Want to open a medical spa that actually makes money? Then don’t treat it like a day spa with syringes.
When I talk to estheticians thinking about opening a medical spa, I always start with this question: Do you actually know what a med spa is and what it isn’t? Most people still confuse a med spa with a day spa. And that confusion? It can cost you clients, credibility, and compliance.
A true medical spa, also called a med spa, is a clinical environment that delivers results-driven aesthetic treatments. We’re talking services that go way beyond cucumber slices and aromatherapy. Think Botox, dermal fillers, microneedling, laser treatments, radiofrequency, and medical-grade peels.
But here’s what makes med spas so magnetic. They combine medical-level results with the kind of luxe, client-centered experience you’d expect from a high-end spa. It’s the best of both worlds.
When done right, your med spa is a revenue machine with real impact.
Med Spa vs. Day Spa
A medical spa is not just a bougie upgrade from your neighborhood day spa. It’s a clinical business that delivers serious results through treatments that require medical oversight. And yes, that matters more than most people realize.
Day spas are built for relaxation. You’ll find massages, facials, and the occasional body wrap. Nice, but surface-level.
A medical spa goes deeper.
Medical spas are where clients come for Botox, fillers, laser resurfacing, microneedling, chemical peels, skin tightening, and body contouring. These are regulated procedures designed to address concerns like aging, acne, pigmentation, and laxity.
Here’s the critical difference. Medical spa services must be performed under the supervision of a licensed provider. That might be an MD, a nurse practitioner, or a PA, depending on your state. This is non-negotiable. If you don’t understand the rules where you’re operating, you’re putting your business and your license at risk.
| Treatment Type | Examples | Downtime | Who Performs It | Client Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Invasive | Facials, chemical peels, LED therapy | Little to none | Licensed esthetician | Improve skin texture, hydration, mild concerns |
| Minimally Invasive | Botox, dermal fillers, microneedling, laser treatments | Minimal to moderate | NP, PA, or MD (varies by state) | Wrinkle reduction, volume loss, scarring, pigmentation |
When I work with providers inside the Empowered Esthetician Mastermind or VIP coaching, one of the first things we refine is the treatment menu. Because I believe your treatment menu is also a marketing strategy. The right mix of services should reflect your skillset, support your brand promise, and align with what your ideal clients are actually looking for.
What makes medical spa treatments so powerful is that they bring clinical-level care into a space that still feels warm, welcoming, and elevated. Clients want results, but they also want to feel heard and cared for instead of walking into a space that feels more like a hospital than a high-end experience. That combination builds trust and trust builds retention.
This is the business model that works. Results-driven, client-centered, and built to scale.
Wellness Meets Results: Why Medical Spas Are Winning
The med spa industry isn’t just growing, it’s exploding.
Over the last few years, I’ve watched client after client go from “I’m thinking about opening a med spa” to pulling in six figures a month in treatments they love delivering. Why? Because consumer demand is way up. Clients are done with social media gimmicks and overhyped skincare. They want real results. Real providers. Real expertise.
According to recent data, the medical aesthetics industry is projected to top $25.9 billion by 2028. That’s where the money, momentum, and demand are headed.
And the best part? Med spas sit right at the intersection of wellness and aesthetics. You can deliver medical-grade treatments in a space that still feels high-touch, high-end, and deeply client-centered.
That combo is what turns browsers into loyal, lifelong clients. From Botox and lasers to skin tightening and body contouring, clients want solutions that work without going under the knife.
Inside my Elite VIP coaching and our high-level mastermind, we’ve helped providers map out profitable service menus, structure physician partnerships, and scale their med spas without burning out or bottlenecking growth. If you’re serious about riding this wave instead of watching it pass you by, you’ll want to apply for our next mastermind cohort.
Learn More About the Empowered Esthetician Mastermind
If you’re ready for a more tailored approach, apply for Elite VIP Coaching.
3 Steps to Open a Medical Spa
1. Get Clear on Legal Requirements
This is step one for a reason. You can’t run a med spa without a licensed medical provider. Depending on your state, that could be an MD, NP, or PA. Some states require ownership structures to include or be led by a licensed physician.
Do your homework or hire someone who already has. This is not the place to cut corners.
2. Choose the Right Location
Visibility matters. So does access. Look for a space that aligns with your ideal client’s lifestyle, whether that’s a high-end shopping center, medical complex, or wellness hub. Bonus points if you’re near businesses that complement your services.
3. Get the Right Support
Opening a med spa without expert guidance is like hiking without a map. You might get somewhere, but it won’t be where you wanted.
Work with someone who’s built these businesses before. I help estheticians refine their offers, structure physician partnerships, and build sustainable strategies from day one.
Staffing Your Med Spa: Who You Actually Need
The right team is non-negotiable.
