In recent years, the popularity of medical spas in New York has surged among both men and women. Also known as medi-spas or medspas, they represent a unique hybrid, combining the serene ambiance of a traditional day spa with the advanced procedures and expertise typically associated with a medical clinic.

The essence of a medical spa lies in the goal to merge the best aspects of two in-demand worlds—providing clients with a tranquil spa experience while offering medical-grade procedures and knowledge traditionally confined to a doctor’s office.

If you’re searching for a spa-like experience on Long Island, specifically in Massapequa, consider Skin Space! Skin Space offers a wide range of services, including skin treatments, facial treatments, body treatments, injectables like Botox and Dysport, laser treatments using the latest Venus Versa technology, and more. Our facial treatments are customized to each client’s needs, and their options may include chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or dermaplaning. Our body treatments may include cellulite reduction, body contouring, or laser hair removal. And our injectables, such as Botox and dermal fillers, can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles or add volume to areas like the lips or cheeks.

** All medspa treatments are performed by a Licensed Nurse Practitioner or Physician’s Assistant **

Medspa vs Day Spa: What’s the Difference?

The primary differences between a traditional day spa and a medical spa lie in the menu of procedures offered. Medical spas extend beyond the offerings of average day spas, providing access to specialized medical procedures.

A crucial distinction is that medical spas are required to have an affiliation with, oversight from, or be directly managed by a medical doctor. Although not every procedure is conducted by a doctor, they are executed under the careful supervision of a medical professional like a physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner.

The nature of medical spas can vary significantly based on their location. Some exude the opulence of the day spa you might have enjoyed during a vacation, while others maintain a more clinical atmosphere. Unlike day spas, which primarily emphasize relaxation, the driving force behind most medical spas is achieving tangible results. Whether it’s enhancing aesthetics or addressing specific medical concerns, the focus is on delivering outcomes that go beyond the traditional spa experience.

Treatments Offered at Medical Spas vs Day Spas

Skin Space offers both medspa and day spa services, with the major exception being massages, steams, baths and showers, and mani-pedis.

Medical Spa Services:

1. Injectables (Botox, Dermal Fillers): Medical spas often provide injectable treatments, including Botox and dermal fillers, administered by trained professionals to address wrinkles and restore volume.
2. Laser Hair Removal: Advanced hair removal treatments utilizing laser technology are commonly offered at medical spas for longer-lasting results compared to traditional methods.
3. Skin Resurfacing: Procedures such as laser skin resurfacing and chemical peels, performed under the supervision of medical professionals, can address issues like acne scars, pigmentation, and fine lines.
4. Microdermabrasion: A medical spa may offer advanced microdermabrasion techniques to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin, promoting a smoother complexion.
5. Non-Surgical Body Contouring: Medical spas may provide non-surgical body contouring treatments like CoolSculpting or radiofrequency procedures to reduce stubborn fat deposits.
6. Medical-Grade Facials: Facials at medical spas often incorporate medical-grade products and may be tailored to address specific skin concerns under the guidance of skincare professionals.

Day Spa Services:

1. Massage Therapy: Day spas specialize in various massage techniques, promoting relaxation, stress relief, and overall well-being.
2. Body Treatments: Day spas offer indulgent body treatments such as wraps, scrubs, and hydrotherapy, focusing on relaxation and skin hydration.
3. Manicures and Pedicures: Traditional spa services like manicures and pedicures focus on nail care and aesthetics, providing a pampering experience.
4. Aromatherapy: Many day spas emphasize aromatherapy, incorporating scented oils and fragrances to enhance the overall sensory experience.
5. Facials: Day spas provide facial treatments geared towards relaxation and skincare, often using cosmetic-grade products for cleansing and nourishing the skin.
6. Hydrotherapy: Soaking in hot tubs, saunas, or steam rooms is a common feature in day spas, contributing to stress relief and detoxification.

While both types of spas prioritize wellness, medical spas tend to offer a broader array of results-driven treatments, often involving advanced technologies and procedures overseen by medical professionals. Day spas, on the other hand, focus on holistic relaxation and traditional spa experiences.

Who Performs Treatments at Medspas and Day Spas?

Medical Spas:

1. Medical Professionals: Many medical spa treatments, especially those involving advanced procedures such as injectables (Botox, dermal fillers), laser treatments, and skin resurfacing, are typically performed or supervised by medical professionals. This may include dermatologists, plastic surgeons, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, or trained practitioners under their supervision.
2. Licensed Aestheticians: Skilled and licensed aestheticians play a crucial role in performing various treatments at medical spas. They may administer facials, chemical peels, and other skincare procedures under the guidance of medical professionals.
3. Registered Nurses: In some cases, registered nurses specializing in aesthetic or cosmetic treatments may be responsible for performing certain procedures like injections or laser treatments at medical spas.
4. Specialized Technicians: For treatments involving advanced technologies such as laser hair removal, body contouring, or microdermabrasion, specialized technicians with relevant training may be involved in performing these procedures.

Day Spas:

1. Licensed Massage Therapists: Massage therapy, a key offering in day spas, is typically performed by licensed massage therapists trained in various massage techniques.
2. Nail Technicians: Manicures and pedicures are commonly administered by skilled nail technicians who focus on nail care and aesthetics.
3. Estheticians: Day spas employ estheticians who specialize in skincare treatments, including facials, body wraps, and other non-medical cosmetic procedures.
4. Spa Therapists: Professionals with expertise in holistic therapies and relaxation techniques may perform body treatments, aromatherapy, and hydrotherapy services.
5. Wellness Practitioners: Day spas may also offer wellness services such as yoga, meditation, or holistic healing practices, typically facilitated by trained practitioners.

Which is Right for You?

While both medical spas and day spas prioritize the expertise of their practitioners, medical spas often involve a higher level of medical oversight, with procedures being performed or supervised by qualified medical professionals. Day spas, on the other hand, focus on well-trained professionals in holistic and relaxation-based therapies.

Do you have questions about medspa and day spa services? If you live in our local Long Island area, and are interested in one of the many skin and body care treatments we offer at Skin Space, contact us today to discuss the best treatment for your needs.