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.
Lymphatic massage: what a provider considers
Lymphatic massage is gentle, and a provider still asks questions first. They will want to know about heart conditions, kidney conditions, blood clots or a history of them, active infections, and any recent surgery. If you have swelling in an area, they may ask whether a doctor has checked it.
Ask who performs the massage and what training they have, how long a visit takes, and how often people usually come back. If you have a diagnosed condition such as lymphedema, ask whether your doctor should be involved. A licensed provider decides what is suitable.
Questions to have ready
Bring these questions to a body treatment consultation:
- Which method or device would you suggest, and why?
- Who will perform it, and what training do they have?
- How many visits do people usually have, and how far apart?
- What sensations should I expect during and after?
- What side effects are possible?
- How is cost worked out for a series?
Cost is set by each provider, so ask at the consultation. You can find more ideas on the questions to ask page.
Questions about body treatments
What counts as a body treatment?
At a med spa, body treatments usually mean non-surgical services such as body contouring devices, cellulite treatments and lymphatic massage. Contouring devices apply cold, heat or other energy to chosen areas. Lymphatic massage is a gentle manual technique. A licensed provider explains what they offer.
How many visits do body treatments take?
It depends on the method, the area and the person. Many body treatments are planned as a series, and the number varies. A licensed provider can tell you what is typical for a given method after a consultation, without promising a set number.
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.
Ask your questions first. A local provider can contact you by phone, text or email.
Ask a providerMore consultation topics
Facials and peels
Send a request to talk about skin treatments such as facials, peels or microneedling with a provider near you.
Injectables
Wrinkle relaxers and dermal fillers, given by licensed providers where state law allows. Ask a local provider about them.
Laser hair removal
Send a request to talk about laser hair removal with a provider near you before anything is planned.