At the clinical level, you’ll need licensed medical professionals like plastic surgeons, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants who can legally perform or supervise treatments.
On the esthetic side, estheticians play a key role in client education, skincare services, and building trust. And don’t underestimate your front desk. They set the tone and keep the business running smoothly.
Remember, you’re building a team that reflects your values, delivers consistent care, and supports long-term growth.
Types of Med Spa Treatments: What You’re Really Offering
Let’s talk treatment menus. This is where a lot of estheticians either play it safe or miss the mark completely.
A thriving medical spa includes a curated collection of treatment options that solve real problems for your ideal clients. That’s what keeps your schedule full and your revenue consistent.
Medical spa treatments range from non-invasive to minimally invasive, depending on the results you’re aiming for and the level of clinical oversight required.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common categories:
- Facials
Not your average steam-and-go. These are targeted, treatment-focused facials tailored to your client’s skin type and concerns. - Chemical Peels
Used to resurface and renew the skin. From light exfoliation to deeper correction, these are designed to fade pigmentation, reduce fine lines, and improve texture. - Laser Treatments
From hair removal to acne scars to pigmentation correction, lasers offer serious results with precision. These are high-impact, tech-driven services. - Injectables (Botox & Fillers)
Smooth wrinkles, restore volume, contour features. These require a licensed medical professional, but they’re some of the most profitable services in the industry. - Microneedling & RF Microneedling
Collagen stimulation at its finest. Great for scarring, texture, and overall skin rejuvenation.
Here’s what matters:
Non-invasive treatments usually come with little to no downtime, while medical procedures may require a longer recovery or prep. Understanding the difference isn’t just important for compliance. It’s how you build trust with clients and guide them to results that match their goals.
Whether someone’s coming in to relax or to fix what their skincare routine can’t, your job is to make sure they feel informed, empowered, and confident about the treatments you offer.
Popular Medical Spa Services That Actually Deliver
These med spa services are the heavy-hitters your clients are asking about and the ones that keep them coming back.
- Botox Injections
High demand, high margins, and fast turnover. Botox is one of the most profitable services you can offer. It brings in repeat clients every 3–4 months and instantly positions your med spa as a results-driven destination. - Chemical Peels
These low-overhead, high-impact treatments are perfect for upselling and building treatment plans. They’re also a gateway service that are ideal for turning first-time clients into loyal, long-term customers. - Laser Hair Removal
A top-earning service with incredible ROI. Once you’ve invested in the device, the ongoing cost per treatment is minimal. Clients commit to a series, which means predictable, recurring revenue. - Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
Versatile and in-demand, IPL allows you to treat multiple skin concerns like aging skin or skin texture with one device. It’s a great way to bundle services, increase average spend per visit, and stand out in a crowded market.
These are your revenue drivers, client magnets, and reputation builders. When you offer services that deliver visible results, your med spa becomes the go-to for clients who are done wasting time on skincare that doesn’t work.
This is how you build retention. This is how you scale. Real transformation, for your clients and your business.
Wellness Treatments That Expand Your Med Spa’s Profit Potential
Most estheticians stop at skin. If you want to scale, you’ve got to think bigger.
Adding wellness services like weight loss programs, body contouring, and hair restoration increases your average transaction size and positions your med spa as a full-service destination for long-term transformation.
These services bring in a different kind of client. Someone looking for real, measurable change and willing to invest in the process.
Here’s how to make it work for you:
Weight Loss & Body Contouring Treatments
Clients aren’t just chasing aesthetics. They want to feel better, move better, and see results that last.
That’s where medical-grade weight loss support and body sculpting tech come in. These treatments are highly customizable, which means you can tailor protocols, build packages, and create multi-month treatment plans that boost client retention and monthly revenue.
Plus, body contouring devices like cryolipolysis or radiofrequency add another revenue stream without taking up tons of space or staff bandwidth.
Hair Restoration Services
Hair loss is personal and is growing in popularity for both men and women.
From PRP and exosome therapy to laser-based restoration devices, these treatments meet a massive market demand, especially among men. Offering hair restoration adds clinical credibility to your business, increases your reach, and opens the door to high-ticket packages that deliver visible change over time.
Since hair restoration often requires multiple sessions, you’re building consistent, recurring income while solving a problem that no serum can touch.
When you offer wellness services backed by science and delivered with care, you stop being seen as a “nice-to-have.” You become essential.
This is how you shift from service provider to industry leader and build a med spa that scales.
Creating a Treatment Menu That Sells (Without Overwhelming Your Clients)
Your treatment menu is a marketing tool, a positioning strategy, and a profit driver.
Done right, it reflects your clinical expertise, aligns with what your clients actually want, and guides them into high-value services without confusion or hesitation.
