What a body treatment visit involves
Body treatment visits differ by method, though most follow a pattern:
- A consultation about your health, medicines and the area.
- A look at the area, and sometimes measurements or photos for your record.
- The treatment itself: an applicator or handpiece placed on the skin, or a massage done by hand.
- Aftercare instructions, such as staying hydrated or what sensations to expect.
- A plan for any further visits, if you choose to go ahead.
A licensed provider decides what is suitable, and you can take time to think before agreeing to anything.
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.
Three things to know before you go
Before a body treatment consultation, be ready with three things.
The area. Where it is, and what you want to ask about it.
Your health. Conditions, implants, medicines, supplements, recent surgery, pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Your history. Any past body treatments, massages or devices, and how you found them.
Write them down so nothing gets missed. A licensed provider uses them to decide which method, if any, is suitable, and may suggest seeing a doctor first if something needs checking.
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.
What is lymphatic massage?
It is a gentle, hands-on massage technique using light, slow strokes in a set pattern. A provider will ask about heart, kidney and blood clot history, infections and recent surgery first. If you have a diagnosed condition such as lymphedema, ask whether your doctor should be involved.
What are cellulite treatments?
They are a mixed group. Some use devices with radiofrequency, sound waves or suction. Some are hands-on techniques. Some providers offer injectable options, which are given by licensed providers where state law allows. Ask what method a provider uses and how it works in general terms.
Want to know if a treatment may suit you? Request a consultation with a provider near you.
Request a consultationMore consultation topics
Skin treatments
Learn what common skin treatments are in plain terms, then request a consultation with a provider in or near Sacramento.
Injectables consults
A licensed provider can talk through wrinkle relaxers and dermal fillers with you and decide what is suitable.
Ask about laser
Skin tone, hair color and the area all matter. A licensed provider decides what is suitable at a consultation.