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Thinking of opening a medical spa? Considering recent market conditions, it’s been a viable business idea, especially for medical providers interested in an alternative – and potentially more lucrative – professional path. In 2023, the number of medical spas increased by a greater percentage than any other category in the beauty and wellness industry.
Med spas have become a popular, mainstream destination in recent years as clientele skews younger.
Just how mainstream?
“Anybody 45 and older used to talk about med spa services in the corner with friends at a party. Now, they throw parties about it,” says Ryan Rose, CEO of the fast-growing VIO Med Spa. But it’s not just Gen X and Baby Boomers using med spas to reverse the effects of aging. More millennials are seeking medspa treatments, too – for proactive skincare.
As you might expect, opening a medical spa has a longer list of steps and requirements than a traditional spa. That’s because med spas, being medical facilities, are highly regulated.
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A medical spa, also known as a med spa, medspa, or medi-spa, blends medical procedures with aesthetics to provide cosmetic treatments in a relaxed setting. Unlike traditional spas, med spas offer medical-grade treatments and operate with supervision from licensed healthcare practitioners.
Med spa treatments include non-invasive services (such as laser hair removal), minimally invasive procedures (injectables like Botox), and more advanced treatments like blood facials. Botox tops the list for minimally invasive procedures patients sought most in 2021-22.
Industry data points to a strong ‘yes.’ Take this one data point, for example: The global market for medical spa services is expected to more than double by 2029.
Here’s another fact that’s just as encouraging: New clinic openings increased the number of U.S. med spas by 18% last year, notes the 2024 Beauty and Wellness Benchmark Report from Zenoti.
Non-physicians and non-surgeons own nearly two out of three medical spas (2022), according to the American Med Spa Association.
If you Google “how to open a medical spa” or “how to start a med spa” after a stressful day of healthcare duty, you’re in good company. It’s not unusual for physicians, surgeons, nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs), and registered nurses (RNs) to want to open a med spa.
There are many reasons for that pivot. Some healthcare professionals have specialized expertise, like a knowledge of science for medical-grade skin and body treatments. Others are just burned out and want a career with more predictable schedules and a solid earning potential.
Whatever your reasons for opening a medical spa, let’s look at the steps involved.
To help you plot your initial med spa path, here is a general list of steps for how to open a medical spa.
Understanding your local market is foundational to opening a medical spa. Research your target demographic and study their spending habits.
Identifying your niche and target market
Will you focus on reversing the effects of aging, or will you target those who want proactive skincare earlier in life? Or both?
Analyzing the competition
Check the service menus and pricing of other medical spas and day spas in the area. Study their online reviews to understand customer preferences.
Researching federal, state, and local regulations
Your checklist should include health and safety standards, staff training and licensing needs, and insurance requirements.
A solid business plan is your roadmap to success when opening a medical spa, and a must to secure financing from investors or banks.
An outline of your goals and vision
Clearly state your goals, which could include becoming the go-to med spa for a specific treatment, like nutrient drips, or a one-stop shop for a full range of treatments.
Financial projections and feasibility studies
Cover anticipated expenses, pricing strategies, and revenue forecasts. To show you have a viable business model, include startup costs, a profit-and-loss statement, and a break-even analysis.
Service definitions and your unique selling proposition
Create definitions for the services you’ll offer and what will make your brand special. Will your med spa be a luxe facility with valet parking? A downtown shop with express treatments for officegoers? A boutique operation with organic skincare products? Clearly identify and spell out your intended stake in the market.
Your medical spa’s physical location can impact the type and volume of your clients. Is a standalone clinic in a peaceful setting better for your target demographic? Or would a bustling strip mall drive more walk-in business? Making this determination is a critical step when opening a med spa.
Location selection
Being close to complementary businesses like gyms or luxury retailers can offer a wider client base as well as opportunities for cross promotion. Consider parking availability, too (and if you’re in a major city, consider access from public transportation options).
Design for client comfort and safety
Work with architects and designers to create a calm, welcoming space with private treatment rooms, comfortable waiting areas, and sanitation stations.
Before opening a medical spa, it’s crucial to understand the healthcare regulations and licensing requirements to administer treatments legally and safely.
Licensing and liability
Obtain business licenses, insurance (general liability, professional liability, and workers’ compensation), and ensure compliance with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) laws.
Find medical spa laws state by state.
In some states, procedures that require injections, lasers, or medical-grade skin peels can only be rendered by licensed medical professionals, with a supervising physician signing off on their work.
Staff training and certification
All personnel should be properly trained for the procedures they’ll perform. The American Med Spa Association offers a treatment delegation table for 21 procedures across six professional titles.
Important: Specifics for all the above can vary based on state and local laws, so it’s best to consult with a healthcare law attorney for professional advice from the get-go.
