Blue Water - A Plastic Surgery Medical Spa

Medical Spas: The hottest new trend in beauty.

Blue Water Spa is a plastic surgery medical spa in Raleigh, North Carolina. The spa is owned and operated by Kile Law and her husband, board-certified plastic surgeon Michael Law MD. Prior to opening the spa, Kile was a medical spa and laser hair removal consultant in her hometown of Orange County, CA.

Kile explains the appeal of medical spas to consumers. "I think I'm a pretty typical client. I'm a busy mom who also has a part-time career. I look forward to pampering, but if I'm giving up an hour, I want to see results, not just feel better. Likewise, I want to feel special and pampered. A sterile medical environment might have something for my skin, but it doesn't do much for my well being." Law continued, "In one hour, I want you to make me feel good. I want to be in a beautiful, elegant, relaxing environment. I want a therapist who will make me feel special and I want to see visible results."

Law explains that this special combination of pampering and visible results can only take place in a medical spa.

"Laser hair removal is something that many people would like to have, but many individuals have had terrible experiences with laser hair removal treatments that didn't work and were painful to boot. I wish everyone would use the technology I use. Then, the word on the street would be positive about laser hair removal. There are still businesses using lasers that require a full hour or more to treat the legs. These businesses discount treatments in order to try to stay competitive. Clients experiencing treatments with older laser hair removal technology perceive laser hair removal as uncomfortable, very time consuming and often not effective."

Law feels that there is more than enough business for everyone, but urges medical professionals and spa owners to carefully evaluate technology and receive extensive training. When evaluating technology, she says, "Think revenue per minute, not revenue per treatment. If an outdated laser hair removal system requires an hour or more for a procedure and a state-of-the-art laser requires just 20 minutes for the same area, you can make more money while charging your client less for the treatment. More revenue for the practice, lower priced laser hair removal for the client and more procedures performed in a day is a win-win-win!"

After discussing profits per treatments, she finished by stating, "The most important consideration is choosing technology that really works and treatments that are safe and proven to be effective. You can look at numbers all day, but the proof is in the results. If clients see great results and they are happy, they will be back and so will their friends. If they don't see results, they won't return and they will spread the word.
Laser hair removal has come a long way since the first laser for hair removal received FDA clearance in the mid 1990’s. Older generation lasers were very slow, very painful and worked only on individuals with very dark hair and very light skin. Today, lasers can work on all skin colors and some lasers are even safe for treating tanned skinned.

-Physician Supervision
Many laser hair removal centers today operate without a physician. It is important to be certain that a  physician is on the premises and available in case of a concern.

-Topical Numbing Preparations
These drugs are designed to help make laser treatments more comfortable but are totally unnecessary if using a laser with a DCD cooling system. If a patient uses a laser that requires topical numbing with a cream, he or she should be aware of all possible complications and contraindications in order to make an informed decision. In high concentrations, when used in appropriately, these drugs can be very dangerous.

-Cooling System
Each laser has a different way of cooling the skin. Some lasers use a topical cooling gel, others use a chilled tip. The most consistent, comfortable and safest way to cool the skin is with a Dynamic Cooling Device or DCD. Lasers that cool the skin using a DCD are very comfortable and there is no need for topical numbing preparations

-Spot Size
The spot size of a laser determines how much skin area can be covered per laser pulse. Lasers with larger spot sizes (18 mm) can cover more area much more quickly. For example, a laser hair removal treatment of the back or full legs could take as long as 2 hours with older lasers. Today, these areas can be completely treated in less than 20 minutes. The spot size not only determines the speed and comfort of the treatment, but the efficacy as well.

-Treatment Packages
Laser Hair Removal works on hair while it is in the growth phase only. At any given time, between 20% to 40% of the hair on any face or body area may be in a growth phase. Multiple treatments are required for complete clearance of the hair. However, each person may respond slightly differently. Laser hair removal centers should charge for just one treatment at a time. A reputable medical office or medical spa offering laser hair removal will offer individual treatments and not insist on payment of multiple treatments up front.

-Pricing
Because lasers for hair removal are much faster today than ever before, prices should be lower as well. An office offering laser hair removal can charge less for a laser hair removal treatment of the legs taking just 20 minutes vs. a 2 hour treatment with an older generation laser. Avoid centers offering “specials” on treatment packages, particularly if there is pressure to buy because a "special" is set to expire.

A complimentary consultation should be available for you to visit the facility, meet the laser technician and experience a spot test with the laser.

Law discourages businesses from selling treatments in a package. If the treatment works, the client will be back. "Why would you want to take someone's money before they see the results they are paying for?" She also discussed turning people away from treatments they don't need. "There have been many occasions in our practice that patients come in saying they need a face lift, and they are ready to pay. Sometimes, all they need to achieve the results they desire is microdermabrasion and a sun block." She insists, "Do NOT sell people things they don't need! It will be quick money followed by the quick demise of your reputation and your business."

When asked to reveal her secret to success, Law answered, "Treating my clients and staff the way I like to be treated."

Link: www.bluewaterspa.com