Day Spa & Med Spa Difference

Day Spas vs. Med Spas – What’s the Difference?

Everyone loves a spa day! It’s the perfect way to relax and destress – rejuvenating your face, body, and skin. But when you’re considering some “self-care” the difference between a Day Spa and a Med Spa (aka “medical spa” or “medi-spa”) can be confusing.

In this article the face, skin and body experts at AMAE Med Spa in Birmingham, MI explain the differences between a Day Spa and a Med Spa.

Day Spa: No Doctors or Nurses

Day spas offer personal care treatments that are not performed under the supervision of a licensed physician. In most cases the emphasis at Day Spas is on relaxation – and includes more superficial services such as massages, manicures and pedicures, aromatherapy, less invasive facials, reflexology and wraps.

At certain Day Spas, a cosmetologist or aesthetician may also provide specialized treatments such as hair removal or eyebrow microblading. Other Day Spas may be integrated with a salon and provide hair, makeup and other purely cosmetic services.

However, Day Spas are not operated under the supervision of a doctor (medical director) – so there are many treatments that they legally cannot, or should not, perform.

Med Spa Benefits over a Day Spa

A Med Spa, on the other hand, operates under the guidance and supervision of a licensed physician. And, in most cases – unlike a Day Spa – a Med Spa will also have a physician’s assistant, nurse and/or licensed medical aesthetician on staff.

In the case of AMAE Med Spa, we operate under the direction of renowned board certified plastic surgeon Dr. M. Azhar Ali. We also have a full time physician’s assistant and a licensed medical aesthetician on staff at all times as well. Operating under the direction of a doctor enables a Med Spa to offer far more services than a Day Spa.

While Med Spas also offer relaxation and pampering in a luxurious environment, they also offer more powerful, medical grade treatments that provide longer lasting improvements to the face, skin and body than is available in a Day Spa.

Med spas are essentially redefined doctor’s offices that provide patients with high-quality clinical grade procedures, using state-of-the-art technology combined with medical expertise from a doctor and medical staff.

What Day Spas Can’t Do

Under Michigan law 333.16215 Botox, dermal fillers, Kybella and other injectables may only be administered by a medical professional under the supervision or direction of a physician. Similarly, Michigan law states that microdermabrasion is limited to the direct supervision and control of a licensed physician.

Additionally, many more powerful laser and radio frequency treatments must be performed under the supervision of a doctor, according to Michigan law. Under Michigan Act 368 333.16276 use of laser for skin procedures, supervision of a licensed physician is required.

Similarly, while CoolSculpting is commonly referred to as a “cosmetic” treatment, cryolipolysis (fat freezing) technology is considered the practice of medicine and must be performed under a doctor’s direction in Michigan.

If a cosmetologist, salon or non-physician directed Day Spa is performing any of these services, they are practicing outside the scope of their licensed profession and they are offering these services illegally.

Choosing a Med Spa Instead of a Day Spa

When deciding between a Day Spa and a Med Spa, if you desire longer lasting results, and a more in-depth revitalization of your skin and body, then a Med Spa is clearly the better alternative.

Additionally, a physician will understand the physiology of the body to achieve superior results. And, while complications from spa treatments are very rare, it is essential to have medical staff on hand should a patient ever experience a side effect, negative reaction or other problem.

AMAE Med Spa in Birmingham, MI offers the same pampering and relaxation of a Day Spa in an equally luxurious setting – but with the latest, long-lasting medical technologies delivered in the safest and most hygienic medical environment.

If you are considering a Day Spa in the Birmingham, MI area – consider AMAE Med Spa instead!

Call AMAE Med Spa: 248.335.7200