It’s 2022 now and while we may not have arrived yet at the futures predicted by The Jetsons or Lost in Space, we should take a moment and consider how technology has changed our lives in just the last ten years. From our phones to smart home applications, and computers to the cars we drive. There is no denying the rapid advancement of technology around us and the impact it has on our day-to-day life. The same advancements have happened in the world of aesthetics. What is available today has never been available before. Gone are the days of needing to see a plastic surgeon to achieve a more youthful appearance, to help shape and contour the body, and simply – to feel better about – YOU!
There is little doubt that the phone apps that “enhance” our appearance are having a crossover to the medical aesthetics world as well. If my phone app can make me look that good – why wouldn’t I want to achieve that for my everyday appearance? The truth is, much of it actually CAN be achieved, with a little help from some aesthetics technology at your local med spa.
It is safe to argue that there are two major outcomes technology advancements have created in the industry over recent years. One is the effectiveness of the treatments and the other is the decrease in pain and “downtime” associated with these treatments. Likely, the most important to our clients is how well these procedures produce results. If I pay for it, will it work? Each year the marketplace is delivering more and more devices that achieve a higher and higher level of satisfaction with the outcomes they deliver. For example, CoolSculpting has been around for more than 10 years now. But the CoolSculpting of today is not the same as what was originally launched. The technology has greatly improved both the effectiveness and the often discussed side-effects of this treatment, resulting in body contouring and shaping to eliminate fat bulges that are impossible to get rid of through gym time alone. Similarly, we are now able to provide non-invasive face lifts. Procedures that can literally erase a decade from your face. All without having to fly to Mexico for an extended stay to allow for recovery time from major cosmetic surgical procedures!
Second is the pain associated with these procedures. Many clients feel that the outcome would be great, but the pain that comes with getting there isn’t worth it. For example, Laser Hair Removal today is a totally different pain experience than it was just five years ago. Not to mention the treatments are so much faster. Today clients at Xanadu Med Spa rate it at about a 2 for pain on a scale of 1-10, whereas they used to often rate it closer to a 7 or 8. An impressive improvement thus making the “worth-it” score for never having to shave or wax again much higher.
Another phenomenal advancement comes in the form of being able to analyze your skin using high powered camera devices that actually measure everything like sebum, pore size, pigment damage, wrinkle creation, collagen, and hydration (just to name a few). Our ability to see below the dermas makes our team so much more effective as they can more accurately determine what treatments and products are going to be the biggest game changers for you. It’s a highly individualized approach that allows us to customize everything we do for each client.
Technology is an incredibly important part of the modern-day medical aesthetics conversation. It is important that you understand the range of technologies available to you from your provider. It is also important to know and understand the age of the devices being used to treat you. Is there better technology that has entered the marketplace from another provider? Do your homework and ask questions. If you haven’t been to the med spa in a while, you might be surprised at what opportunities technology will have created for you.
Mark is the owner of Xanadu Med Spa in Fort Collins.
www.xanadumedspa.com