The medical spa industry has seen significant growth in recent years. In 2023, the number of medical spas in the United States increased from 8,899 to 10,488, reflecting a robust demand for non-invasive aesthetic treatments.
Projections indicate that by the end of 2025, the global medical spa market will reach approximately $22.2 billion, with the U.S. market contributing significantly to this growth.
At Corepay, we are proud to support this industry by offering tailored payment processing solutions for medical spas. Our expertise in high-risk merchant accounts ensures that Medspa owners can manage transactions securely and efficiently, allowing them to focus on delivering exceptional services to their clients.
Med Spa Business Overview
A medical spa blends the expertise of medical professionals with the comfort of a spa. Treatments range from injectables, body contouring, laser therapy, PRP, micro needling, and more.
How To Start A Med Spa Business
Creating a Med Spa Business Plan
A solid business plan serves as your roadmap. Key questions to answer:
- What treatments and services will you offer?
- What equipment and technology do you need?
- What are the estimated costs for leasing or buying space?
- Will you use a Management Services Organization (MSO)?
- How will you market your med spa before launch?
- What financial projections are necessary for sustainability?
Understanding Med Spa Regulations
Since med spas provide medical treatments, they must adhere to healthcare laws, including:
- State-specific ownership rules
- Good faith exams and provider scope of practice
- HIPAA and patient privacy regulations
- Fee-splitting laws and advertising restrictions
Building a Qualified Med Spa Team
Your team is essential to your success. Consider hiring:
- Nurse injectors, NPs, and PAs
- Laser technicians and aestheticians (as per state laws)
- Administrative staff to manage scheduling, compliance, and patient experience
- Legal and financial advisors for compliance and growth strategies
Setting Up Reliable Payment Processing
Med spas require a robust and secure payment processing solution to handle transactions efficiently. Since medical aesthetics businesses operate in a high-risk industry, choosing the right payment processor is crucial. Consider the following:
Why Payment Processing for Med Spas is High-Risk
Med spas often face high chargeback rates, as patients may dispute transactions if they are dissatisfied with results. Additionally, regulatory scrutiny is significant, particularly for treatments like GLP-1 weight loss injections that require extra compliance. Subscription and membership models also add complexity to processing solutions.
Choosing the Right Payment Processor
When selecting a payment processing provider, it is essential to find one experienced in high-risk merchant accounts.Look for chargeback protection, fraud prevention, and multiple payment options, including credit/debit cards, ACH, and contactless payments. HIPAA and PCI compliance should also be prioritized, along with transparent pricing to avoid hidden fees.
At Corepay, we are known as one of the industry-leading payment processors for medspas as we are able to work with merchants accepting payments both online and in-person.
*We also offer payment processing for kratom.
LegitScript Certification for Weight Loss Services
If your med spa offers GLP-1 weight loss treatments, LegitScript certification is mandatory. This ensures compliance with healthcare laws, secures payment processing approval from major card networks, and reduces the risk of account shutdowns due to non-compliance.
Developing Financial Infrastructure
A financial strategy is necessary for long-term success. This includes bookkeeping and accounting software for transaction tracking, payroll management systems for smooth employee payments, and integrating Electronic Medical Records (EMR) with POS systems. Additionally, tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) such as revenue, profitability, and expenses is crucial.
Marketing Your Med Spa
A well-planned marketing strategy is essential for attracting clients and driving business growth. Combining digital and traditional marketing efforts can help establish your brand and bring in a steady stream of customers. Below are some of the key strategies that will help your med spa thrive.
Social Media and Influencer Partnerships
Social media is a powerful tool for reaching potential clients. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook allow med spas to showcase treatments, share testimonials, and engage with customers. Collaborating with influencers in the beauty and wellness space can further enhance your reach and credibility. Investing in targeted social media ads can also help bring in new leads.
SEO-Driven Content Marketing
Search engine optimization (SEO) ensures that your med spa appears in relevant online searches. Creating high-quality content, such as blog posts, service descriptions, and FAQs, can boost your website’s rankings. Optimizing your Google My Business profile and obtaining positive customer reviews also enhance visibility. A strong SEO strategy drives organic traffic and establishes long-term credibility.
Paid Advertising (Google Ads, Social Media Ads)
Paid advertising can provide an immediate boost in visibility and client acquisition. Google Ads allow you to target potential customers searching for med spa services, while social media ads let you engage specific demographics based on interests and location. A well-executed ad strategy maximizes return on investment and accelerates business growth.
Membership Programs and Referral Incentive
Loyalty programs and referral incentives encourage repeat business and word-of-mouth marketing. Offering exclusive discounts, bundled services, or VIP memberships can increase customer retention. Referral programs reward existing clients for bringing in new customers, further expanding your client base. These strategies create a loyal community around your med spa.
Areas We Have Med Spas Processing Payments
- Denver payment processing
- Washington D.C. payment processing
- Chicago payment processing
- Philadelphia payment processing
- Jacksonville payment processing
Looking to start and grow your medspa in 2025? Look no further than our team at Corepay to help you take the next step and get you setup with reliable payment processing.
