sold over the counter. Professionals will offer suggestions on how to maintain treatment results, and they’ll also recommend follow-up care.
Patients should work with their providers to create customized beauty plans that address their specific needs. Med spas have the tools, equipment, and methods to improve skin health, making it look better and more youthful. Learn more by filling out our online form or calling to schedule a consultation with a provider.
Schedule an Appointment
Those who visit med spas do so because they expect results. While visitors often enjoy some rest and relaxation along with many of the amenities found in traditional spas, a medical spa’s primary focus is to address skin concerns and offer results. If you want healthy, glowing, and youthful skin, consider scheduling an appointment at a med spa.