Palm Beachers can now receive fat-reduction and cosmetic procedures in the comfort of a secluded and relaxing spa rather than a doctor’s office. The Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach recently began offering the services in its spa. Resort guests or visitors can receive several non-invasive, non-surgical services for their lips, face and body. Procedures include BOTOX, fillers, CoolSculpting fat-reduction and Ultherapy skin tightening.
Dr Harold Bafitis, a plastic surgeon who has been practicing in Palm Beach County for more than 25 years, teamed with the Four Seasons to begin offering the services a few months ago.
ÒRight now, there is no other experience on the island like this,Ó Dr Bafitis said. ÒThe ability to provide non-surgical procedures in a five-star venue where people feel comfortable and don’t have to wait. This is a huge thing for people who live here.Ó
Spa Director Akram Alkawasmeh said only a handful of other Four Seasons across the country offer the Òmed spaÓ concept.
ÒThe reason why we adopted this is because of the quick results,Ó he said. ÒPeople love fast results. If you want to lose weight, going on a diet and regular exercise, it takes time, but with some of these treatments you can get results with the same session. You could be losing 1 inch, 2 inches from one session and people love it.Ó
Cynthia Miller of North Palm Beach said she went to the spa for her CoolSculpting procedure because of the atmosphere.
ÒI like the spa because it’s tranquil and it’s quiet Ñ and there’s no hustle and bustle,Ó she said. ÒYou can watch television. The room is private. You can order food. Going to a doctor’s office is not a bad experience; it’s just you’re in there and it seems like you’re just waiting for it to finish so you can leave whereas when you’re here it’s so relaxing.Ó
Ms Miller said she also appreciates that the med spa is more private.
ÒIt’s a great way to be anonymous,Ó she said. ÒIt’s kind of hard to hide when you go to a public office and sit in a waiting room.Ó
Mr Alkawasmeh said the resort plans to market wellness packages that would include fitness classes, spa treatments and medical treatments. Cosmetic procedures are just another element to add to the guest’s overall vacation experience, he said.
Ms Miller said she thinks resort med spas will become a popular trend.
ÒWhen you’re on vacation you really are not concerned about money,Ó she said. ÒYou’re in a happy place. And you have to take your clothes off, you have to go to the pool, you look at yourself more É you start noticing things that you don’t like about your body.Ó
Catherine Warren, Spa and Leisure Director at Eau Palm Beach ResortÊand Spa, said the resort considered offering a plastic surgeon but decided the risk Òoutweighs the benefits with medical procedures.Ó She said via email that she thinks the concept makes more sense for cruise ships that already have a doctor on board.
Dr Bafitis and the Four Seasons didn’t provide details on revenue and business models. The cost for the procedures ranges from a few hundred dollars to nearly $4,000.
