If you are considering having minor plastic surgery but don't like the idea of checking into a hospital or clinic, you may be a good candidate for a skin works medical spa. A medical spa is a hybrid between a spa and a medical facility where you can be pampered and relaxed and still have minor cosmetic procedure performed without that hospital feel. And while you may sacrifice the hospital feel you don't sacrifice the hospital quality or safety by using a medical spa.

A well ran medical spa is over seen by a licensed plastic surgeon who can offer procedures such as non invasive liposuction, vaser liposuction or traditional liposuction in addition to procedures such as abdominal plasty and cellulite reduction.

Medical spas very from spa to spa with what types and kinds of services they provide in addition to the medical procedures but you may also be able to choose from non surgical procedures such as acupuncture, nutritional counseling and a consultation with both a medical doctor and a naturopathic. Other services may include massages, facials and the types of relaxing treatments you would expect in a day spa atmosphere to help you relax and recuperate and in style and comfort.

If you are considering a medical spa you can start by asking some basic questions of the staff. Is the spa overseen by a medical doctor? Even spas that advertise this, may be misleading so probe deeper and ask if the doctor is actually at the spa and how much? Some spas have a doctor in name only and they never step foot in the spa to actually oversee any medical procedures. If the spa you are considering doesn't have a hands on doctor on site, skip it and look for one that does.

Who will be doing the actual work on you whether it's a massage, acupuncture or surgery? Anyone working in a medical spa should be a licensed professional and the spa should be open with that information. If you are planning a medical procedure be sure to see before and after photos of the doctor's work to make sure you're satisfied with the quality and type of results your doctor is demonstrating on patients before you schedule your surgical procedure.

Before you go, make sure you know what you do and don't plan to have done. Plastic surgery of any kind should not be a spur of the minute decision or one you make because you are being sold more goods than you may actually need. Be sure you have a clear plan and goals before you go so you don't come home with more surgeries to recover from than you anticipated or a bigger bill to pay than you budgeted for.