The medical spa industry is thriving, with the U.S. market generating over $18.61 billion in annual revenue and growing at a rate of more than 10% each year. This surge is fueled by consumer demand for cosmetic treatments and aesthetic services like laser hair removal, chemical peels, and dermal fillers, which are procedures that blend medical expertise with the appeal of spa treatments.
For licensed physicians, qualified medical directors, and other licensed healthcare professionals, medical spa ownership offers the ability to combine clinical skills with the business side of healthcare.
Unlike nonmedical professionals or spa owners who must rely on a designated medical director, only licensed physicians can directly operate med spas, oversee medical procedures, and maintain control over the corporate practice of medicine. This unique position allows physician owners to provide a wider range of medical treatments while staying compliant with the state’s laws and delivering exceptional patient care.
Market Size and Ownership Landscape
10,488 — that’s the number of operating medical spas in the United States as of 2024, according to the American Med Spa Association.
Just two years earlier, there were just over 8,899, showing how quickly the med spa industry is expanding. This growth is fueled by rising demand for cosmetic treatments, broader consumer acceptance of aesthetic services, and the increasing availability of non-invasive procedures.
As the market expands, questions of who can legally own and operate these businesses have become more important than ever.
Ownership patterns vary widely by state. In states with strict corporate practice of medicine laws, only licensed physicians can own or control a med spa, while nonphysician practitioners must partner with a medical director.
Nationally, physician owners, including plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and family medicine doctors, account for the majority of successful medical spas, but there is also a growing segment operated by nurse practitioners and physician assistants in states that allow full practice authority.
Revenue Potential
$1,398,833 — that’s the average annual revenue for a medical spa. This figure shows that patient demand for cosmetic treatments is far from reaching saturation.
High-demand aesthetic services continue to drive repeat visits, while innovative medical procedures attract new clients seeking visible results with minimal downtime.
For licensed physicians and qualified medical directors, this trend represents a clear opportunity. By combining medical expertise with strategic business operations, from service mix optimization to marketing efforts like search engine optimization and social media platforms, owners can maximize profitability, expand med spa services, and build a sustainable growth model within this thriving industry.
Startup Costs and ROI
$134,000–$417,000 — that’s the typical start-up cost for a new medical spa. These expenses cover everything from equipment for aesthetic services like laser and skin rejuvenation treatments to staffing, marketing, and regulatory compliance. While the initial investment may seem high compared to traditional spa ownership, the potential return is far greater thanks to the demand for cosmetic procedures and medical treatments that require physician oversight.
On average, most successful medical spas reach profitability within 18 to 24 months. This ROI is accelerated when licensed physicians are directly involved, since they can expand the services offered, integrate higher-value medical procedures, and reduce dependency on external oversight.
Compliance Advantages of Physician Ownership
38.1%+ — that’s the estimated portion of med spa owners who rely on a designated medical director or outside supervision to stay compliant with state’s laws. For licensed physicians, direct medical spa ownership eliminates this dependency and allows for greater control over both medical procedures and business operations.
Because many states enforce strict corporate practice of medicine rules, only physicians can legally own and operate med spas without outside oversight. This isn’t just a legal advantage; it’s a business one.
Successful medical spas run by physician owners often achieve lower compliance risk and higher patient trust compared to facilities controlled by nonphysician practitioners or nonmedical professionals.
Medical Director Co: Your Partner in Medical Spa Ownership Success
At Medical Director Co., we make that process simple for licensed physicians who want to expand into the med spa industry.
Whether you are exploring your first medical spa business or scaling multiple locations, we connect you with compliant opportunities, provide guidance on state-specific regulations, and help you align your medical expertise with proven business operations. From establishing oversight protocols to expanding the range of aesthetic services, our team ensures you’re positioned for both compliance and profitability.
Physicians who partner with Medical Director Co. gain more than just connections. They gain a pathway to building successful medical spas that combine high-quality patient care with a thriving business plan.
