Three kinds of body treatment
When a med spa lists body treatments, it usually means one of three things.
Body contouring. A device applies energy, often cold or heat, to a chosen area over a set time. Providers use different devices and applicators for different areas.
Cellulite treatments. Methods include devices that use sound waves, radiofrequency or suction, and hands-on techniques. Some providers offer injectable options where state law allows.
Lymphatic massage. A light-pressure massage done by hand, following a set pattern over the body.
A licensed provider decides which, if any, is suitable.
Lymphatic massage: what a provider considers
Lymphatic massage is gentle, and a provider still asks questions first. They will want to know about heart conditions, kidney conditions, blood clots or a history of them, active infections, and any recent surgery. If you have swelling in an area, they may ask whether a doctor has checked it.
Ask who performs the massage and what training they have, how long a visit takes, and how often people usually come back. If you have a diagnosed condition such as lymphedema, ask whether your doctor should be involved. A licensed provider decides what is suitable.
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
What counts as a body treatment?
At a med spa, body treatments usually mean non-surgical services such as body contouring devices, cellulite treatments and lymphatic massage. Contouring devices apply cold, heat or other energy to chosen areas. Lymphatic massage is a gentle manual technique. A licensed provider explains what they offer.
What is lymphatic massage?
It is a gentle, hands-on massage technique using light, slow strokes in a set pattern. A provider will ask about heart, kidney and blood clot history, infections and recent surgery first. If you have a diagnosed condition such as lymphedema, ask whether your doctor should be involved.
What are cellulite treatments?
They are a mixed group. Some use devices with radiofrequency, sound waves or suction. Some are hands-on techniques. Some providers offer injectable options, which are given by licensed providers where state law allows. Ask what method a provider uses and how it works in general terms.
Ready to talk it over with a local provider? One short form is all it takes, and nothing is booked by sending it.
Send a requestMore consultation topics
Skin care treatments
General notes on facials, peels and microneedling, and the questions worth asking before you try one.
Dermal fillers
General information on fillers and wrinkle relaxers, given by licensed providers where state law allows, plus what to ask first.
Laser hair removal
Ask a local provider how laser hair removal works with your skin and hair, how many visits they plan and what aftercare involves.