What to ask about non-surgical body treatments

Non-surgical body treatments, in general terms

Body treatments are the part of a med spa menu that focuses on the body instead of the face. They are non-surgical, which means no incisions and no general anesthesia. Most use a device placed on the skin, such as a cooling applicator or a heated handpiece. Some are hands-on, like lymphatic massage.

Visits often come as a series, and the number varies. Different devices suit different areas and different people. A licensed provider looks at the area, your health and your medicines, and decides what is suitable. They can also tell you when a doctor's visit makes more sense than a med spa treatment.

What a provider looks at first

Before suggesting a body treatment, a licensed provider usually asks about:

• your health history, including heart, circulation, nerve or skin conditions
• implanted devices such as a pacemaker, and metal implants in the area
• medicines and supplements, including blood thinners
• pregnancy or breastfeeding
• recent surgery in or near the area
• conditions that react to cold, for cooling devices
• hernias or other concerns in the area

These answers decide which devices and methods are an option, if any.

Three things to know before you go

Before a body treatment consultation, be ready with three things.

The area. Where it is, and what you want to ask about it.

Your health. Conditions, implants, medicines, supplements, recent surgery, pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Your history. Any past body treatments, massages or devices, and how you found them.

Write them down so nothing gets missed. A licensed provider uses them to decide which method, if any, is suitable, and may suggest seeing a doctor first if something needs checking.

Questions about body treatments

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