What body treatments cover
Body treatments at a med spa are non-surgical services for areas below the face. The common groups are:
- Body contouring devices. Machines that apply cold, heat, radiofrequency or other energy to chosen areas such as the abdomen or thighs.
- Cellulite treatments. Devices, massage-based methods and, at some providers, injections aimed at dimpled skin.
- Lymphatic massage. A gentle, rhythmic manual massage technique.
None of these is surgery. A licensed provider asks about your health and what you want to discuss, and decides what is suitable for you.
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 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.
Do my health conditions matter for body treatments?
Yes. Heart and circulation conditions, blood clot history, pacemakers and other implants, metal implants in the area, nerve conditions and cold-related conditions can all matter for certain methods. Bring a full list to the consultation. The provider may suggest checking with your doctor first.
Curious about skin, laser, injectable or body treatments? Start with a consultation request.
Start a requestMore consultation topics
Skin treatments
Facials, chemical peels and microneedling. Ask a local provider what each involves and which, if any, may suit your skin.
Injectables consults
A licensed provider can talk through wrinkle relaxers and dermal fillers with you and decide what is suitable.
Laser hair removal consults
General notes on how laser hair removal works and the questions worth asking a provider first.