What is the definition of Aesthetic Medicine?

“A branch of medicine focused on satisfying the aesthetic desires and goals of patients.  This specialty is primarily focused on the pathophysiology of aging skin and adheres to scientific based procedures.  Physicians practicing Aesthetic Medicine are trained in non-invasive treatment modalities and typically utilize combination treatments to meet the needs of the patient.” International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine.

The Anti-Aging Skincare Market and The Medical Spa

There is a revolution of anti-aging products and services sweeping North America. Anti-aging services include hair removal and skin rejuvenation treatments with laser, microdermabrasion, advanced facial treatments with cosmecueticals, body sculpting,  wellness programs with the use of nutraceucticals and lifestyle counseling.

Recent studies predict that light devices designed for permanent hair reduction, skin rejuvenation, diminished wrinkles, acne treatments and cellulite reduction will be the fastest growing segment of the esthetic and medical spa market in the upcoming years. This new generation of light devices is expected to have a major impact on the cosmedic market due to their wide array of low cost applications, and wide range of treatment protocols.

There are many definitions of a medical spa; it can be a wellness centre, a doctor’s office with spa services, or a spa with medical exams and anti-aging treatments.  The medical spa of today focuses on total wellness with maintenance and prevention. Doctors are discovering that spa services are beneficial to their patients for relaxation, to relieve anxiety, and also medically beneficial for pre and post-surgery.   Physicians and estheticians can learn from each other while working as a team to mutually benefit their clients.

The Medical Spa

"Medical spa services" are loosely defined as those less complicated, mainly cosmetic medical procedures that must be performed by appropriately licensed personnel and delivered in a consumer-indulgent environment.

Common examples of such services include laser hair removal, vascular therapy, and skin rejuvenation, microdermabrasion, intense pulsed light ("IPL") skin tightening and cosmedic injectables. Medical spa services can be offered alone or in conjunction with more traditional spa services, facials, manicures, pedicures massage, and complementary products, like cosmecueticals and nutraceuticals.