But what, exactly, does "medical spa" mean? Many salons and day spas are now adding "med spa" to their business brand, offering microdermabrasion, chemical peels, laser treatments and other heavy-duty beauty boosters to their repertoire. But, are they all really qualified to administer these treatments properly?

The International Medical Spa Association says a medical spa is, "a facility that is operated under the full-time supervision of a licensed health care professional". When considering a treatment at one of these facilities, it's essential to understand the level of "supervision" the facility actually receives.

At some, the treatments are administered by the physician, or at least closely supervised by an on-site physician while administered by a trained staff member. Others facilities, however, merely develop a relationship with a physician who periodically visits (a few times per month) and approve procedures.

It's important to know, even though procedures such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, injections and laser treatments are non-surgical, they still carry risk and should be administered only by someone who is qualified to do so. In case complications do occur, it's essential the facility performing the procedure has privileges at local hospitals.

Also, you want to be certain the products, such as injectibles, you are receiving are truly brand name and FDA approved, such as Botox®, Restylane®, or Juvederm®. Having a trained physician with thorough knowledge of the structure of the face at the facility as you procedure is being performed is important and should not be overlooked.

Understanding the qualifications of various staff members who often perform medical spa procedures can be confusing. Registered nurses and aestheticians are qualified to perform many procedures, such as microdermabrasion, hair removal, facial peels and some laser treatments, but on-site supervision by a physician, preferably a board certified plastic surgeon, is essential.

The non-surgical treatments offered by medical spas are a great way to rejuvenate your look with less downtime, risk, and expense than with surgery. If you do your homework and research available facilities well, you are likely to find one in your area that provides safe, effective treatments in a relaxing, non-sterile environment. If you remember to ask a few simple questions, you will be able to find a facility with treatments and a staff you can trust. These questions include:

* Who will be performing the procedure?

* What qualifications do they have?

* Will there be a doctor on-site during the procedure?

* What specific products and equipment will be used?

* What side effects should you expect?

* What type of recovery is involved?

* Does the facility have hospital privileges?

* What is the facility's emergency plan in case of complications?

Any facility that does not offer satisfactory answers these questions should most likely be avoided. One of the advantages of having so many new medical spas cropping up is that you have more of them to choose from. Shopping around for the right one is well worth it for your safety and comfort as well as your results.