Start your journey with Medical Director Co. today and take the next step in medical spa ownership.
FAQs
How profitable is medical spa ownership for physicians?
On average, a med spa owner’s earnings range from $232,369 to $357,000 annually, depending on location, services offered, and patient volume. Because physicians can integrate higher-value medical procedures, they often achieve stronger margins than nonphysician practitioners.
Do I need prior aesthetic experience to own a medical spa?
Not necessarily. Many licensed physicians enter the med spa industry with little background in aesthetic services. By hiring trained staff, you can focus on compliance, oversight, and building the business side of the practice.
Can nonphysicians own a medical spa?
In some states, nonmedical professionals or non-physician practitioners may participate in spa ownership, but they must work under a designated medical director to stay compliant with the corporate practice of medicine. In stricter states, only licensed physicians can control or own medical spa businesses outright.
What services generate the most revenue in medical spas?
Injectable treatments such as botulinum toxin and dermal fillers remain the top earners, followed by laser hair removal services, skin rejuvenation treatments, and body contouring. These treatments drive repeat visits and build long-term patient relationships.
How long does it take for a new medical spa to become profitable?
Most successful medical spas reach profitability within 12 to 24 months, though factors like location, marketing efforts, and services provided can shorten or extend that timeline. A strong business plan and consistent patient care are key to accelerating ROI.
How profitable is medical spa ownership for physicians?
On average, a med spa owner’s earnings range from $232,369 to $357,000 annually, depending on location, services offered, and patient volume. Because physicians can integrate higher-value medical procedures, they often achieve stronger margins than nonphysician practitioners.
Do I need prior aesthetic experience to own a medical spa?
Not necessarily. Many licensed physicians enter the med spa industry with little background in aesthetic services. By hiring trained staff, you can focus on compliance, oversight, and building the business side of the practice.
Can nonphysicians own a medical spa?
In some states, nonmedical professionals or non-physician practitioners may participate in spa ownership, but they must work under a designated medical director to stay compliant with the corporate practice of medicine. In stricter states, only licensed physicians can control or own medical spa businesses outright.
What services generate the most revenue in medical spas?
Injectable treatments such as botulinum toxin and dermal fillers remain the top earners, followed by laser hair removal services, skin rejuvenation treatments, and body contouring. These treatments drive repeat visits and build long-term patient relationships.
How long does it take for a new medical spa to become profitable?
Most successful medical spas reach profitability within 12 to 24 months, though factors like location, marketing efforts, and services provided can shorten or extend that timeline. A strong business plan and consistent patient care are key to accelerating ROI.
Blaz Korosec is the CEO and co-founder of Medical Director Co., a nationwide platform that connects aesthetic and wellness professionals with licensed physicians for medical oversight, supervision, and compliance support. With a background that bridges healthcare operations, regulatory compliance, and entrepreneurial growth, Blaz has worked closely with hundreds of nurses, physician assistants, and clinic owners to help them legally launch and scale medical spas, telehealth weight loss clinics, IV hydration businesses, and aesthetic practices.
Blaz holds a degree in finance from Southern Methodist University (SMU) and has built a diverse portfolio of businesses ranging from healthcare to hospitality, including a national network of RV parks and medical clinics. Through MedicalDirector.CO, he’s developed a deep understanding of the state-by-state rules that govern collaborative agreements, PC/MSO structures, telemedicine protocols, and injectable treatments—translating complex legal frameworks into easy-to-implement solutions for clinicians and business owners.
Blaz is particularly passionate about helping nurses and mid-level providers unlock business ownership opportunities, and he’s known for designing systems that streamline operations, boost revenue, and ensure long-term legal protection. His team includes former prosecutors, senior RNs, and physicians who together support a growing number of clinics across all 50 states.
When he’s not working, Blaz enjoys mountain biking, restoring properties, and exploring the outdoors with his wife. He’s based in Texas but works with clients nationwide.
