Advanced Aesthetics has become an Intricate Part of the Spa Offering- Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Spa Magazine #105

Advanced Aesthetics has become an Intricate Part of the Spa Offering

By Jacoline Wentzel, Managing Director of The Spa Warehouse

Advanced aesthetics has seamlessly woven itself into the fabric of the spa industry, with advanced anti-aging treatments emerging as a cornerstone of the global beauty landscape, now constituting a billion-dollar industry. However, the mere mention of terms like "medi-spa" or "advanced aesthetics" often conjures up images of sterile, impersonal environments-a stark departure from the warm, inviting atmosphere traditionally associated with spas. So, how can spas integrate this burgeoning trend without diluting their core values or compromising the comfort of their clients?

Thorough Planning

Before embarking on the transformation of a segment of your spa into an advanced aesthetic area, meticulous planning is essential. Begin by delineating your treatment offerings. Carefully curate your product lines and select advanced aesthetic equipment that aligns seamlessly with both your spa's ethos and the preferences of your clientele. If navigating this terrain feels overwhelming, consider enlisting the expertise of an experienced consultant to guide your choices, minimizing the risk of costly missteps. While investing in advanced aesthetics represents a significant financial commitment, astute management can yield substantial returns.

Maintaining a clear distinction between your regular spa services and advanced aesthetic treatments is advisable. Develop separate treatment menus tailored to each offering before proceeding to design the area in accordance with your chosen treatments.

Waiting Area

For a medical advanced aesthetic area, providing a separate entrance for clients seeking these services is ideal. Privacy is paramount, particularly for clients undergoing invasive treatments who may prefer not to mingle with regular spa-goers post-treatment, especially if their skin exhibits redness or blotchiness.

If a separate entrance isn't feasible, consider establishing a dedicated reception desk and waiting area within your spa premises to preserve client confidentiality and comfort.

Consultation Area

Every client undergoing advanced aesthetic treatments requires a diagnostic consultation to tailor their treatment program to their specific needs. Designate a private space for these consultations, facilitating thorough assessments by qualified medical practitioners or therapists. Opt for carpeted flooring to minimize noise and ensure discretion during confidential discussions. Comfort should be prioritized in this area to establish trust and put clients at ease from the outset.

Treatment Room

Comfort remains paramount in the treatment room, for both clients and practitioners alike. While integrating the soothing colour palette of your spa, emphasize simplicity and cleanliness in your décor choices. Minimize decorative accents and opt for artwork that complements your spa's aesthetic without being distracting. Ensure ample space for a comfortable electric treatment bed, hydraulic therapist stool, and any necessary aesthetic equipment.

Investing in a high-quality treatment bed, such as those from the Lemi, can significantly enhance client comfort and practitioner efficiency.

Flooring and work surfaces should be easy to clean to maintain optimal hygiene standards. Consider materials like copper, stainless steel, or manufactured stone for durability and ease of maintenance. If your services include body treatments requiring a shower, integrating shower facilities into the treatment room layout is advisable.

Retail Area

The retail area is an integral component of your spa's offerings and can be integrated into the waiting or reception area. Create an engaging shopping experience by incorporating a mix of open and closed shelving and display areas. Proper lighting is crucial in this space, as it can significantly influence sales. Consult with a lighting expert to ensure products are well-lit from the front, with lighting that doesn't generate excessive heat, which could compromise product quality.

Staff

The staff selected to work in this area must be fully trained and cross-trained to ensure comprehensive knowledge of your treatment menu. While your receptionist should be conversant with the offerings, they should refrain from providing medical advice to clients over the phone. Ensure your staff regularly attends conferences and trainings to stay abreast of developments in the industry. They must be fully qualified, knowledgeable, and adhere to strict hygiene and safety standards, including proficiency in basic first aid and preparedness for emergencies.

Consultant

If you are not sure where to start or how to implement advanced aesthetics into your existing spa, my suggestion would be to get a knowledgeable spa or aesthetic consultant, who can assist you with the design, layout and budget. It might be an initial out lay but their years of experience will save you from investing in the wrong items. Once again, do your planning and make sure you choose the right person for your project as they will be an intricate part of your team until your spa opening.

For more information, The Spa Warehouse www.thespawarehouse.co.za info@thespawarehouse.co.za