In the medical spa world, this is considered the peak season post-summer sun and pre-holidays when people flock to get cosmetic/aesthetic procedures done in time to heal and look ten years younger for the holiday events. But consumers who are looking to get lasered, botoxed, injected (or otherwise resurfaced) should keep in mind that there can be potential hazards involved of both the physical and fiscal variety which is why California for example, is currently considering a law to beef up medical spa oversight and Florida has already passed legislation. As Laser Season heats up, Spa Finder the leading provider of spa information (including the dedicated Medical Spa section at Spafinder.com) is providing 10 questions every consumer should ask any spa business theyre considering for a medical treatment.  

10 Questions Every Medical Spa-Goer Should Ask:

1.      Who is the owner of the spa, and how long have you been in business?

2.      Is your supervising doctor board-certified in the specialty Im interested in?

3.      Who performs the treatment and what are his/her qualifications? (For invasive/laser work, the procedure should be performed by a licensed physician or registered nurse under the supervision of a physician.)

4.      If he/she was trained in the procedure, when and where did the training take place?

5.      How many times has he/she performed the procedure?

6.      What is your emergency protocol in case of complications? If a doctor isnt performing the procedure, will one be on-site and available?

7.      Do you have a list of patients I can contact? (Ask to speak with someone who has had the same treatment, at least 6 months earlier, so you can evaluate permanence and healing.)

8.      What are the costs for the procedure? Are there any additional costs?

9.      What are the risks/side effects involved with the procedure?

10.  What type of laser/equipment is being used? Is it appropriate for my skin type and for the result Im seeking?

To help spa-goers make safe, smart medical spa treatment decisions, Spa Finder is offering a range of consumer resources at www.spafinder.com.