When you think of relaxation, the doctor’s office probably doesn’t come immediately to mind. The spa, however, has long been a go-to place for women to put their feet up, de-stress and be pampered and rejuvenated. Now, a new trend in the spa industry has been popping up throughout Westchester – hybrid establishments called MediSpas offering much more than just facials and manicures.
What is a MediSpa?
Just like traditional spas, each MediSpa offers something different, but typically the “Medi” part of the business means that although the typical “spa” elements exist, a licensed health care professional is also on hand to administer beauty-enhancing medical treatments – think Botox, lasers and more. Often, MediSpas also employ a board certified plastic surgeon that can also perform procedures like breast augmentation and liposuction.
With plastic surgery becoming an increasingly common part of many beauty routines, it makes sense for doctors to cater to their patients in the most appealing environment possible – a relaxing spa-like office. MediSpas put all of your serious beauty needs under one roof.
What do they offer?
Perhaps the reason MediSpas are more popular than ever is that there are so many new, innovative treatments available that fall somewhere between major surgery and a facial. For example, according to Stephanie Susnjara of Bellava MedAesthetics and Plastic Surgery Center in Bedford Hills, one of the most popular treatments on offer at Bellava is CoolSculpting. This innovative, non-invasive procedure is designed to contour problem areas of the body where it is typically very difficult to lose extra fat, even with diet and exercise. Love handles, muffin top, neck rolls, the tummy, or any problem areas are targeted in the treatment. An applicator is placed on the skin to cool fat cells. After the treatment, those fat cells will break down and be dispelled from the body within a few months – although some initial results may be seen as early as three weeks after treatment. Other popular treatments offered include permanent laser hair removal, Photofacials, Microdermabrasion, chemical peels, traditional facials, HydraFacials, body wraps, and eyebrow tinting and waxing.
At Radiance Westchester in Mount Kisco, the most popular spa treatments include the Dermapen Collagen Induction Therapy and Fractional Skin Resurfacing. Both procedures resurface and improve the overall look of the skin. “We infuse serums into the skin with these treatments, basically, it’s a collagen builder that will give you a more youthful looking appearance. It will minimize pore size, and help with fine lines and wrinkles,” says Radiance’s Head Aesthetician JaimeFarlese.
Considering Surgery?
Procedures such as the Dermapen and CoolSculpting are usually performed by licensed aestheticians like Farlese, but Radiance and Bellava do both employ board certified plastic surgeons. At Bellava, it’s Chang Soo Kim, M.D., and according to Susnjara, the most popular surgery performed at their facility is breast augmentation. “Breast surgery, along with the other surgeries Kim performs (including tummy tuck, face lift, laser liposuction, eyelift) are carried out in our Joint Commission accredited medical suite. With full accreditation, Bellava’s standards of safety are on the same level as freestanding medical centers and short-term surgical centers in hospitals. “Joint Commission accreditation means that we have met or exceeded rigorous standards for patient safety, HIPPA and OSHA compliance, qualified staff members and excellent patient care outcomes,” she says. At Radiance, liposuction and laser liposuction are the most sought after procedures. Laser liposuction involves tightening the skin after fat has been removed.
What are the risks?
Obviously, the decision to go under the knife deserves careful consideration. Farlese says she often sees patients come in for more minor treatments at first, and eventually inquire about getting more invasive work done. Plastic surgery should be approached with the same caution as any other surgery, both Bellava and Radiance require patients to be screened to make sure they are healthy enough for surgery. In terms of the precautions that should surround other procedures, Susnjara says, “In terms of MediSpa procedures such as laser hair removal and Photofacials, patients must avoid excess sun exposure but this can be accomplished with using a good sunscreen.”
Always inquire about precautions and post- treatment guidance to ensure safety and get the best results with any procedure.
Rachel Wallace is a Westchester-based writer.
