What is the primary difference between an esthetician and a medical esthetician?

The primary difference between an esthetician and a medical esthetician lies in the settings in which they operate and the types of treatments they provide. Medical estheticians work in a medical setting, which often includes clinics, dermatology offices, and plastic surgeons' offices. In these environments, they are able to perform advanced skin care treatments that are often necessary for patients recovering from surgical procedures, dealing with skin conditions, or seeking specialized care. This training allows them to understand and work effectively in conjunction with medical professionals, providing treatments that are tailored to the needs of patients with specific concerns.

Regular estheticians, on the other hand, typically operate in day spas or beauty salons and focus on cosmetic skin care treatments, such as facials, body treatments, and cosmetic makeup application. Their training is generally less focused on medical and clinical practices compared to that of medical estheticians.

Thus, the correct answer emphasizes that medical estheticians provide treatments in a medical setting, highlighting their role in the healthcare environment and the responsibilities that come with it.