MedSpa vs Day Spa – What’s the Difference?
Have you ever wondered the difference between a Medspa (also known as a medical spa) and a day spa? While there is some overlap in
Cosmetic fillers, also known as dermal fillers, are used to target areas of the face where volume loss has occurred to plump the skin to restore volume and smooth lines. Results are seen immediately, and you are usually in the office for about an hour. Different types of filler are used depending on the areas needed to be re-volumized. Some are thicker, some are thinner, and some last longer than others. Treatments are administered at our office by our board-certified dermatologists and our highly trained & knowledgeable nurse practitioners at our Franklin, TN office — conveniently located just outside Nashville & Brentwood near Cool Springs Mall.
Fillers are categorized by what they are made from. Here at Franklin Dermatology, we use three FDA-approved fillers: hyaluronic acid (HA), poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), and CalciumHydoxylapatite (CaHA) fillers.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA)
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) fillers are the most popular dermal fillers and will last 6-12 months or longer, depending on the type used. Hyaluronic acid exists naturally in our body, and when it is injected under the skin, it attracts water, causing the skin to plump, push out fine lines and wrinkles, and replace volume loss. Results gradually wear off over time and are naturally absorbed by the body. Areas commonly treated are cheeks, tear troughs, nasolabial folds, peri-oral lines, lips, marionette lines, chin and jawline shaping. FDA-approved HA fillers we use are:
Poly-L-lactic Acid (PLLA)
Collagen, our body’s natural filler, maintains our skin’s shape and structure. As we age, our collagen production decreases significantly. Poly-L-lactic acid is a collagen stimulator that helps your body rebuild collagen naturally and is often referred to as a biostimulator. The FDA-approved poly-L-lactic acid filler we use is Sculptra. Once Sculptra is injected, it dissolves over a few days and stimulates your body to produce its own collagen to correct volume loss over a period of months. Its results are not as immediate as those of hyaluronic acid fillers because collagen production can take up to 12 weeks. Sculptra requires 2-3 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart, and results last up to 2 years. Areas commonly treated are cheeks, smile lines, and marionette lines. Not only is volume loss corrected with Sculptra, but another noted benefit is an overall skin glow with firmer and smoother skin.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA)
Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) is also found naturally in our body, primarily in our bones. The FDA-approved CaHA product we use at our office is Radiesse. Radiesse is composed of calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres in a water-based gel and instantly adds volume to areas treated. Over time, the gel is absorbed, and the body metabolizes the microspheres, leaving behind your body’s own
natural filler to correct volume loss. Results last a year or more. Radiesse can be used to correct volume loss of the cheeks, nasolabial folds, jawline, and marionette lines. It is also the first dermal filler proven to immediately restore volume loss in the back of the hands, giving a smooth, natural-looking, youthful appearance. Radiesse can also be used to treat larger areas like crepey skin of the neck, deeper wrinkles of the chest, and sagging, crepey skin of the knees.
We understand there isn’t just one way to approach skin rejuvenation, so we offer multiple dermal fillers to customize your treatment. Each filler differs in texture, density, and depth of injection and is uniquely designed to meet specific aesthetic needs. Our providers have extensive training in facial
anatomy and are master aesthetic injectors. When you schedule a consultation with one of our experienced providers, they will customize a treatment plan with recommended products to achieve your desired results. Filler appointments can also be combined with Botox treatments for convenience.
Avoid routine dental cleaning or dental procedures for 2 weeks prior to treatment. Alert our office if you experience any skin or dental infections in the month prior to your appointment. Avoid Covid vaccines or boosters within 30 days of filler treatment. Unless prescribed by a physician, avoid taking the following medications 7-10 days prior to your appointment: aspirin, Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil), and naproxen (Aleve), fish oil or omega-3 fatty acids, St. John’s Wart, vitamin E, ginger, Gingko Biloba, ginseng, and garlic. These drugs and herbs may cause excessive bleeding or bruising. Avoid or minimize consumption of alcohol for 3 days prior to your appointment as this may also contribute to bruising. To prevent bruising, you may purchase over-the-counter Arnica capsules and follow the instructions on the package. Another bruise prevention option is three days before your filler appointment, eating 1 cup of fresh pineapple or drinking fresh pineapple juice daily. Pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain, which is a naturally occurring anti-inflammatory and will aid in preventing swelling and bruising.
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Franklin Dermatology Group and The Aesthetic Center are a dynamic and dedicated team committed to delivering excellent dermatologic care to our patients by providing exceptional medical, surgical, and aesthetic services.
Have you ever wondered the difference between a Medspa (also known as a medical spa) and a day spa? While there is some overlap in
