Have you ever thought of getting Botox while shopping in a mall? It saves time, it’s convenient and relaxing. Cosmedical spas are coming up big-time in malls and shopping areas. These spas are for all those who want to combine the pleasures of shopping, and eating out with a beauty treatment. According to the International Medical Spa Association, these spas offer their clients minimally invasive cosmetic procedures like Botox injections in a relaxing and refreshing atmosphere.

These medical spas are growing by leaps and bounds. In the United States, the number of medical spas has grown from 50 in 2002, when Botox injections were federally approved, to about 2,500 in 2007. This is a direct result of retail owners and medical institutions broadening their approach to reaching their public audience. Many of these spas offer both traditional spa services like massages, manicures and hair styling along with Botox and other minimally invasive procedures.

Spas in malls may be a good idea, but it has some downsides which you should know about. Most of these spas are known as ‘medical spas’ but not all have a direct connection with any medical association. Some do not require their practitioners to be board-certified plastic surgeons or dermatologists. This may leave clients with little or no consumer safety during or after treatments. Serious damage – like a drooping eyelid – can be sustained if the person giving the injection is not properly trained.

You also need to find out whether there is a certified practitioner is on the staff of the spa. If there is one, does that doctor spend a lot of time at the spa or does he just visit the spa once a week. Most procedures in these spas are done by nurses who have access to the practitioner if needed.

When making the decision to Botox while you shop, be sure to check the standards and guidelines set-out by the Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Medical Association or the governing body over plastic surgeons and dermatology in your area. Contact your local cosmedical spa and ask questions about hygiene and cleaning procedures, certification and whether they are linked with and accountable to a major and reputable medical association.