Lymphatic massage, contouring and cellulite care
The three most common body treatments work in very different ways. Lymphatic massage is hands-on, using light, slow strokes over the skin in a set direction. Body contouring uses a device with an applicator that delivers cold, heat or another form of energy to an area for a timed period. Cellulite treatments vary the most, from devices to manual techniques to, at some providers, injections.
Because they differ so much, the questions differ too. Ask what the method is, who performs it, how many visits are common and what aftercare involves. A licensed provider decides what is suitable for you.
Things a provider may rule out for now
Sometimes a provider decides a body treatment should wait or is off the table. Common reasons include:
- pregnancy or breastfeeding
- recent surgery in the area
- a hernia or unexplained lump in the area
- a pacemaker or implanted device, for some technologies
- skin infection, rash or open wound
- a condition that reacts to cold, for cooling devices
If you hear a no, ask what the reason is and whether a doctor should take a look. That is part of a careful consultation.
Getting ready for a body treatment consultation
A few notes make a body treatment consultation more useful:
- the area or areas you want to ask about
- your health conditions, especially heart, circulation, nerve or skin conditions
- implanted devices or metal implants
- medicines and supplements, including blood thinners
- recent surgery, and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- any past body treatments and how you found them
Bring the notes, photo ID and your questions. A licensed provider uses them to decide what is suitable.
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.
Who should skip body contouring?
A licensed provider decides that. Common reasons to wait or skip a device include pregnancy, recent surgery in the area, a hernia, some implanted devices, and conditions that react to cold. Bring your full health history and medicine list to the consultation.
Do my health conditions matter for body treatments?
Yes. Heart and circulation conditions, blood clot history, pacemakers and other implants, metal implants in the area, nerve conditions and cold-related conditions can all matter for certain methods. Bring a full list to the consultation. The provider may suggest checking with your doctor first.
A licensed provider decides what is suitable for you. Send a request to begin that conversation.
Request a consultMore consultation topics
Ask about your skin
Tell a local provider what you would like to discuss about your skin, and they can talk through treatments with you.
Injectables
Rules on who can give injectables are set by Illinois. A consultation with a licensed provider comes first.
Laser hair removal consults
General notes on how laser hair removal works and the questions worth asking a provider first.