Medical spas have exploded in popularity, but many people still ask the same question: What exactly counts as a medical spa service—and what’s just cosmetic? If you’ve ever wondered whether Botox, facials, or microneedling belong in a doctor’s office or a salon, you’re not alone.
In this guide, we’ll break down the difference between aesthetic and medical-grade treatments, so you know what to expect, who’s qualified to perform each service, and which options are right for your skin and goals.
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TLDR – Quick Guide
- Medical spa services: Require physician oversight and include injectables, laser treatments, and advanced skin resurfacing.
- Cosmetic spa services: Focus on relaxation and surface-level results, like facials and light peels.
- Key distinction: Medical spa services affect deeper skin layers, require clinical training, and may involve downtime or prescriptions.
What Are Medical Spa Services?
Medical spa services involve treatments that require oversight by a licensed medical professional—typically a physician, PA, or nurse practitioner. These services go beyond skin-deep care to deliver clinical-level outcomes.
Common examples include:
- Injectables: Botox, dermal fillers, Sculptra
- Laser therapies: Hair removal, IPL photofacials, laser skin resurfacing
- RF Microneedling: Scarlet RF, Morpheus8
- Chemical peels: Medium to deep peels using medical-grade acids
- Skin rejuvenation with prescription-strength products
These services are designed to treat issues like deep wrinkles, volume loss, melasma, acne scarring, and even early signs of skin laxity.
At Genesis MedSpa, all medical spa services are overseen by licensed professionals with advanced aesthetic training to ensure results are both safe and effective.
What Are Cosmetic Spa Services?
Cosmetic or aesthetic spa services are non-invasive treatments focused on relaxation, maintenance, and superficial skin improvement.
These include:
- Facials and enzyme masks
- Light chemical peels
- Exfoliation treatments (like dermaplaning)
- Basic skin hydration and massage-based techniques
They’re often performed by licensed aestheticians, and while they enhance skin texture and glow, they don’t address underlying concerns like collagen loss or muscle movement that causes wrinkles.
Medical Spa Services: Who Performs What?
The biggest difference isn’t just the treatment—it’s the training.
| Treatment Type | Provider Required | Example Services |
| Medical | Physician, RN, PA, NP | Botox, fillers, lasers, RF microneedling |
| Cosmetic | Licensed Aesthetician | Facials, dermaplaning, light peels |
Always ask about credentials before starting any medical-grade treatment. Reputable med spas like Genesis MedSpa make this information available upfront and match you with the right provider.
Why the Difference Matters for Results
Medical spa services target the skin’s deeper layers (dermis and below), stimulate tissue regeneration, and often require recovery time. They produce long-term changes like:
- Skin tightening
- Wrinkle smoothing
- Volume restoration
- Texture and tone correction
Cosmetic treatments improve surface-level hydration, circulation, and short-term glow—but they won’t build collagen or alter skin structure.
Understanding the distinction helps you set realistic expectations and invest in treatments that actually match your goals.
What to Expect From a Modern Med Spa Visit
A well-run medical spa offers:
- A licensed medical director overseeing all treatments
- Consultation before any medical service
- Custom treatment plans based on skin goals, medical history, and downtime preferences
- A menu of both cosmetic and clinical services under one roof
Whether you’re there for Botox or a brightening facial, you’ll benefit from a cohesive approach where treatments work together for long-term results.
Key Takeaways
- Medical spa services require clinical training and offer deeper, longer-lasting skin correction.
- Cosmetic services focus on surface-level glow, hydration, and relaxation.
- Injectables, lasers, and RF microneedling are medical procedures—facials and enzyme masks are cosmetic.
- Choose a med spa with licensed professionals and a clear consultation process.
- Genesis MedSpa combines both medical and cosmetic services to offer personalized care that’s both safe and results-driven.
FAQs
1. Is microneedling considered a medical procedure?
Yes—especially RF microneedling, which uses heat and penetrates deeper layers of skin. It should only be performed under clinical supervision.
2. Can aestheticians perform Botox or fillers?
No. Only licensed medical professionals (like RNs, NPs, PAs, or MDs) can legally perform injectable treatments.
3. Do I need a consultation before starting a medical treatment?
Yes. Reputable med spas require a consultation to assess your skin, medical history, and treatment goals.
4. Are facials part of medical spa services?
Not usually. Facials fall under cosmetic services, though many medical spas offer them alongside clinical treatments.
5. Can medical spa treatments be combined with cosmetic ones?
Absolutely. Many clients alternate between deep treatments (like lasers) and maintenance facials to keep skin looking its best year-round.
