What Most People Get Wrong About Treatment Time
Here’s the thing about booking your first medspa appointment — you probably have no idea how long it’ll actually take. And honestly, that’s totally normal. Most people either overestimate (thinking they’ll need half a day off work) or underestimate (rushing in during a 30-minute lunch break).
Neither approach works out great.
I’ve talked to tons of first-timers who almost cancelled appointments because they couldn’t figure out scheduling. Sound familiar? The good news is that once you know what to expect, fitting treatments into your busy life gets way easier.
If you’re researching options at a Medical Spa in Chevy Chase MD, understanding realistic timeframes helps you plan smarter. So let’s break down exactly how long the most popular treatments actually take — from the moment you walk in until you’re heading out the door.
Injectable Treatments: Faster Than You’d Think
Injectables are probably the quickest bang for your buck when it comes to time investment. But there’s a catch — your first visit takes longer than follow-ups.
Botox and Neurotoxins
The actual injection part? We’re talking 10-15 minutes. Seriously, that’s it. The needles are tiny, and experienced injectors work quickly.
But here’s what people forget: your first appointment includes a consultation. Add another 15-20 minutes for discussing your goals, reviewing your medical history, and mapping out injection sites. So budget about 30-45 minutes total for visit number one.
Follow-up appointments? You really can squeeze these into a lunch break. Many people pop in, get their treatment, and head right back to work.
Dermal Fillers
Fillers take a bit longer than Botox — usually 30-60 minutes depending on how many areas you’re treating. Lip fillers on their own might only need 20-30 minutes. But if you’re doing cheeks, under-eyes, and jawline all in one session, expect closer to an hour.
The numbing cream they apply beforehand needs about 15-20 minutes to kick in. So factor that waiting time into your schedule too.
Kybella
This double-chin treatment runs about 15-20 minutes per session. You’ll need multiple sessions (typically 2-6) spaced a month apart. Each appointment is quick, but the overall treatment timeline stretches over several months.
Laser Treatments: The Wide Range
Laser procedures have the biggest time variation. A quick touch-up and a full-body treatment are completely different beasts.
Laser Hair Removal
This one depends entirely on the body area:
- Upper lip or underarms: 10-15 minutes
- Bikini area: 15-20 minutes
- Full legs: 45-60 minutes
- Full back: 30-45 minutes
- Full body session: 2-3 hours
Most people do individual areas, so appointments stay pretty manageable. And according to research on laser hair removal, you’ll need 6-8 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart for best results.
IPL Photofacial
These light-based treatments for sun damage and redness typically take 20-30 minutes for a full face. The actual treatment is quick — the prep work (cleansing, applying gel) adds a few extra minutes.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
Now we’re getting into longer territory. Ablative laser resurfacing (the more intense kind) takes 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on depth and treatment area. Non-ablative treatments are faster — usually 30-45 minutes.
Recovery time is the bigger consideration here. You might need a week or more of downtime after aggressive resurfacing, so plan around social obligations.
Body Contouring: Block Out Your Calendar
Body treatments generally take longer. These aren’t lunchtime procedures.
CoolSculpting
Each CoolSculpting applicator cycle runs 35-60 minutes. And here’s the thing — most treatment plans involve multiple applicators. Treating both love handles? That’s two cycles, so about 70-120 minutes minimum.
Sky Infusions Therapy and similar providers often recommend treating multiple areas in one session to save on total appointment visits. But that means blocking out 2-4 hours for comprehensive body contouring.
When searching for the Best Medical Spa in Chevy Chase MD, ask about their body contouring consultation process to understand realistic session counts.
Radiofrequency Skin Tightening
Treatments like Thermage or Exilis take 30-90 minutes per session. Smaller areas (face, neck) stay on the shorter end. Larger areas (abdomen, thighs) push toward the longer end.
Emsculpt
This muscle-building treatment runs exactly 30 minutes per area, per session. It’s pretty standardized. Most protocols call for 4 sessions over 2 weeks, so you’re looking at 2 hours total treatment time spread across multiple appointments.
Facials and Peels: The Relaxation Factor
These treatments actually deserve their time. Rushing through defeats the purpose.
HydraFacial
A standard HydraFacial takes about 30 minutes. The deluxe versions with add-ons (LED therapy, lymphatic drainage, boosters) can stretch to 60-90 minutes. Honestly, the longer versions feel like a proper spa experience.
Chemical Peels
Peel appointment length depends on the peel depth:
- Light peels (lunchtime peels): 15-30 minutes
- Medium peels: 30-45 minutes
- Deep peels: 60-90 minutes
Light peels live up to their “lunchtime” nickname — you really can head back to work after. Medium and deep peels require more careful post-care, though the appointment itself isn’t dramatically longer.
Microneedling
Expect 45-60 minutes for microneedling. The numbing alone takes 20-30 minutes, then the actual needling runs about 20-30 minutes. Add in cleansing and post-treatment serum application, and you’re looking at roughly an hour.
Smart Scheduling Tips That Actually Work
After working with countless busy professionals, here’s what actually helps with scheduling:
Book morning appointments when you can. Your face hasn’t accumulated the day’s stress, and providers are fresh. Plus, any mild redness has all day to calm down before evening plans.
Stack shorter treatments together. If you’re already coming in for Botox, adding a quick HydraFacial only extends your visit by 30-40 minutes. Two birds, one commute.
Don’t schedule big events within 48 hours of injectables. Bruising and swelling happen sometimes. Give yourself buffer time for important photos or presentations.
Finding the Best Medical Spa in Chevy Chase MD starts with understanding what fits your actual lifestyle. There’s no point in signing up for treatments you can’t realistically schedule.
And speaking of realistic expectations — always confirm appointment length when booking. Every provider moves at a slightly different pace. A quick call saves major headaches when you’re juggling work meetings and treatment appointments.
For more information about treatment scheduling and what to expect, you can explore additional resources that break down the patient experience in detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear makeup to my medspa appointment?
You can, but you’ll need to remove it before most treatments. Providers cleanse your skin anyway, so arriving makeup-free saves a few minutes. For injectable appointments, some people come bare-faced and apply makeup right after.
How soon after treatment can I exercise?
It varies by treatment. After Botox, wait 24 hours before intense exercise. Filler appointments mean avoiding heavy workouts for 24-48 hours. Laser treatments may require a few days off sweaty gym sessions to prevent irritation.
Do consultation appointments count toward treatment time?
Usually not. First visits at a Medical Spa in Chevy Chase MD typically include both consultation and treatment, making them longer than follow-ups. Some providers offer separate consultation-only appointments, especially for surgical or complex procedures.
What if I’m running late to my appointment?
Call ahead immediately. Most medspas have tight schedules, and arriving 15+ minutes late might mean rescheduling. Many charge late fees or require rebooking if you miss a significant portion of your appointment slot.
How much recovery time should I plan after treatments?
Injectables and light facials need minimal recovery — maybe some redness for a few hours. Medium chemical peels cause peeling for 3-7 days. Laser resurfacing might require a week or more of visible healing. Your provider should give specific aftercare timelines during your consultation.
Bottom line? Most medspa treatments fit into busy schedules way better than people expect. A little planning goes a long way, and once you’ve been through your first appointment, timing future visits gets much easier. Start by being honest about your availability, and work with your provider to create a treatment plan that doesn’t stress you out.
