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SPOT THE SPA

As the various disciplines in beauty and well-being merge, it might be confusing to know what to expect at a traditional spa versus a medical spa or a doctor's clinic. Broadly speaking, if it involves a needle or drugs, it won't be at a day spa. Here are some other ways to tell:

Spa Hair styling, nails, facials, massages, waxing, aromatherapy, reflexology, steam rooms, sauna.

Medical spa Botox, laser hair removal, liposuction, dermabrasion, any kind of facial reconstructive work, including rhinoplasty and eyelid surgery.

Doctor's clinic Anything that involves lab work, intensive or invasive surgery and diagnostic equipment.

Even the context of medical spas can be broken down more specifically:

Beauty/skin medical spas These are owned by physicians, usually plastic surgeons or dermatologists who are on site all the time, offering and overseeing medical-based treatments.

Therapeutic medical spas Generally founded and owned by orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine or rehabilitation physicians, these facilities offer chiropractic work, physical therapy and therapeutic massage, and spa treatments.

Hospital-based medical spas A rapidly growing trend. Spas based within hospitals are able to provide care on every level, combining conventional and alternative therapies in a healing environment. The focus is on preventative care - although, of course, if something chronic is found, it can be dealt with right away.

Wellness centres Among the most popular models, wellness centers are owned by both doctors and entrepreneurs, and combine holistic medicine with nutritional and supplements counselling.

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