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As a travel writer, I'm privileged to take many trips, and hitting the spa during a lengthy layover has always been a no-brainer.
I love a deeply moisturizing facial to revive my cabin-dried, jet-lagged skin and there's nothing like a massage to relieve stiffness and tension after long-haul legs in economy.
Recently, I've leveled up: I seek out med spas in countries where I have lengthy layovers and book minimal-downtime aesthetic treatments.
With the right bookings, I've been able to get treatments for way less than what they'd be at local med spas in my home base of San Francisco.
I've been shocked to find that, sometimes, the treatments I'd planned to have at home cost more than what I'd pay for the treatments, flight, and a hotel while abroad.
Recently, while en route to a bucket-list safari in Botswana, I had a full day to kill in Johannesburg during my layover.
Fortunately, a highly-rated skincare and laser clinic was a short ride from my airport hotel. I got an appointment for Broadband Light and Halo treatments designed to correct sun damage and rejuvenate skin.
The combined cost of these two laser treatments for my face and chest (which count as two separate areas) was 15,495 South African rands, or about $841. In San Francisco, the same treatments at my usual med spa would've cost me $3,960.
Six weeks later, I stopped in Liverpool, England, to see family while heading from Denmark back to San Francisco.
After a teleconsult via Zoom with a local med spa, I booked a few treatments including Sculptra, a type of injectable filler that targets wrinkles and fine lines.
I got two vials of it, one each for my face and neck, which cost 850 pounds, about $1,064. It would've cost me about $1,900 at a San Francisco clinic near my home.
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Many aesthetics providers recommend you receive multiple sessions spaced at intervals. You can plan subsequent sessions for later trips or continue at your home base if you're not planning to travel again — but some in the med-spa field advise that a single, trusted specialist is best for optimal results.
"A dedicated provider develops an in-depth understanding of your skin's unique needs and aesthetic goals, creating a personalized treatment plan that evolves with you over time," said Polly Moore, registered nurse and senior director of laser operations at Revive Med Spa.
With some pre-travel treatments, you'll want to proceed with caution and monitor your body during recovery.
Dr. Rami Hosein, medical director and owner of Elinea medspa, has a strict policy of not treating patients with dermal fillers within 72 hours of travel in case of blood-vessel blockage — a very rare but serious complication.
"Warning signs — including excessive bruising beyond the treatment area, significant swelling, or persistent pain — usually present immediately but can be delayed up to three days," he said. If this happens, you should immediately seek medical attention.
If you fly right after treatment, Moore said, do lots of stretches to encourage blood flow as you heal and stay hydrated. Also, keep in mind that cabin-pressure changes may temporarily worsen swelling and bruising.
As with all aesthetics or med-spa appointments, it's important to find a provider you trust. Read reviews, chat with the team to ensure you feel confident, and leave if you don't like the vibe when you arrive.
Lastly, if you're paying with a credit card, check its foreign exchange rates. Your care may cost more than you expected if it has foreign-transaction fees.
