What Is a Medspa Business, and How Do You Start One?

You dream of owning your own medspa business where you can call the shots. You crave the freedom to set your schedule, build your brand, and deliver top-notch aesthetic treatments.

But the path to medspa ownership has legalities, regulations, permits, and fierce competition — all looming large. Do you have what it takes to jump over those hurdles and succeed? You most certainly do.

We'll walk you through every step with this guide. No fluff, just actionable steps to turn your vision into a thriving medspa.

Note: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is recommended to consult with your respective state boards, a licensed attorney, or your malpractice carrier to ensure that you are practicing within the letter of the law and adhering to all regulatory requirements.

The regulations regarding aesthetic treatments and medical spas can vary from state to state and may change over time.

What is a medspa business?

Let's break down the medspa business and what makes it unique. First things first, it’s not a “spa.” Medspas are a mix between aesthetics and medicine. They offer a way for clients to look and feel their best using some form of medical intervention.

Think of it like this: Traditional day spas focus on relaxation and pampering, while medical practices handle more invasive procedures. 

Medspas bridge the gap, offering non-surgical cosmetic treatments with a higher level of medical expertise compared to a day spa.

Here's what a medspa would typically offer:

• Microneedling: Stimulates collagen production for a youthful appearance.
• Injectable treatments: Neuromodulators (like Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Daxxify, Jeuveau, or other injectables), dermal fillers, lip augmentation, and more.
• Laser treatments: Hair removal, skin resurfacing, and acne reduction.
• Body contouring: Non-surgical fat reduction and skin tightening.
• Chemical peels: Enhance skin texture and address concerns like wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.

Who are you catering to with these services? Your target audience — or your ideal clients — are likely to be individuals who prioritize preventative care. They want to maintain a youthful appearance and address concerns before they become more prominent.

They want non-surgical solutions — they’re interested in results but not ready for surgery.

How to start a medspa business

Step 1: Plan your business

Your dream medspa begins with a solid business plan. A plan that outlines your vision, strategy, and financial projections. A roadmap for success.

Use it to define your services and recap everything you'll offer (think injectables, lasers, etc.). Identify any unique selling points that set you apart and highlight that as well.

Remember the ideal client we discussed earlier? Here's where you bring that picture to life. Detail who you're targeting, their demographics, and their needs.

You also want to include your goals as a medspa business owner. Where do you see your medspa in the next few years? This could include achieving a certain revenue target, building a client base of a specific size, or offering a new service within a set timeframe.

No business thrives without a financial plan. Outline your startup costs (equipment, renovations, marketing), ongoing operational expenses (rent, staff, supplies), and projected revenue streams. This will help you secure funding if needed and ensure financial viability.

Don’t worry; business plans don't have to be scary. There are plenty of free templates and online resources available. Moxie also offers helpful tools and consultations to guide you through this process.

Step 2: Legal and regulatory steps

Let's talk about legal and regulatory hurdles to equip you to jump through the hoops smoothly.

The first step is selecting the right business structure. This determines your legal liability and tax implications. Here are the common options:

• Sole proprietorship: Simplest structure, but you're personally liable for business debts.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC): Offers personal asset protection and flexibility in tax filing. This is a popular choice for medspas.
• Professional Corporation (PC): Provides similar benefits to an LLC with the added benefit of protecting licensed professionals (like physicians) from personal liability.

We recommend you consult with a business attorney or work with someone who can help you navigate the regulatory requirements (like Moxie) to determine the best structure for your specific medspa.

Once you've chosen your business structure, it's time to secure the necessary permits and licenses. Requirements can vary by location, but here are some common ones:

• Business license: This is a must-have for operating legally.
• Healthcare facility license: This license may be required depending on the services you offer.
• Medical Director’s license: A licensed physician will oversee the medical aspects of your spa, and they'll need a valid medical license in your state.
• Professional licenses: Additional licenses might be required for staff performing specific procedures (e.g., aesthetician license for some treatments).

Step 3: Set up your space

Now that you have a clear plan and legal foundation, it's time to bring your vision to life with the perfect location and equipment.

Choosing the right spot is crucial for attracting clients and building a business.

You want it to be a convenient spot. Prioritize accessibility for your target audience. Look for areas with good traffic flow, ample parking, and easy public transportation options if relevant.

Try to ensure the space meets zoning regulations for medical spas. Consider factors like accessibility for disabled clients and having separate waiting and treatment areas.

