I've been looking into the growing number of so-called "medi-
spas" opening up in many locations & have seen some that
show promise in blending therapies that include conventional
as well as alternative medical/esthetic treatments that
actually help people feel & look better. Skin treatments
ranging from Botox to minor surgery to microdermabrasion,
various massage therapies, maybe other offerings usually
found in full service salons all in one place!! Local
examples of this niche are staffed with MD's, nurses,
qualified professionals like LMT's, nutritionists, licensed
estheticians, & alternative practitioners whose services fit
into the whole picture.
I can see the positive possibilities of such establishments
-- people being offered more options "under one roof" &
clients might be more health oriented if what is healthy
related to their looks as a matter of course. Maintaining
wellness & balance is certainly a beneficial thing. Having
access to more than one discipline, staff members can have a
broader base of expertise to draw from.
I can also see some drawbacks to the idea. Is the common
focus on appearances a good way to promote good health?
And do such facilities generally hire & hold on to
qualified, competent staff? Can they afford to attract
skilled people who could get good money & benefits
elsewhere -- & offer a competitive package? Is the first
priority of "medi-spas" health or beauty -- & do they make
it plain that's their priority?
What's the take on this? Has anybody been a regular client
at a medi-spa? Are they over-priced salons, assembly line
medical esthetics, or an interesting trend? Is this the
complementary health care awakening of the masses or just
another marketing ploy?