Cosmetic treatments, explained before you book
Seventeen treatments, each with a calm, plain guide. Read what happens at the appointment, how recovery usually goes, what drives the price and what to ask at the consultation. Then search the directory for clinics that offer it near you.
Start with the treatment, then the clinic
Every guide follows the same order, so you can compare treatments side by side. You get what it is, how the visit usually goes, session length, recovery in general terms, how long results tend to last, reasons a provider may say no, and the questions worth asking. Prices vary by clinic, so each guide explains what moves the quote instead of printing a number.
General information, not medical advice. A licensed provider decides whether a treatment is right for you.
Injectables
Treatments given by injection at a medical practice or med spa. Performed by licensed medical professionals. Who may perform it depends on your state's rules.
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Botox
Botox. A neuromodulator that relaxes the muscles behind expression lines such as forehead lines and crow's feet.
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Lip filler
Lip filler. A gel, usually hyaluronic acid, placed in the lips to add shape, definition or volume.
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Dermal fillers
Dermal fillers. Gels used to restore volume in areas such as the cheeks, chin, jawline and under the eyes.
Weighing the two? Read botox vs filler and botox vs dysport.
Laser and device treatments
Energy and device based treatments for skin texture, firmness and tone.
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Microneedling
Microneedling. Fine needles create controlled micro-injuries that prompt the skin to renew itself.
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Skin tightening
Skin tightening. Radiofrequency, ultrasound and similar devices that heat deeper layers to firm the skin over time.
Not sure which suits your skin? Read microneedling vs chemical peel.
Skin treatments
Treatments for glow, clarity and texture, from a classic facial to a medical-grade peel.
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Chemical peel
Chemical peel. An acid solution that removes damaged outer layers of skin, from light to deep.
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HydraFacial
HydraFacial. A multi-step device facial that cleanses, exfoliates, extracts and hydrates in one visit.
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Facials
Facials. A professional skin treatment tailored to your skin type, from a deep cleanse to a calming treatment.
Hair removal
Options that range from a quick wax to permanent hair removal over a series of visits.
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Laser hair removal
Laser hair removal. Light energy targets the hair follicle to reduce regrowth over several sessions.
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Electrolysis
Electrolysis. A fine probe treats one follicle at a time and suits most hair and skin colors.
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Waxing
Waxing. Warm wax removes hair from the root on almost any area of the body.
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Brazilian wax
Brazilian wax. Hair removal for the full bikini area, done by a trained esthetician.
Compare the two longer-lasting methods in electrolysis vs laser hair removal.
Lashes and brows
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Lash lift
Lash lift. A gentle perm for your natural lashes that adds curl for several weeks.
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Lash extensions
Lash extensions. Individual synthetic lashes bonded to your own for length and fullness.
Body treatments
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CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting. A cooling device treatment that reduces stubborn fat in targeted areas.
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Body contouring
Body contouring. Nonsurgical treatments that reduce fat or firm skin on the body.
Tanning
Ready to look for a clinic
Search the directory by treatment and city, or browse every med spa near me on the map. Each profile shows the treatments a clinic lists and whether the clinic has claimed its profile.