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.
Who performs body treatments
Who may run body contouring devices or give cellulite treatments depends on the method and on state rules. Some devices can be run by trained staff under a supervising provider. Any injectable cellulite option is given by licensed providers where state law allows. Lymphatic massage is often done by a licensed massage therapist or a nurse.
In Colorado, ask the provider who will do your treatment, what license or training they hold, and who supervises them. Also ask who to contact if you have a concern after a visit. A licensed provider decides what is suitable.
Getting ready for a body treatment consultation
A few notes make a body treatment consultation more useful:
- the area or areas you want to ask about
- your health conditions, especially heart, circulation, nerve or skin conditions
- implanted devices or metal implants
- medicines and supplements, including blood thinners
- recent surgery, and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- any past body treatments and how you found them
Bring the notes, photo ID and your questions. A licensed provider uses them to decide what is suitable.
Questions about body treatments
Are body treatments the same as surgery?
No. The body treatments on a med spa menu are non-surgical, with no incisions or general anesthesia. If you want to ask about surgery, a surgeon is the right person to see. A licensed provider at a med spa can tell you when that is the case.
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 if I have pain or swelling afterward?
Follow the aftercare instructions and contact the provider who treated you. For severe pain, swelling that keeps growing, signs of infection or anything that worries you, see a doctor. This site is not a clinic and cannot give medical advice.
Curious about skin, laser, injectable or body treatments? Start with a consultation request.
Start a requestMore consultation topics
Facials, peels, microneedling
Each skin treatment works differently. A licensed provider decides what is suitable for you.
Dermal fillers
General information on fillers and wrinkle relaxers, given by licensed providers where state law allows, plus what to ask first.
Ask about laser
Skin tone, hair color and the area all matter. A licensed provider decides what is suitable at a consultation.