There’s never been a better time to launch a med spa. The industry is thriving. Self-care has graduated from a trend to a lifestyle. People are, more than ever, willing to invest in consistent wellness routines and aesthetic treatments to see lasting results. A recent market analysis by Grandview Research valued the global med spa market at $18.6 billion, projecting it to rocket to $49.4 billion by 2030. The North American med spa market is leading the charge.
So yes, demand is real. But before you open your doors, you need a solid foundation—one that ensures your med spa is compliant, well-structured, and built to grow.
Licensing and Legal Considerations
Med spas differ from salons and day spas in one fundamental way: many of the treatments you will offer are considered medical treatments. As a result, med spas are regulated more like clinics than beauty businesses.
What That Means for You
The American Med Spa Association (AmSpa) offers the key requirements to be aware of. Here are some of the fundamentals:
- Ownership regulations vary by state. In many states, only a licensed physician (MD or DO) can own a med spa.
- Medical oversight is a must. That means having a licensed physician on board to oversee treatments and clinical protocol.
- Licenses and permits are essential. This can include a business license, local zoning approval, registering your business as a professional entity, and other requirements that may apply in your state.
- Insurance is a non-negotiable. Both the business and its licensed providers should have malpractice/professional liability insurance.
- HIPAA compliance is required. All patient records and communication need to be secure and confidential according to HIPAA standards.
- OSHA standards apply. That includes training and protocols for treatments involving needle use, laser use, infection control, etc.
- Informed consent is mandatory. Every patient must have an initial consultation with a licensed medical professional and sign a consent form before they receive treatment.
- Medical marketing rules matter. If you’re offering medi-aesthetic services, you must follow the same advertising laws as any other medical provider.
What Varies by State
The rules aren’t the same everywhere. Each US state sets its own laws on who can own and manage a med spa, and under what conditions. In some states, only medical doctors can hold ownership. In others, non-physicians can–but only by partnering with a licensed physician. Nurse practitioners may have the freedom to treat patients independently in certain states; others require ongoing supervision.
Bottom line: check your state’s requirements carefully. If you’re an AmSpa member, their Med Spa Law page is a valuable place to start.
Equipment and Technology
Your treatment menu drives your equipment list. Above all, it’s crucial that every device you choose is FDA-cleared and approved for use in your state. Safety, compliance, and quality should always come first.
Common Equipment
Here are some of the devices you’ll find in most modern med spas (depending on your licensing and service mix):
- Laser hair removal device
- Intense pulsed light (IPL) machine
- Microneedling device
- Radiofrequency (RF) skin tightening machine
- Body contouring device (e.g., cryolipolysis)
- Hydrodermabrasion or microdermabrasion machine
- Electrocautery or plasma pen device (where permitted)
- Oxygen or ozone facial machine
Injectables and Medical Consumables
If your clinic offers injectables, IV therapy, or other advanced medical services, your setup should include:
- Sterile syringes, needles, and cannulas
- Injectable medications (from a licensed supplier)
- OSHA-compliant sharps containers
- Vial access devices, alcohol prep pads, and sterile gloves
- A medical-grade refrigerator for storage
- Emergency response kit (e.g., epinephrine, Benadryl, oxygen tank)
Patient Comfort and Clinic Setup
Yes, clinical function is the most important factor. But also consider how people feel the moment they walk in. A space that’s professional and welcoming helps patients relax, trust your team, and feel connected with the wellness journey they’ve signed up for.
You’ll Want:
- Adjustable treatment beds and ergonomic stools
- Privacy screens or room dividers
- Tablets or secure front-desk computers
- Fast, reliable Wi-Fi
But Also Consider:
- Soft lighting and calming décor
- Soothing background music or white noise
- Scent design
- Temperature and tactile comfort
- Refreshment rituals
- A post-treatment transition area
Infection Control and Compliance
A clean, safe space is non-negotiable for your patients, your team, and regulatory bodies like OSHA. You’ll need systems in place for proper sterilization and infection control, including:
- Autoclaves and UV sterilizers for reusable tools
- Biohazard waste bins and labels
- Medical-grade disinfectants
- Clearly labeled clean and dirty instrument zones
- Eyewash stations
Don’t Overlook Your Software Setup
Your software isn’t just a back-office tool—it’s the backbone of your med spa. The right software does more than keep your clinic running. It elevates how you operate day-to-day, balancing clinical precision with seamless client care.
Choosing a system designed specifically for medspas and clinics can transform everyday operations into a smoother, more professional, and client-focused experience.
Client Management and Booking
A robust scheduling system with online booking keeps your calendar organized and accessible. Clients can book when it suits them, whether that’s during business hours or at 3 a.m.
Smart automation takes it further. Tools like appointment reminders and follow-up messages reduce no-shows, prompt good reviews, and encourage repeat bookings.
HIPAA Compliance
In a clinical setting, patient privacy is a legal necessity. Be sure to choose a software that’s HIPAA-compliant, with secure systems for storing and managing client data.
Phorest’s med spa software covers it all: HIPAA-compliant online booking, custom forms, automated reminders, and secure patient profiles. Each of these features is designed to support both clinical and client-facing needs.
Streamlined Documentation
Great software supports your team behind the scenes, so their focus can be client care. Look for a system that lets you:
- Automate consultation forms
- Create charting and note templates
- Organize before-and-after galleries of patient results
These features improve efficiency and protect your team’s time and energy for where it matters most.
Tools That Support Growth
Running a successful clinic means the details matter–especially when you’re scaling. Ideally, your software will include:
- Inventory management that automatically tracks and deducts products with every service
- POS with an integrated card terminal for streamlined reconciliation
- Charting tools to help you communicate visually during consultations and store client details securely
- Dynamic reporting that allows you to drill down into the details of every area of your business to continuously adjust strategy
- Automated marketing features to help you maximize every touch point at every stage of the client journey.
Phorest is designed to bridge the clinical and business sides of your operation. What sets Phorest apart is its deep industry roots. The team, shaped by medspa and beauty professionals, places collaboration with business owners at the heart of the development process. This partnership shapes innovative tools tailored to the real-world opportunities and challenges of running a spa or clinic.
Financing Your Med Spa
Launching a medspa is an exciting move, but it requires clear financial planning. According to The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM), startup costs average $19,267 before factoring in equipment, which can add $80,000 or more, depending on the treatments you plan to offer.
Beyond upfront investment, IAPAM recommends having at least $10,000 in savings and building toward three to six months of operating expenses before opening your doors.
While the numbers can seem daunting, a strategic approach can help you launch with confidence, without overextending your resources. Here’s how to keep it manageable:
- Start small, then scale. Consider offering a focused menu of services at first, then scaling up as revenue grows. This reduces early investment in space and equipment costs.
- Lease high-cost equipment. Leasing instead of buying up front can improve cash flow and allow you to upgrade as you grow.
- Explore financing. Consider small business loans, private investors, and/or a business line of credit to support your launch.
- Take advantage of tax deductions. Many startup costs are tax-deductible. Talk to an accountant or advisor to understand what you can claim.
Next Steps
Opening a med spa takes planning, patience, and the right mix of tools to bring your vision to life.
Once the foundations of your med spa are in place, your next focus will be on creating smooth day-to-day operations and attracting the right clients. That’s where great communication, a strong team culture, and the right systems come in.
Phorest understands the balancing act of growth and sustainability. We want to help med spas grow businesses that last. Whether you’re opening your doors for the first time or scaling to the next level, our tools are designed to keep your clinic compliant, your operations streamlined, and your people at the heart of it all.
Ready to see how Phorest can support your vision?
Explore how our med spa software can help you grow with confidence.
