Archive for June, 2009

Tips for Medical Spa treatments

Monday, June 1st, 2009

A medical spa is a hybrid between a medical clinic and a day spa that operates under the supervision of medical doctor. Medical spas can treat facial conditions like brown spots, redness, broken capillaries that cannot be treated at all or as effectively by a traditional esthetician. They also specialize in laser hair removal and Botox and fillers. At medical spa you can get undergo sessions to help reduce cellulite, and get a traditional facial or a session of message therapy all at the same place.

Medical spas vary in type from individual or corporate owned beauty and skin spas to physician owned spas with affiliated surgical facilities. So chances are you will be able to find a medical spa that offers the procedure you want with all the amenities to make your experience an enjoyable one. So, in many cases, if you are just going in for a regular facial and looking for products to improve your skin, you will have the advantage of being able to get the advice of a trained physician, studied in a wide range of skin and facial aesthetics.

What to expect from a Medical Spa?

Thermal waters, mineral salts, and mineral-rich mud treatments are known to benefit certain conditions. Medical conditions and other factors that benefit from medical spa treatments include:

  • Rheumatism, arthritis, and other connective tissue disorders
  • Relaxing and soothing atmosphere including all the pampering and service you would expect from a spa
  • Skin conditions including psoriasis
  • Muscle and circulation problems
  • Digestive disorders
  • A variety of skin care products and creams available for take home use
  • Diabetes
  • Allergies
  • Seasonal affective disorder
  • Licensed aestheticians or health care personnel to help with your individual skin and body care needs
  • Urinary, kidney and respiratory problems

If you’re searching for insider information about your medical spa destination of choice, head on-line for any feedback from patients and even contact the owner or doctor via e-mail for an overview of the facility. Here are some tips on finding medical spas that ensure patient safety:

1. Search on-line for reviews

2. Check the doctor’s qualifications

3. Steer clear of lasers

4. Make sure the doctor will be present during your treatment

5.  Get a second opinion

Loving yourself inside and out is following your safety

Monday, June 1st, 2009

If you are considering cosmetic surgery, you must be honest with yourself. Why do you want surgery and, what do you expect surgery to do for you? There are two categories of patients who are good candidates for surgery. The first includes patients with a strong self-image, who are bothered by a physical characteristic that they’d like to improve or change. The second category includes patients who have a physical defect that has diminished their self-esteem over time.

If you’re thinking about getting cosmetic surgery, it’s your job to become an informed consumer. Selecting a qualified doctor, with a lot of training and experience in the procedure you’d like to get, is essential.

Ask the right questions to get the best treatment:

  • What state is the doctor licensed to practice surgery?
  • Is the doctor board certified? With which board? The doctor should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
  • How many years has the doctor performed this type of surgery?
  • What are the risks of the procedure?
  • Who administers the anesthesia? Ideally, this person is a board-certified anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse anesthetist.
  • Does the doctor have life-saving equipment and monitoring devices?

Plastic Surgeons are actively involved in patient education aimed at informing patients about how their lifestyle choices may affect their safety as well as their outcomes when undergoing a cosmetic surgery procedure. Some of the lifestyle factors that your surgeon may wish to discuss with you in your consultation may include your current weight, history of weight fluctuations, nutrition habits, vitamins and herbal supplements taken and exercise habits.

Other Important Factors to Consider for Your Safety

Multiple Procedures: A responsible physician will place your safety first, and will explain to you that only a certain number of procedures can be performed simultaneously to ensure your safety. The Plastic Surgeons opposes the performance of multiple, lengthy procedures that involve the risk of major blood loss.

Length of Procedures: If your procedure is going to take longer than six hours, your surgeon should ensure that your surgery is performed at a facility equipped for such a procedure, and that there will be adequate postoperative care and monitoring.

Risk of blood clots: Some people have a higher risk of developing blood clots in their extremities that can travel to their lungs and heart, possibly causing their death. Your surgeon and surgical facility must be qualified to ensure the safety of the following higher risk patients.

Extent of Blood Loss: Your surgeon or your general physician should perform appropriate blood testing before surgery to ensure that you are not anemic or prone to excessive bleeding. Also, procedures with anticipated blood loss should be performed at facilities where adequate blood and blood components are readily available for infusions.

Please remember to take your plastic surgery endeavor seriously. After all, it is no different than any other surgery that you might undergo. Nonetheless, every year millions of people undergo plastic surgery procedures safely, with the joy of having the outcome that they were seeking.