Aesthetic treatment
questions, answered.

A med spa (medical spa) is a facility that combines the environment of a day spa with medical-grade aesthetic treatments performed or supervised by licensed medical professionals. Services typically include injectables like Botox and fillers, laser treatments, skin resurfacing, and body contouring — treatments that require medical oversight but do not require a hospital or surgical setting.

Med spas specialize in non-surgical aesthetic treatments: injectables, lasers, facials, and body contouring. A plastic surgeon's office performs both surgical procedures (face lifts, breast augmentation, breast lifts) and often offers non-surgical treatments as well. For surgical procedures, you need a board-certified plastic surgeon. For non-surgical treatments, both settings can be appropriate depending on the provider's credentials and your goals.

Botox (and similar neuromodulators) relaxes facial muscles to reduce dynamic wrinkles — lines caused by expressions like squinting or smiling. Fillers add volume to areas that have lost fullness or structure, such as lips, cheeks, or jawline. Both are injected, but they work differently and target different concerns. Many patients use both at the same appointment.

Most providers offer or require a consultation before treatment, particularly for injectables, lasers, or any procedure with a recovery period. A consultation allows the provider to assess your anatomy, understand your goals, and recommend the right treatment plan. For surgical procedures, a consultation is always required. Many non-surgical treatments can be done the same day after a brief intake.

FDA-approved aesthetic treatments performed by qualified providers are generally considered safe. The most important safety factor is provider credentials — always verify that your injector or technician is a licensed medical professional (MD, NP, PA, or RN) operating under appropriate supervision. Surgical procedures carry inherently more risk and should only be performed by board-certified plastic surgeons in accredited facilities.

Most aesthetic providers do not publish prices because pricing varies by patient — the number of units of Botox needed, the number of syringes of filler, the size of the treatment area. Publishing a single price can be misleading. That said, most providers can give you a ballpark estimate before your appointment, and verified providers on Get Clear Beauty post their actual pricing up front.

Costs vary widely by treatment and location. Botox typically starts at $10–$15 per unit, with a full upper-face treatment running $300–$800. Lip filler starts around $500–$700 per syringe. Non-surgical treatments like HydraFacials start around $150–$200 per session. Surgical procedures like breast lifts or face lifts start at $6,000–$8,000 and range significantly higher depending on the surgeon and market.

Almost never. Aesthetic treatments are elective cosmetic procedures and are not covered by health insurance. Rare exceptions include procedures with documented medical necessity, such as blepharoplasty that impairs vision, or certain reconstructive procedures. Most patients pay out of pocket or use patient financing.

Many providers accept CareCredit or Cherry, which are healthcare-specific financing programs that offer promotional interest-free periods. Some practices offer in-house payment plans. Applying for financing is typically quick and does not require a hard credit pull for pre-qualification.

A complete quote should include the provider fee, any consumable costs (units of Botox, syringes of filler), and for surgical procedures, the anesthesia fee and facility fee. Always ask explicitly what is and is not included — a low headline price can become significantly higher once all components are added. Get Clear Beauty shows all-in starting prices where providers have provided them.

For injectables, look for a licensed medical professional — MD, DO, NP, PA, or RN — with specific training in aesthetic procedures. For laser treatments, confirm the technician is trained and certified on the specific device being used. For surgical procedures, only consider board-certified plastic surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Always ask how many times they have performed the specific procedure you are considering.

An MD (medical doctor) has the most extensive medical training. An NP (nurse practitioner) and PA (physician assistant) have advanced degrees and can practice with varying levels of physician supervision depending on the state. An RN (registered nurse) requires physician oversight for injections in most states. All four can legally perform aesthetic injections in most states — experience and specific training in aesthetics matters more than the degree alone.

Ask about the provider's credentials and experience with your specific treatment. Ask how it is priced — per unit, per area, or flat fee. Ask what results to realistically expect and how long they last. Ask about downtime and aftercare requirements. Ask what happens if you are not happy with the result. A provider who answers these questions confidently and transparently is a good sign.

Look for consistent lighting and angles between before and after shots — inconsistencies can artificially enhance results. Look for photos that match your own anatomy and concerns, not just the most dramatic transformations. Ask if the photos are the provider's own patients or stock images. Ask how long after the procedure the after photo was taken — swelling and bruising can distort short-term results.

Get Clear Beauty is a free marketplace for patients looking for aesthetic treatments. Describe your concern, set your budget and location, and our AI matches you with treatments and providers in your area. Verified providers post their actual pricing so you can compare before contacting anyone. There is no charge to use Get Clear Beauty as a patient.

Verified providers post their actual treatment prices, which you can see on their listing before reaching out. Unverified providers show estimated pricing based on typical rates in their area — clearly labeled and should be confirmed directly with the provider. All pricing is shown up front so you can compare before you book.

Yes. Get Clear Beauty is completely free for patients. You can search treatments, browse providers, compare pricing, and send inquiries at no cost. Providers pay a monthly subscription to list their practice and receive patient inquiries.