When opening a medical spa, the right equipment for your services is an absolute necessity. The equipment you select is key to delivering safe, effective treatments that align with your brand promise.
Choosing technology wisely
Invest in high-quality equipment, using lease options to manage your upfront costs. As you plan and budget for equipment, be sure to include med spa management software that will make life easier for your staff and clients.
Maintaining and updating equipment
Establish a schedule to keep all tools and equipment in top condition, and plan for periodic upgrades to incorporate emerging procedures and technologies.
Your team is the face of your business. They convey your brand’s warmth, expertise, and professionalism. Of course, assembling a competent, customer-oriented staff is paramount when opening a medical spa.
The role of medical directors
Hire an experienced medical professional to oversee clinical operations and ensure quality care. Keep in mind that, in some states, only a licensed physician can take the medical director role.
Recruiting qualified aestheticians
Look for skilled aestheticians who will excel at customer service – that special blend of hands-on expertise and calming energy makes for a provider who attracts repeat business. Vet each applicant for all the mandatory training and credentials.
The menu of services you offer can be both a differentiator and a revenue driver. As an example, if you open a facility that offers both laser hair removal (med spa service) and waxing (salon service), you can claim that niche and serve a broader market.
Service offerings
Decide whether you’ll curate a menu with just one type of service (like Removery, a pure-play business focused on tattoo removal) or a variety of services and wellness treatments (like VIO Med Spa).
Strategic pricing
Set competitive prices for your services, considering the cost of goods sold, overhead expenses, and profit margins. Adjust prices periodically to account for inflation and the introduction of new services.
When opening a medical spa, getting the word out is crucial for new client acquisition. Your intended market should know about your brand from the get-go. Beyond your grand opening day, marketing is important to continue attracting new business while retaining your existing clients.
Branding your medspa
Develop an identity that conveys the rejuvenating, results-driven nature of your business. Your branding should be consistent across all touchpoints, from signage to social media. Be sure that your identity is easily recognizable and different from that of your direct competitors.
Digital and traditional marketing
Go with a blend of digital strategies: A website (with easy online appointment booking for your clients), search engine optimization across the site, email campaigns, and social media, along with traditional methods like print ads and local sponsorships.
After all your hard work opening a medical spa – writing a business plan, securing funding, and all the tactical steps including staffing and marketing – it’s time to welcome your first clients!
Grand opening
Plan to showcase your space and introduce your team and services to the community. Offer special launch packages, invite local influencers, and provide attendees with memorable experiences. Have a preview night for local businesses, media, and any VIPs.
Post-launch strategies
Maintain momentum with follow-up campaigns, loyalty programs, and consistent engagement on social media. To stay in tune with your audience, seek feedback from early clients. Then adjust your offerings and operations as you go.
As you can see, opening a medical spa is a fairly comprehensive endeavor – especially considering the steps involved to stay medically ready and compliant. Here’s the final step in this guide.
With the basics in place, it’s time to look closely at your day-to-day operations. They should align with the high standards expected of medical spas, and meet the demands of medical spa patients.
Standard operating procedures
Develop detailed SOPs for all aspects of your business, from appointment scheduling and client intake to post-treatment care and promotions.
Ongoing quality assurance
Train your staff, covering industry standards, safety protocols, and best practices. Conduct audits to improve business operations and the client experience.
As noted earlier, the software you choose is a critical component of your med spa running like clockwork.
Designed for multi-center businesses, Zenoti software helps you manage every aspect of your med spa smoothly, both online and in person – including online booking, inventory management, staff management, and reporting.
Here are three software must-haves if you’re opening a medical spa:
Digital forms – Clients appreciate the convenience. Going paperless means staff have it easier, too – with greatly reduced risk of data error – and MDs can sign order and procedure forms much faster.
Photo Manager – Document patient transformations, with the photo gallery automatically syncing with client profiles and your appointment book.
Clinician-friendly digital charting – Keep detailed records to track treatment progress and product usage, and for legal reasons, too. Built-in shortcuts help staff speed through charting.
What about patient privacy and data security? Important, of course, with patient privacy being a regulatory must. The Zenoti platform is HIPAA-compliant and secure. It’s also designed to help your med spa increase productivity, boost profits, and deliver a superior customer and staff experience.
Armed with the steps for opening a medical spa, you’re ready to map out a timeline. After you launch, keep up with industry trends, gather customer feedback, and constantly evolve your services and strategies.
For entrepreneurs, business management software is often a secondary consideration. That’s a mistake, however, because the right software can make or break the experience for both staff and clients. Medical spa management software can also help or hinder business efficiency and revenue growth, so choose carefully.
Ready to get cracking? More power to you. May your med spa venture be transformational and rewarding – for you and your clients.
Explore the benefits of using Zenoti software when opening a medical spa.
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