But most menus? Way too cluttered, too vague, or trying to be everything to everyone.
Here’s how to get yours dialed in:
- Know Your Clients Better Than They Know Themselves
Don’t guess what to offer. Dig into your data, read your reviews, and talk to your clients. What are their top concerns? What language are they using? Build your menu around them, not just what’s trending. - Lead with Your Strengths
Whether it’s laser work, advanced facials, or injectables, spotlight the services that get results and build your reputation. Your menu should position you as the go-to for specific outcomes, not just a generalist offering “a little bit of everything.” - Choose Skincare Products that Back Up Your Services
Don’t just retail for the sake of it. Align your product line with your treatments. That means clinical-grade skincare that extends results and adds value to every visit. This builds trust and boosts revenue with zero extra treatment time. - Price with Intention
Pricing should reflect the transformation, not just the time. Be clear, be confident, and don’t undercharge. Transparent pricing makes it easier for clients to say yes and keeps you out of the discount spiral. - Keep It Focused
A bloated menu creates decision fatigue. A clear, concise, strategically organized menu makes it easy for clients to take action—and for your team to sell with confidence.
Your treatment menu should be working harder for you.
If you’re not sure it is, let’s fix that. I offer high-impact treatment menu audits that reveal exactly what’s working, what’s confusing, and what’s costing you money.
Book a consult and bring your current menu and we’ll audit it together and map out a smarter strategy.
Marketing Your Medical Spa: Build a Brand Clients Brag About
Your results speak for themselves, but your marketing needs to say it louder.
In the medical esthetics industry, trust is currency. And the fastest way to build that trust? Client feedback. Not only does it validate your results, it also fuels every part of your marketing strategy. That includes SEO, social proof, and long-term client retention.
Turn Client Feedback Into Business Growth
You don’t need a massive ad budget to build a booked-out med spa. What you do need is a steady stream of client feedback. The words your clients use and the results they rave about are pure gold. When you know how to use that feedback strategically, it becomes your most powerful marketing tool.
- Showcase Testimonials Everywhere
Don’t hide your wins in a dusty review tab. Highlight glowing feedback on your website, in your treatment room, and across social media. Social proof builds trust faster than any sales pitch ever could. - Make It Easy to Leave Reviews
Create a simple post-treatment process that guides happy clients to leave reviews on Google, Yelp, or RealSelf. These reviews boost your credibility and skyrocket local SEO rankings. - Listen and Level Up
Constructive feedback is gold. It helps you refine your services, improve your client experience, and stand out in a crowded space. Clients notice when you listen—and they stay loyal when you act on it.
Online and Offline Marketing Strategies That Work
You don’t need to go viral. You need to be visible to the right people.
Online Marketing Must-Haves:
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Use keywords your clients are actually searching for like “Botox near me” or “best med spa in [your city].” Optimize every page of your site to attract high-intent traffic ready to book. - Social Media That Sells
Use Instagram and Facebook to show off real transformations, share expert tips, and highlight limited-time promos. Stories, Reels, and before-and-afters aren’t just for show. They drive bookings when used with intention. - Google Reviews
If your med spa doesn’t show up with five-star reviews, you’re losing clients before they even land on your site. Make Google reviews part of your retention strategy, not an afterthought.
Offline Marketing Strategies That Keep You Local + Booked:
- Promotions That Make Sense
Seasonal packages, loyalty incentives, and intro bundles give clients a reason to book now. Just don’t discount yourself into a hole. Structure promos to highlight value, not desperation. - Partner Up With Local Powerhouses
Think yoga studios, Pilates spots, high-end salons, boutique gyms. Cross-promote, host events, share email lists. Community connections turn cold leads into warm traffic. - Show Up Where Your Clients Already Are
Bridal expos. Women’s wellness events. Local fairs. Sponsor a softball team or set up a booth at the “Women Over 50” Expo. These spaces are packed with potential clients looking for trustworthy, local providers. Be visible, be approachable, and have an irresistible offer ready to go.
Smart marketing means building trust, showcasing results, and creating a brand your dream clients can’t stop talking about.
Want to know if your current marketing is pulling its weight?
Book a consult and we’ll audit your visibility game, step-by-step.
Final Word: Build the Med Spa You Actually Want to Run
If you’re still reading, you’re ready to build a business that delivers results, builds client loyalty, and actually pays you well for your skills.
You’ve got the framework now. Legal requirements, treatment menu strategy, high-profit services, marketing that drives traffic, and the kind of client experience that keeps people coming back.
But strategy without action won’t get you there.
This is where support makes all the difference. If you want help applying this to your business, I’d love to take a look.
Book a complimentary consult and bring your questions. I’ll help you cut through the noise, tighten your strategy, and move forward with confidence.
Let’s build something worth showing off.