Botox Before Picking Up The Kids From Car Pool?
Unhappy with the lines developing between her eyebrows, Cindy Johnston of Seattle, WA, popped into a local med spa at the mall in between doing summer clothes shopping for her two kids, ages 9 and 11. “I was able to go right in without a wait and a licensed medical professional gave me a few shots that felt like tiny mosquito bites, and I was out 22 minutes later. I even went back to my office later, the same day, and no one could tell I had some work done.”
Cindy is one of the millions of consumers that can go to a nearby and conveniently local spa (or Medical Spa) and purchase aesthetic procedures and services.
A Medical Spa, according to the International Medical Spa Association (IMSA) is defined as a facility that operate under the full-time, on-site supervision of a licensed health care professional whose primary purpose is to provide comprehensive medical and wellness care in an environment that integrates spa services, as well as traditional, complimentary and/or alternative therapies and treatments.
The IMSA reports the number of medical spas in the United States has jumped from 50 in 2002 when Botox injections won federal approval, to about 2,500 in 2006.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgery, over 11 million cosmetic procedures were performed in 2006, an increase of over 50% from 2000. Consumers made 1.9 million visits to medical spas in 2004, up from 1.1 million in 2000, spending $226 million in 2004, up from $69 million in the year 2000, according to the International Spa Association (ISPA).
There is a myriad of factors that are fueling this growth, including Baby Boomers turning 60 and not wanting to look their age. Another factor is the growing frustration and resentment that doctors have with declining and delayed reimbursements from insurance companies. Aesthetic procedures aren’t covered by insurance and doctors can receive cash or credit card payments up front.
Even third party financing companies that offer patients zero percent financing pay the doctors or med spas within 24 to 72 hours.
Among the most common procedures that consumers seek are fillers for wrinkles such as Botox, Radiesse and Restalyne as well as procedures to remove unwanted hair, unsightly veins, age spots, cellulite and facial redness.
Many of these procedures require multiple visits to achieve the desired results; otherwise, the effects of the procedure wear off a few months later (such as wrinkle fillers). Many practices or spas charge by individual treatments or you can buy a package that includes multiple treatment including a free treatment or until you achieve the desired result. In most instances, packages make more economic sense for both the spa and the client.
The most successful Medical Spas view themselves as a comprehensive care program, such as Blue Med Spa in Atlanta, GA. They see their primary goal to educate consumers so they can make informed decisions about their aesthetic concerns.
Since aesthetic procedures can be pricey, Botox injections for forehead brow wrinkles will probably cost around $400 and a single Laser Hair Removal Session can be $100 - $500 (depending on the body part).
Medical Spas that offer payment plans can appeal to a middle–income demographic and not just to the upper –middle class or the affluent sector of the market.
According to Susan Richardson, Vice-President of Marketing at Unicorn Financial Services, “Unicorn has recognized what consumers really want is 24 months no interest payment plans to pay for their cosmetic procedures. Instead of charging $6,000 on a credit card, the consumer has the attractive and affordable option of making 24 monthly payments of $250 without any interest.” This has really brought the middle income consumer into the fold, thereby not limiting aesthetic procedures and services to the upper echelon of society.
The typical, target demographic is urban, professional women, ages 39 – 53 with household incomes of $75,000 or more. The typical Medical Spa client typically ends up spending about $2,000 a year at their local Medical Spa. Often the client may come in to get one procedure done, such as a chemical peel to brighten their complexion and she may learn that she can get a series of treatments over a few months that will reduce the appearance of cellulite.
There are many different models and structures for these kinds of luxury aesthetic centers. Sometimes, the doctor designates a section of his existing practice to their medical spa. A standalone Medical Spa is more luxurious in nature with high end touches such as beautiful fabrics, teas, soft large comfortable chairs, soft lighting and candles and does not have the cold, sterile, clinical feel that a hospital or clinic may have.
Such a medical spa or center could be either doctor owned, entrepreneur-owned or corporate owned, i.e. by a chain of company owned centers.
Often, salons or traditional day spas will have a special room where medical practitioners come in at designated times and perform procedures. The doctors rely on the host business to refer and promote their services. The disadvantage is that the salon or day spa staff may not be as medically-oriented as the staff at a medical practice.
From a consumer standpoint, it is most appropriate to visit a medical spa that has an on-site physician to supervise and/or oversee your procedures, services and care, and be there for you in case of a burn, problem or complication, regardless of who owns it.
Clinical oversight can vary. Some States have tough laws designed to protect consumers from unqualified or poorly trained professionals performing procedures with little Medical Director Supervision.
Some Medical Spas have “ghost” Medical Directors, meaning that they have a Medical Director although he/she is not on site, and does not actually come in to supervise procedures.
New Jersey has some of the strictest laws in the country and doctors are required to perform injectibles and operate laser equipment. Florida recently enacted tougher legislation that requires Plastic Surgeons or Dermatologists to be the Medical Director for medical aesthetic centers.
When visiting a Medical Spa, don’t assume that just because someone is wearing a white coat, they are qualified or experienced to perform a certain procedure. Be sure to ask some of the following questions of the spa staff before booking non-invasive procedures or treatments (e.g. microdermabrasion, photo-facials, IPL, laser hair removal and peels):
Who performs the treatments I want to book
What are his or her qualifications?
If he or she was trained in the procedure I require and when/where?
How many times has the person performed this procedure in the past?
Do you have a list of previous clients I can contact?
Do you have before and after photographs that I can view?
How long have you been in business?
What are your costs for the procedure I am interested in?
Are there any additional or hidden costs?
Is the technology in use at the facility designed for my skin type?
Is it FDA approved or do you perform the procedure off label?
Be sure to ask the following questions of spa staff before booking minimally invasive procedures and laser treatments (e.g. BOTOX and filler injections, ThermAge, etc):
Will the doctor himself/herself be performing the service or procedure?
If not, who will? Are they licensed by State law to perform the procedure?
What licenses and degrees do the medical staff members have?
Is your doctor board certified in the specialty I am interested in?
How often is the doctor physically present at the facility?
Will the doctor see me should complications occur?
What is your emergency protocol in case of complications?
What are the risks and side effects involved in this procedure?
What medication(s) will be on hand to alleviate pain should I need them?
Do you have a list of previous patients whom I may contact?
Do you have before and after photographs that I can view?
Who is the owner of this medical spa? Is it doctor or non-physician owned?
In conclusion, more and more consumers are seeking aesthetic procedures and before rushing into having a procedure or treatment, it would be wise to ensure that the med spa, practice or center where you are receiving these procedures or treatments are qualified and experienced in what they are delivering to you, and that your safety and efficacy are both protected. You can play a key role in protecting yourself by doing your home work and asking the right questions because once you select the right med spa and physician, they could become your destination for non-invasive or minimally invasive procedures and services without having to shop around.
Jasmine Eger is a day spa, med spa and aesthetic practice development professional who has assisted over 100 spas, medical spas and practices fulfill their needs from recruitment to marketing and management. She holds a BA degree from the University of California at Berkeley and can be reached at jasmine_eger@yahoo.com
Mac Fadra is an entrepreneur, investor, venture manager and consultant in the cosmetic medical industry. His company, Cosmetic Medical Partners, co-owns, advises and manages centers and companies in the hair restoration, cosmetic surgery, LASIK, anti-aging, and other cosmetic medical sectors. He can be reached at macfadra@aol.com
His company’s web site is: http://www.cosmeticmedicalpartners.com
Tags: aesthetic procedures, aesthetics industry, Baby Boomers botox, botox, Medical Spa, Medispa, MedSpa
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