What if the next big thing in healthcare wasn’t just about surgery or prescriptions—but about combining beauty, wellness, and a whole new way of thinking about patient care? Welcome to the world of medical spas, where aesthetics meets wellness and the demand for non-surgical treatments is skyrocketing.
In the latest episode of A Healthy Point of View podcast, Sam Tejada, CEO and Founder of Liquivida®, sits down with Alex Thiersch, the founder of the American Med Spa Association (AMSPA), to discuss the growing trend of medical spas, the challenges they face, and the importance of education in this rapidly evolving industry.
How to Make BIG Money in Med Spas (Without Breaking the Law!)
The Birth of AMSPA
Alex’s journey into the medical spa world is an interesting one. A former attorney, he initially served as a legal advisor to medical spas. It wasn’t long before Alex realized the severe gap in the industry — a lack of resources, proper legal guidance, and educational frameworks for spa owners. This realization led him to launch AMSPA in 2012. What started as a small, localized initiative—the Illinois MedSpa Association—quickly expanded nationwide, as the need for such an organization became more apparent. AMSPA’s primary goal was to provide legal guidance, education, and a sense of community for medical spa owners across the country.
The Importance of Education
Education stands at the heart of AMSPA’s mission. Alex explains that many spa owners come from medical backgrounds, not business, which means they often struggle with the business side of their operations. Recognizing this, AMSPA created the Medical Spa Show, an annual event designed to help med spa owners and their staff acquire the knowledge and tools necessary for running a successful practice.
The event offers accredited education, which includes topics such as business management, compliance, and clinical practices. Attendees also have the opportunity to earn Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits, essential for keeping up with the ever-changing regulations in this highly regulated industry. With a clear focus on educating spa owners about both the medical and business sides of their operations, the Medical Spa Show has become a go-to event for anyone in the industry.
The Growth of the Medical Spa Industry
The medical spa industry has experienced explosive growth in recent years, and this is largely driven by the increasing demand for non-surgical aesthetic treatments. Botox, fillers, and other non-invasive cosmetic treatments have skyrocketed in popularity, and patients are now more than ever looking for places that provide these services.
However, with this growth comes a complex regulatory landscape. Different states have different rules and regulations, and navigating this maze can be tricky for spa owners. The Medical Spa Show has become a central hub where practitioners can not only learn the latest treatment techniques but also gain crucial legal insights to ensure they stay compliant.
According to Alex, the demand for non-surgical treatments has only increased, and as a result, the market for med spas continues to expand. The importance of being both legally compliant and business-savvy is crucial for those who want to thrive in the industry.
Integration of Wellness and Aesthetics
There’s an exciting trend happening in the medical spa industry: the integration of wellness services with traditional aesthetic treatments. Alex discusses how more and more spas are offering services like IV therapy, a wellness treatment that boosts hydration, improves energy levels, and addresses other health concerns.
This integration is changing how med spas approach patient care. While aesthetics focus on improving a person’s appearance, wellness services address the internal health of the patient, creating a holistic approach that improves both physical appearance and overall well-being. This trend is not only increasing patient satisfaction but also offering spa owners new revenue streams as they broaden their offerings.
In addition to IV therapy, more spas are diving into functional aesthetic medicine, focusing on factors such as cellular health, micronutrient deficiencies, and other internal issues that could impact skin quality and overall health. As wellness and aesthetics continue to merge, med spas are evolving to provide comprehensive services that meet a growing demand for full-body health.
Navigating Compliance and Legal Challenges
With Alex’s extensive legal background, compliance is a major focus of AMSPA. He sheds light on the numerous legal hurdles medical spas face. One of the most significant challenges is understanding state-specific regulations, particularly regarding the corporate practice of medicine. The role of physicians in non-surgical aesthetic treatments can vary by state, which makes it essential for spa owners to stay informed.
Another challenge is the growing influence of private equity in the med spa industry. Many private equity groups are buying med spas and turning them into large, multi-location franchises. While this offers growth opportunities, Alex warns that selling a practice without fully understanding the implications can be risky. It’s important for spa owners to educate themselves about the benefits and potential pitfalls of selling, as doing so can fundamentally change the course of their business.
The Role of Lobbying in Shaping the Future
One of the significant challenges facing the industry is regulatory pressure. Alex talks about the importance of lobbying efforts to protect the interests of medical spa owners and prevent restrictive regulations from hindering their growth. AMSPA is actively working to engage with lawmakers and ensure that the industry has a voice in shaping policies that affect medical spas. Alex believes that without collective action, the industry could be at risk of losing its autonomy to external forces.
The Medical Spa Show: A Celebration of the Industry
The Medical Spa Show is more than just an educational event—it’s a celebration of the medical spa community. Alex shares that the energy at the show is unmatched, as practitioners from all over the country gather to share experiences, ideas, and knowledge. From small, single-location spa owners to large chains, the event fosters a collaborative spirit where everyone is eager to learn from each other.
The show also brings together some of the best doctors and providers in the world to share clinical insights and treatment techniques. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or just starting out, the Medical Spa Show is a space for everyone to come together, grow, and succeed.
For more information, visit AMSPA and check out the upcoming Medical Spa Show from April 11th through 14th at The Wynn, Las Vegas.