Med Spa Lakeland: Difference Between Medical Spa and Dermatologist

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After working non-stop for a week and sleeping late to finish tasks, it’s safe to say that you deserve some pampering and relaxation. What better way to do it than going on a trip to a medical spa! Those like Med spa Lakeland offer a wide range of services that can help you feel rejuvenated and relaxed after a single session. 

At first glance, it might appear that medical spas are similar to a dermatologist center. However, they are quite different. This article will explore the differences between a medical spa and dermatologist clinic/center. Read on to find out more!

What is a Medical Spa?

Medical spas, like Med Spa Lakeland, offers products, treatments, and services that focus on cosmetic issues. They provide a more comprehensive range of services compared to a regular day spa. Guests can still avail of facials and massages, as well as treatments and procedures commonly performed in doctor’s offices, in a more relaxing environment. In a sense, medical spas are like a cross between a traditional day spa and a medical clinic.

Medical spas employ aestheticians rather than dermatologists. This distinction matters because it gives you an idea of what you can expect at a medical spa. Aestheticians are not doctors; they aren’t allowed nor are they qualified to give diagnoses. However, they are quite useful in addressing skin care concerns. In fact, even dermatological centers hire aestheticians for some specific procedures. 

Medical spas are the best places to go if you’re looking for non-invasive cosmetic treatments. However, if you’re looking for a skin diagnosis or for a more in-depth analysis of your skincare routine, it might be better to go to a dermatologist instead. 

What is a Dermatologist?

You might be thinking, “Dermatologists and aestheticians both deal with skin, don’t they?” 

Well the answer is YES, but they are also different in so many ways. 

A dermatologist is a specialized doctor whose goal is to make sure patients maintain good skin with the right diagnoses and treatments. Dermatologists are licensed doctors, which means they have completed four years of training in medical school and four years of residency.

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Cosmetic dermatologists are dermatologists that have undergone the same medial training. Their main goal is also the same—to make sure clients have healthy skin. The only difference is that they’re also willing to address or deal with cosmetic issues that are mostly just a beauty concern, such as fine lines and wrinkles.

Aestheticians, on the other hand, are certified skin specialists that perform cosmetic treatments. However, they are not certified medical doctors nor are they considered cosmetic dermatologists. They simply specialize in skincare from a cosmetic point of view. 

Treatments You Get at a Medical Spa Vs. at a Dermatologist

Sometimes the services and treatments you get from a medical spa like Med Spa Lakeland may seem similar to the ones you get from a dermatologist, especially the ones involving acne treatments. However, the approach is different.

Cosmetic dermatologists take a more clinical approach to skincare. They’ll evaluate your skin’s condition and consider the possibility of skin cancers, sun damage, skin types and other sensitivities that can affect your use of certain products and procedures. 

Cosmetic dermatology approaches skin care in a more comprehensive manner. They look into a number of underlying reasons as to why a client is experiencing certain skin issues, and also look for ways to treat the problem.

So, are there treatments you can get at a medical spa that you are not able to get at a dermatologist? Or are the treatments generally the same? 

A medical spa is the ideal place to get facials, eyebrow tattoos, eyebrow microblading, eyelash treatments and extensions, laser hair removal, and even tattoo removal. So long as the operators are well-trained and well-managed, there shouldn’t be any problem with the treatments you get. 

Laser hair and tattoo removal used to be exclusively only to cosmetic dermatology centers. But nowadays, these laser treatments have evolved to the point where they can be used safely in a medical spa. In fact, laser treatments cost less at medical spas compared to when you get it from a dermatologists’ office. 

However, if you want a treatment that involves injecting anything into your body, then it’s safer to go to a dermatologist. Botox and dermal fillers are popular treatments that you can get from the dermatologist. While these treatments give really good results, they also come with a list of possible side effects. 

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Botox, for instance, is a neurotoxin that has significant possible side effects if incorrectly administered. Dermal fillers are implants injected in the body for a certain period of time, and they come with the risk of infection and allergic reaction. Although both treatment procedures are offered in medical spas and dermatology centers, they should only be done or performed by (or under supervision of) a medical doctor such as a plastic surgeon or a dermatologist.

Difference of Diagnoses at a Medical Spa and a Dermatology Center

The type of evaluation and/or diagnoses performed at a medical spa and a dermatology clinic are also different. Medical spa specialists are not allowed to medically diagnose patients, whereas this is basically the main function of a dermatologist.  

If you have a skin problem, it’s recommended for you to check with your dermatologist and nota medical spa specialist. If you notice some lump, rash, skin lesions, or acne breakouts, then go to a dermatologist. 

Medical spas employ licensed professionals to provide patients with their desired cosmetic needs. However, when it comes to treatments that involve invasive procedures, injections, diagnosis of conditions, or analyzing the root cause of a cosmetic problem, you’re better off with a dermatologist. They’ll be happy to address many of your cosmetic issues, answer any questions you have, and help you with caring for your skin.

Conclusion

Medical spas are the best places to get non-invasive cosmetic procedures. You’ll leave the spa feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after. But if it’s treatment for more serious skin issues you are looking after, then you’re better off spending a day at the dermatology clinic.