What Is a Medical Spa? How It Differs From a Day Spa

A medical spa (med spa) is a clinic that combines medical aesthetic treatments, such as Botox, fillers, lasers and skin tightening, with the comfort and service of a day spa. The key difference from a day spa is that med spa treatments are medical procedures: in California they must be performed by licensed medical professionals under a physician’s supervision, not by spa staff. Facials and peels are still part of the menu, but the injectables and lasers are medicine.

This guide explains what a med spa offers, how it differs from a day spa and a dermatology office, who is allowed to do what in California, and how to choose a safe one.

Med spa vs day spa

What treatments does a med spa offer?

• InjectablesBotox and Dysport for lines, dermal fillers, Sculptra and Kybella.
• Lasers and lightHALO, MOXI, BBL HERO and laser hair removal.
• Skin tighteningMorpheus8 RF microneedling and Sofwave.
• Body contouringCoolSculpting Elite and EMSCULPT NEO.
• Skin careHydraFacial, chemical peels and medical-grade products.
• WellnessIV therapy and vitamin B12 injections.

Some med spas, like ours, are also dermatology practices and treat medical skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and suspicious moles. See all our treatments.

Who can perform treatments at a California med spa?

According to the Medical Board of California and the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology:

• Medical procedures, including injections, lasers and medical-level peels, must be performed by qualified medical personnel: a physician, or a registered nurse or physician assistant under a physician’s supervision. Nurse practitioners also provide treatments within their licensed scope of practice.
• The supervising physician does not have to be on site at all times, but must be immediately reachable.
• Estheticians and cosmetologists are experts in facials, superficial peels and microdermabrasion, but may never inject the skin, use lasers or perform medical-level peels.

Med spa vs dermatologist

A dermatologist is a physician who diagnoses and treats skin, hair and nail disease, including skin cancer. Many dermatology offices also offer cosmetic treatments, and many med spas offer some medical skin care. The difference is focus: a typical med spa centers on cosmetic results, while a dermatology practice diagnoses conditions. A dermatology-led med spa gives you both under one roof.

How to choose a safe med spa

• Ask who will treat you and check their license with the Medical Board of California, the Board of Registered Nursing or the Physician Assistant Board.
• Ask who the medical director is, whether they are board certified in a relevant specialty, and how supervision really works.
• Expect a consultation with a medical history and an honest explanation of risks before treatment.
• Ask about complications: who handles a problem, and what happens after hours.
• Check the products and devices are genuine and FDA-approved or cleared. Unusually cheap injectables can be counterfeit.
• Be wary of pressure to buy packages on the spot or promises of dramatic results.

What to expect at your first visit

Your first visit is a consultation: we talk through your goals and medical history, examine your skin with a VISIA skin analysis, and explain your options, costs and any downtime. Many treatments, such as Botox or a HydraFacial, can be done the same day. Consultations are $100 and the fee is credited toward treatment or products on the same day.

VIP members save on treatments all year; see the membership and the full price list.

Glow Theory: a dermatology-led med spa in Carlsbad

Glow Theory Aesthetic & Dermatology Studio was founded by Insiyah Darugar, MSN, FNP, a dermatology nurse practitioner with more than 15 years of experience, with facial plastic surgeon Dr. Jonathan Sykes, MD as Medical Director. We offer medical aesthetics, medical dermatology and spa treatments in South Carlsbad. Learn about us, meet the team, or book a consultation.