Your Guide to Opening a Medical Spa 

 The process of opening a medical spa is both exhilarating and nerve-wracking, but it could be the decision that brings your dreams to life. Today, we’re discussing how medical spas differ from other facilities and offering tips on opening a thriving practice!

How are med spas different from day spas?

Medical spas are unique businesses that offer clients top-tier services. Here are some of the ways they stand out from other types of spas:

Treatments focus on deeper skin concerns

It’s common to find med spas operating within — or in conjunction with — dermatology offices. That’s because these businesses naturally complement one another. Patients with certain skin conditions or cosmetic concerns can receive treatments they know their doctor would approve of. 

Invasive vs non-invasive treatment options

Day spas are typically limited to non-invasive procedures only. They may offer massages, facials, manicures, and body wraps, but they can’t go more than skin deep. 

On the other hand, medical spas operate under the supervision of a licensed physician. Professionals in these facilities may administer Botox injections, deep chemical peels, body contouring services, and laser hair removal in addition to all the standard day-spa menu items. 

Medical vs non-medical background

In many states, only licensed medical providers can open a medical spa. Additionally, a qualified medical physician must oversee all services offered. You can expect to hire a number of doctors and nurses to ensure proper oversight.

How profitable is opening a medical spa?

The earning potential of your medical spa depends on several important factors. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Location

Opening a medical spa in a big city or high-cost-of-living area typically sets you up for a more lucrative business. After all, services in these locations tend to cost more across the board. 

Size

The size of your facility, the number of staff members you employ, and the number of clients your team can treat each day will also make a big difference in your profitability. Of course, as these amounts increase, so do your overhead costs. 

Services

The types of services offered will directly impact your medical spa’s profitability. For example, you might invest in high-end laser devices and microneedling equipment to provide luxury treatments for your client base. 

You can also include low-cost specialty services, such as waxing and manicures, to ensure your clinic is more accessible to clients with smaller budgets. 

How to get started with opening a medical spa

You can expect to jump through a few additional hoops when opening a medical spa versus opening a day spa. Here’s a general guide to get you started:

Create a business plan

A comprehensive business plan should detail every aspect of your business. It defines your vision for the company, financial resources, startup costs, marketing strategy, and industry research. This document can help you land investors and give lenders confidence in your ability to create a lucrative enterprise. 

Get the right training and licensing

Before opening your medical spa, you must understand all state and local requirements to start such a business in your area. If you’re not a physician, start looking for doctors and dermatologists who might be interested in a new opportunity. Even if your state doesn’t mandate physician oversight, your practitioners may need a valid esthetician license or certification in their chosen specialty. 

Look into business licenses, retail permits, and other mandatory requirements to ensure full compliance with city, state, and federal laws. 

Set your budget and get funding

Whether you’re paying out of pocket, recruiting investors, or applying for small business loans, you’ll need to have your finances in order before taking the plunge. Try to pay off any outstanding debts. Then, compile and organize all relevant financial documents into one cohesive file. 

Research your local medical spa market to understand the start-up costs, esthetician insurance, and overhead you can anticipate as you open your new business. 

Find the perfect location

Once you’ve sorted out the logistics of opening your medical spa, it’s time to lock down the perfect location! Consider the neighborhood’s walkability, other nearby businesses, and local clientele, as well as the building’s existing infrastructure. 

Is there adequate parking? Will you need to do extensive renovations? Is the building zoned for your type of business? All of these questions can help you score the right location and avoid unnecessary stress later on.

Have the proper equipment

Depending on the services you plan to provide, you’ll likely need to invest in medical equipment like lasers and microneedling devices. Even lo-fi items like massage tables and waxing gear come with a price tag. 

Market your medical spa

You’ve met all the legal requirements for opening a medical spa, hired an incredible team, and outfitted your facility with high-end furnishings. Now, you just need to get customers in the door! Consider offering introductory rates for new clients, running limited-time deals, and creating treatment packages to encourage foot traffic.

In addition to placing ads in local publications, you can use social media platforms to your advantage. You might offer a referral program to encourage word-of-mouth advertising or a free bonus gift for clients who like and share certain posts. Be sure to highlight both your aesthetic and clinical services to interest as many clients as possible. 

Grow!

If you’ve managed to open a successful medical spa, you’ll want to continue looking for ways to improve. Perhaps you could expand your spa menu to include holistic acne treatment programs or hire dedicated customer service assistants to ensure every client is happy with their visit. Particularly lucrative business owners may consider opening a second medical spa. 

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