If you’re considering your first visit to a medical spa, you’re not alone. Med spas have grown in popularity across San Diego as more people prioritize self-care, aesthetic wellness, and preventative treatments. But with so many services and providers, stepping into a med spa for the first time can feel overwhelming.

At Daily Glow Spa, led by orthopedic traumatologist Dr. Lan Nguyen, we believe a med spa experience should be healing, empowering, and holistic—not intimidating. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know before your first visit to ensure you feel confident, prepared, and excited about your wellness journey.

What Is a Medical Spa?

A medical spa—or med spa—is a hybrid between a traditional spa and a medical clinic. Med spas offer services that go beyond facials and massages. They provide non-invasive medical-grade treatments performed under the supervision of licensed healthcare professionals.

Unlike salons or day spas, med spas may offer:

  • Botox and dermal fillers
  • Microneedling
  • Chemical peels
  • Laser skin resurfacing
  • Body contouring
  • IV therapy
  • Hormonal wellness
  • And more

Because treatments affect deeper layers of your skin and body systems, it’s essential to choose a reputable and medically supervised facility—like Daily Glow Spa, one of San Diego’s top-ranked destinations for aesthetic medicine.

Preparing for Your First Med Spa Visit

1. Research the Spa and Its Practitioners

Before booking, research the medical spa’s credentials. Look for:

  • Medical director credentials (e.g., Dr. Lan Nguyen’s background as an orthopedic traumatologist)
  • Online reviews and ratings
  • Before-and-after photos
  • Treatment specialties
  • Philosophy of care

At Daily Glow Spa, we emphasize a holistic, whole-body approach, blending aesthetic expertise with wellness science. Understanding your spa’s ethos helps you align your expectations with their offerings.

2. Book a Consultation First

Don’t rush into a treatment. Your first visit should ideally include a comprehensive consultation, where the medical provider:

  • Reviews your health history
  • Discusses your skincare or wellness goals
  • Explains which treatments are best for your concerns
  • Customizes a treatment plan

We encourage first-time clients at Daily Glow Spa to bring questions and concerns to this session—it’s about you feeling seen, heard, and informed.

3. Avoid Certain Skincare or Medications

In the days leading up to your visit:

  • Avoid harsh exfoliants, retinoids, or acids unless instructed otherwise
  • Pause tanning or sun exposure
  • Let your provider know if you are taking antibiotics, blood thinners, or acne medications like Accutane

These precautions help avoid irritation or adverse effects from treatments like microneedling or peels.

4. Stay Hydrated and Come Makeup-Free

Water improves your skin’s elasticity and supports healing, so hydrate well before your appointment. On the day of your visit, come with a clean, makeup-free face—especially if you’re receiving a facial, laser, or injectable treatment.

If you’re visiting for a body treatment or wellness service like IV therapy, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.

What to Expect During the Visit

Your first med spa appointment may be longer than future visits because of the initial consultation and intake process. Here’s what to expect:

  • Warm welcome and intake forms
  • Initial skin analysis or body scan, depending on your concern
  • Discussion of concerns and goals
  • Custom treatment plan and pricing overview
  • Consent forms before any procedure
  • Optional same-day treatment or future scheduling

At Daily Glow Spa, we take pride in ensuring every step feels thoughtful, never rushed. We prioritize comfort and clarity.

Common First-Time Treatments

If you’re not sure where to start, here are popular options for first-timers:

Hydrafacial or Custom Facial

Gentle yet effective. Great for detoxing the skin and hydrating without downtime.

Botox or Dysport

Minimally invasive with quick results. Ideal for smoothing fine lines.

Microneedling

Improves skin texture, tone, and collagen production. Slight downtime.

Laser Genesis or Light-Based Treatments

Non-ablative options offer results with minimal redness or recovery.

At Daily Glow Spa, we guide you through these options based on your skin condition, comfort level, and long-term goals.

Questions to Ask Your Med Spa Provider

Before moving forward with treatment, ask the following:

  • Who will perform my treatment? (Is it a doctor, RN, or esthetician?)
  • What certifications and licenses do they hold?
  • How many sessions are recommended for results?
  • What are the risks, side effects, or downtime?
  • Is aftercare provided and explained in detail?

These questions help ensure safety and peace of mind—especially if you’re new to aesthetic medicine.

Why a Holistic Approach Matters

Daily Glow Spa stands apart in San Diego by offering more than just surface-level beauty. We incorporate:

  • Musculoskeletal knowledge from Dr. Nguyen’s orthopedic background
  • A mind-body approach to beauty and recovery
  • Integrative wellness practices to support longevity and glow from within

This means we don’t just treat wrinkles or skin tone—we address how your lifestyle, nutrition, posture, stress levels, and internal systems contribute to your outward appearance. That’s the Daily Glow difference.

How We Can Help

At Daily Glow Spa, we understand that your first med spa visit is more than just a beauty appointment—it’s the start of a journey toward confidence, health, and self-care. Our mission is to guide you every step of the way, blending advanced aesthetic treatments with holistic wellness to help you glow from the inside out.

Whether you’re seeking rejuvenation, body contouring, or skincare expertise, our experienced team—under the care of Dr. Lan Nguyen—is here to offer personalized, results-driven care in a calm, luxurious environment.

Rejuvenate Daily, Shine Always. Book your consultation today and discover why we’re ranked among San Diego’s Top Doctors.