For many reasons – shifts in workplace demographics, well-being, a lack of dermatologists throughout Alberta and the rest of the country and a surging employee focus on the importance of work/life balance – wellness and medspa services are very in-demand workplace options.
The services offered by medspas often blur the line between medical and spa treatments, and sometimes there is confusion whether medspa clientele are “customers” or “patients” or both. The reality is, that while medspas can be a legitimate, safe option for aesthetic and wellness treatments, they do operate in a largely grey area that requires careful consumer research, although the health laws and regulations are strict.
The Alberta government regulates medspas in Edmonton through specific licensing and operational standards. Medspas must operate under the supervision of qualified healthcare professionals, such as registered doctors or nurses, and adhere to provincial regulations regarding the services they provide. Popular medspa treatments, like injectables or laser therapies, may only be conducted by qualified healthcare professionals, such as dermatologists, nurses or certified technicians. For the consumer, confirming the credentials of the practitioner is key to having peace of mind. Compliance with health and safety regulations is mandatory, ensuring patient safety and privacy.
Medspas combine the soothing atmosphere of traditional day spas with advanced medical-grade treatments aimed at improving skin health and appearance. Services often include facials, injectables like Botox and dermal fillers, laser therapies and body contouring. The difference lies in their operation under the supervision, training experience and qualifications of licensed healthcare professionals, such as physicians or nurse practitioners.
In the Edmonton area, there is a basic but multi-pronged reason why medspas are so popular.
Medspas offer a variety of services that can improve appearance as well as leading to better health. They provide skincare, beauty, antiaging services, chemical peels, laser therapies, massage therapy and slimming wraps and even cosmetic surgery procedures like facelifts or breast augmentation.
Medspas are becoming more common in the medical field because they don’t carry all of the risks associated with invasive surgeries and can be less expensive than some other types of plastic surgery options. Another reason for the popularity of medspas is the surge of new technologies and non-invasive procedures available for people who want to look their best without going under the knife.
Zia Cosmetic Clinic, respected as one of Edmonton’s premier medspas, provides a full range of procedures for the face and body and is dedicated to enhancing appearances through a variety of non-surgical options.
“In the past two or three years, there has been a surge in demand for medspa services, especially for cosmetic injectables services,” explains Melisse Smith, nurse practitioner, master injector and medical director at Zia Cosmetic Clinic. “We offer non-invasive injectable treatments that treat wrinkles, forehead lines, frown lines and crow’s feet. You can improve your confidence and skin quality with one of our effective options such as cosmetic Botox, microneedling, laser hair removal, lattice, chemical peels, dermabrasion and more.”
“People appreciate the education and professionalism that it takes,” she continues about why clients choose medspas. “They are looking for procedures that will help maintain their youthfulness and beauty. They are investing in their health and seeking solutions to aging.”
Smith points out the importance of understanding and education about medspa services, sorting out the misinformation, whether it’s from word of mouth and particularly from social media, and having realistic expectations.
“Social media has created some misinformation regarding many of the procedures that are done. The media can mislead people about medspa procedures and often delivers an unrealistic expectation regarding outcomes. This is where knowledge and transparency with complete honestly are so crucial with every client encounter. With proper education, people are able to understand and have realistic expectations.”
While “medspa” is a popular catchphrase, Ayaz Bhanji, president and CEO of Edmonton’s Zia Group of Companies, explains that ZIA is not an ordinary medspa.
“Our Zia team is gynecologists, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, prescribing pharmacists and medical aestheticians, focusing on overall health (particularly in women’s health) as well as medical and non-medical aesthetics.”
Other popular Edmonton area medspas include Bliss MediSpa & Integrated Wellness; Emerald Medical & Wellness Centre, focused on non-invasive medical services such as IV therapy, laser treatments and body contouring; Absolute Aesthetics, specializing in filler and aesthetic treatments; and Beauty Rewind, whose variety of treatments includes CoolSculpting, revitalizing facials, non-invasive body contouring, injectable fillers and more.
As a workplace perk, medspas can be a legitimate component of group benefit plans, although their eligibility depends heavily on the specific type of service provided and whether the practitioner is licensed and registered.
Key considerations for medspa coverage include registered paramedical services provided by a registered practitioner, such as a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT), which are often covered under extended health benefits. Physician-led services in a medspa might be considered medically necessary in certain cases.
What is usually not covered without “a doctor’s note?” Routine aesthetic services like Botox for wrinkles and cosmetic laser treatments. Also, facials and skincare products are usually excluded from group plans, mostly because they do not qualify as medically necessary. However, the popularity of medspas reflects the trend of referrals from a physician (a Letter of Medical Necessity/LMN) to be eligible for coverage.
In the Edmonton workplace, the specific and often customized wellness benefits options are vital aspects of business and corporate culture.
Ryan Miller, vice president of brand experience with Navacord Alberta, the respected and innovative benefits broker providing commercial insurance, risk management and group benefits, explains, “Strong employee benefits plans play an important role in attracting and retaining talent, building trust and boosting productivity. These plans are particularly valued by Gen X and elder Millennial employees, who often have a greater need for prescription drugs and medical aids. Companies are seeking flexibility in their benefits plans to better accommodate the varying demographic needs of their workforce.
Miller continues, “This adaptability is key as organizations strive to offer meaningful benefits that resonate with employees across different age groups and lifestyles. Employees also value virtual health care for the convenience it allows, and lifestyle benefits, in general, remain popular. Massage therapy benefits are always well utilized. Weight loss drugs, particularly GLP-1 products, have become a frequent topic of conversation.”
Zia’s Smith sums up Edmonton’s medspa popularity and why corporations should consider folding them into benefit packages.
“People are investing in their health and seeking solutions to aging. They want ageless aging.”