They are called cosmedical spas and they are quickly becoming all the rage in upscale malls and shopping areas. According to the International Medical Spa Association, these spas offer their clients minimally invasive cosmetic procedures like Botox injections in a relaxing and refreshing atmosphere - not to mention convenient. What could be easier than adding a stop at the cosmedical spa between the shoe store and the food court? For many, this just the modern day miracle they’ve been looking for. These medical spas are growing by leaps and bounds. In the United States, the number of medical spas has grown from 50 in 2002, when Botox injections were federally approved, to about 2,500 in 2007. This is a direct result of retail owners and medical institutions broadening their approach to reaching their public audience. Many of these spas offer both traditional spa services like massages, manicures and hair styling along with Botox and other minimally invasive procedures.

Although this convenience has its perks and benefits, beware of the downside to getting your Botox at the mall. While many cosmedical spas are linked to major medical institutions and all they have to offer as far as safety measures, training, sterilization and monitoring by doctors and surgeons, many do not. Even though they are called “medical spas” not all have a direct association or accountability to a medical association. Some do not require their practitioners to be board-certified plastic surgeons or dermatologists. This may leave clients with little or no consumer safety during or after treatments. This is especially important when receiving muscle paralyzing injections like Botox. Serious damage – like a drooping eyelid – can be sustained if the person giving the injection is not properly trained. In an effort to avoid such mistakes, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery developed “guiding principles” for supervision and personnel who are not board-certified and are working hands-on in medical spas. The expert opinions vary as to whether it’s all about the training or the supervision when it comes to safety and proper patient handling by these professionals.

Be aware that while a certified practitioner may be on staff, in most (not all) cases, the doctors are on-site less than one day per week. Most procedures are normally done by nurses who have access to the practitioner if needed.

When making the decision to Botox while you shop, be sure to check the standards and guidelines set-out by the Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Medical Association or the governing body over plastic surgeons and dermatology in your area. Contact your local cosmedical spa and ask questions about hygiene and cleaning procedures, certification and whether they are linked with and accountable to a major and reputable medical association. If your concerns are put to rest and you feel comfortable with the practitioner on staff, you can make your trip to the mall a literal head to toe experience.

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