There are more options than ever before when it comes to treating your skin and maintaining a healthy glow. Serums and lotions can provide results at home, but treatments like BOTOX® and lasers need to be overseen by a professional. If you’re considering a more potent skincare procedure, you may be curious about where you should go. Would a med spa know more about cosmetic treatments? Or is the best choice a dermatologist?
We want our Houston patients to feel informed before making any big decision. Here are the major differences between a dermatologist and a med spa—and how you can choose a provider that’s safe and effective.
Dermatologist Office vs. Med Spa: What’s the Difference?
Most of our patients have one main question: What is the difference between a dermatology office and a med spa?
When you begin your research online, you’ll find many videos, blogs, and websites that all have different information on the subject. While both providers can offer cosmetic treatments, their training, certification, experience, and skills aren’t exactly alike. Here are the main differences between these two types of providers.
Dermatology Office
A dermatology office is run by a dermatologist who has extensive education, certification, and experience. If they are board-certified, this means they are even more skilled and have undergone rigorous training to earn their credentials. A dermatologist can oversee diagnosis and treatment for nearly any skincare issue you may experience. They also have the authority to assign you a prescription for more advanced skincare needs.
Dermatologists can perform skin cancer screenings and have a more comprehensive understanding of different skincare issues. Because of this knowledge, they provide a more comprehensive approach and can assist you with both cosmetic and medical skin health problems.
Med Spa
A med spa (short for “medical spa”) is typically more focused on the cosmetic side of skincare. These locations offer many treatments—such as injectables, facials, and more—but a trained dermatologist does not oversee the procedures. This means the med spa may not be able to address the deeper medical issues causing your skin problems, and instead, they may focus on more superficial or temporary solutions. Med spas also cannot diagnose skin conditions or provide a prescription for medical-grade products.
Which Is Better for Cosmetic Treatments?
When you have medical skincare needs, a dermatology office with a board-certified dermatologist is the clear best choice. However, for Houston patients who want just to freshen up their skin, which option is better for cosmetic treatments?
Choosing a Dermatologist: Your Safety Matters
While both dermatology offices and med spas can provide similar cosmetic treatments, choosing a dermatologist is almost always the better option. The main reason boils down to one simple idea: Your safety and health matter.
When you have a board-certified professional overseeing your procedure, you can trust that it will be done accurately and responsibly. You will understand the true nature of your skin issues—both medical and cosmetic—and therefore be able to get high-quality, long-lasting results.
Also, the skin is a sensitive organ that can easily be irritated or damaged by improperly used products. An inexperienced med spa provider can potentially damage your skin while performing a treatment. Under the eye of a trained dermatologist, that issue is much less likely.
Treatments Offered by a Dermatologist
While med spas are known for their cosmetic treatment line-ups, dermatology offices certainly aren’t lacking. Whether you want to soothe irritated skin or fade away stubborn wrinkles, an experienced provider can guide you toward the best treatment for your goals.
Our own practice is proud to offer both medical and cosmetic solutions for all your skincare needs. Below are a few of the most popular choices among our Houston clients.
Medical Treatments:
Cosmetic Treatments:
These lists are only the beginning of what a trusted dermatology practice has to offer. During a private consultation, your dermatologist will analyze your skin and help you create a customized skincare plan for your unique needs.
Ready to Learn More?
When it comes to giving your skin the care and attention it needs, you deserve nothing but the best. Our team of board-certified dermatologists is ready to help you keep your skin looking bright, healthy, and youthful.
If you’re interested in learning more about medical and cosmetic dermatology treatments offered at our Houston-area locations, please request a consultation online. You can also contact our practice by phone at (713) 791-9966.
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