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.

Health conditions that matter

Some health details change what a provider will suggest for body treatments. Heart conditions, circulation problems, pacemakers and other implanted devices, metal implants, and some nerve conditions all matter for certain devices. Conditions triggered by cold matter for cooling devices. For lymphatic massage, a provider will ask about heart, kidney or blood clot history, and any active infection.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding usually rule out many body treatments for now. Bring a full health and medicine list, and mention anything you are unsure about. A licensed provider weighs it and decides what is suitable.

If you have a health condition

If you have a heart condition, circulation problems, a history of blood clots, a pacemaker or another implant, or a nerve condition, prepare a little more. Write down the condition, your medicines and the name of the doctor who looks after it. Note any advice they have given you about massage, cold, heat or devices.

Bring this to the consultation and mention it at the start. A licensed provider may suggest checking with your doctor first. That is a sensible step, and it is fine to ask for time before deciding.

Questions about body treatments

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