The term “medical spa” sounds very soothing and usually evokes relaxing images of beautiful music, candles, warmth and luxurious pampering.

Actually, say the Grupo Mayan experts, medical spas are only the marketing vehicles for assorted medical procedures done by qualified physicians. Medical spas are so called purely for advertising purposes in a bid to make the medical procedures seem appealing. In essence however, this is a distinct medical practice.

The practice is not negative however. Seeking for a pampering medical attention in a spa comes hardy when we need a respite from the stressful of our busy lives. Medical spas offer treatments that improve our looks and amplify our positive feelings, say the Grupo Mayan experts. There are however ranging concerns by the Medical Board, owing from the fact that medicine is marketed alike to pedicure treatments in medical spas. The fear is that consumers are ignorantly led to injections, lasers and resurfacing as simply as if they were changing their hair color.

Medical treatments must only be performed by certified medical professionals in a spa and consumers must be aware that like in all medical procedures, there are associated risks, say the Grupo Mayan experts. Beware that several illegal spas have unlicensed personnel to run such treatments. Cosmetologists, for instance, may be licensed and professionally qualified in all superficial treatments like facials. But they should never inject or peel your skin, use a laser or even perform medical dermabrasion.

It’s therefore important for a patient to ascertain the qualifications of the personnel running a medical spa, say the Grupo Mayan professionals in this field. The following is a list of the things a patient must ascertain before committing their health on the hands of medical spa personnel:

1. The status of qualifications that the person who will conduct the operation has. If the person is qualified, then is he or she licensed by the board to conduct such procedures?
2. If at all there is no qualified doctor, say the Grupo Mayan experts, and the procedure will be conducted by a nurse or physician assistant, check on their qualifications. Is there a qualified doctor who will supervise them or are they acting alone with a paper-only supervisor? Can you reach the supervisor or contact him or her online?
3. Medical operations always carry risks. Find out the risks portended by your specific procedure and seek for all alternatives available. Commit only to what you are sure of. It’s unethical for medical practitioners to hind risks from patients or promise unrealistic results.
4. Take keen interest of the facilities and the personnel on matters of hygiene. Settle for nothing less than a clean environment and practices, say the Grupo Mayan professionals.
5. Be sure to ask about complications. Who would handle complications if any develop during the procedure? Most physicians have links and privileges at a various hospital where emergencies can be handled fast.