Ideally, the location should also reflect your brand image. A high-end spa might thrive in a sleek, modern building, while a spa focused on natural wellness might benefit from a nature-inspired setting.

Once you've secured your dream location, invest in the tools of the trade. These are some essential equipment:

• Medical-grade devices: This will depend on your specific services but could include microneedling devices and injection tools.
• Comfortable treatment chairs and beds: Consider getting adjustable types that you can use to administer several different types of treatments.
• Spa essentials: Luxe towels and high-quality skincare products to enhance the client experience.
• Technology: A reliable appointment scheduling system and secure software for storing client data.

Remember, quality over quantity. It's better to start with a few high-quality pieces than a collection of mediocre equipment. As your business grows, you can always expand your equipment selection.

Step 4: Hire staff and operations

Your staff forms the heart and soul of your medspa. They’re the ones that ensure client satisfaction and the smooth running of your operations. 

Here’s what you need to know:

• Depending on your licensure and your state’s requirements, you’ll more than likely need a medical director for your medspa — a licensed physician to oversee medical aspects and ensure compliance with regulations. This role can be filled by a part-time or contracted physician, depending on your needs.
  
  
• You may eventually also need a medical assistant that assist with tasks like preparing treatment rooms and monitoring client vitals.
  
  
• And of course, once you’re able to and once it makes sense financially, hire friendly front desk staff. They will be the first point of contact for clients, responsible for scheduling appointments, managing client intake, and providing excellent customer service.

When it comes to hiring staff, take it one step at a time. In the initial stages, you might manage some tasks yourself, focusing on core services. As your business grows, you can expand your team to include aestheticians. These trained and licensed professionals perform non-surgical, non-injectable cosmetic treatments like facials and laser treatments.

Building a strong company culture is essential to attracting and retaining top talent. Try to offer competitive compensation, opportunities for professional development, and a positive work environment.

Clearly defined procedures are also key. Here are some areas to focus on:

• Standardized treatment protocols: Ensure all staff provide consistent, high-quality services.
• Inventory management: Track supplies and medications to avoid stockouts.
• Client intake and aftercare protocols: Streamline the client experience and ensure proper follow-up care.

Step 5: Market and launch

You've built a beautiful space and assembled a dream team. It's finally time to tell the world. Let's discuss marketing strategies that will attract clients and launch your medspa with a bang:

• Create a user-friendly website that showcases your services, staff expertise, and stunning visuals of your spa environment. Make sure it's mobile-optimized for easy access on any device.
  
  
• Create profiles on platforms like Instagram and Facebook to connect with potential clients. Share high-quality content like photos (with client consent), treatment explanations, and special promotions.
  
  
• Try to use social media and search engine advertising platforms to reach your ideal demographic. You could collaborate with local businesses that complement your services, such as yoga studios or beauty salons.

Pro tip: Don't underestimate the power of online reviews. Encourage satisfied clients to leave positive reviews on Google, Yelp, and other relevant platforms.

Disclaimer:

This is general advice for educational purposes, but it doesn’t constitute legal advice. Unless you have a LegitScript certification, you aren’t allowed to conduct any explicit advertising of Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Daxxify, Jeuveau, or other injectables like these using their brand names. These are prescription-only medicines (POM) and cannot be promoted on social media or websites by anyone except licensed pharmacies or resale companies. Also, avoid using before-and-after photos, any photos with blood or of a graphic nature, and photos of needles that are blocked on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook.

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Need help launching a medspa business? We’ve got you covered.

Moxie empowers aspiring medspa owners to navigate the complexities of opening and running a thriving practice. We'll help you turn your vision into reality. 

Here's how Moxie can help you launch your medspa:

• Find a medical director without hassle: Moxie can pair you with the right and qualified medspa medical director for your practice through our extensive network of professionals.

• Simplify compliance: Moxie provides pre-made consent forms and protocols crafted by industry-leading lawyers and MDs, saving you thousands on legal fees. (That's up to $10,000+ back in your pocket.)

• Marketing done for you: Moxie manages everything from website creation (under your brand) to targeted advertising that drives new clients through your doors.

• Hands-on, expert coaching: Our dedicated coaches meet with you regularly to support your growth, give you hands-on help, and guide you through the process of growing your medspa.
  
  
• Software that’s built for medspas: From online appointment scheduling to charting to text message marketing and memberships — we’ve got you covered. With Moxie, it’s easier than ever to run your business and wow your clients.

Book a free strategy session today.