We commonly receive phone calls and emails from physicians who want to break into the field of aesthetic injections.  Many times, physicians just want to know what they need to do get started.  Well, since we are the experts, here is your guide.

State Regulation

While all states allow licensed physicians (MD and DO) to inject Botox and fillers, the law vary greatly when it comes to the supervisory relationship between the physician and the mid-level provider (PA, NP or RN).  There are other states to state variations about who can own a medical spa and how the business is structured. We will not get into the details of each state, but to recommend that you contact your state licensing board to ask for clarification as laws are constantly changing.  

Market research

“How much should I charge for Botox?” is another common question.  We always recommend the same: market research.  Hire a friend or family member to walk into all the medical spas and medical offices that offer Botox and ask them about their price list and specials.  You will then immediately know the range of pricing in your area.  Use this guide to price yourself accordingly.  Market research will also reveal where you might open if you do not currently have an office space.

Office space

We usually have two types of physicians: ones who currently have a physical office space and ones who do not (specialties include EM, anesthesiology, hospitalist, etc).  Obviously, those with a pre-existing office space have an advantage as they have space and a patient list that they can market to.  Those physicians who do not have an office space, we recommend the following: get a partner.

Your ideal partner is another physician with an office space.  Ask to use her/his space during the weekend while you are starting out your business.  Other partnerships can include a day spa or a hair salon with a private space. You and your new partner can both inject cash into your new startup and split the profits or you can simply rent space from your new partner.  While the location is key, if your new partner has a huge client list, then that may be worth more than a high traffic location.  

A few physicians have asked to conduct their training at home, while the location is being established.  While your state licensing board may not dictate where you can practice Botox injection, Allergan, the maker of Botox, cares as they do NOT ship to a residential address.

If you are looking for a complete turn-key startup kit to open up a medical spa, then we offered all the necessary startup knowledge, such as a business plan, sample profit and loss statement, sample pricing list, patient forms, and marketing material.  The good news is that right now, you can get all of this for FREE when you sign up for our On-site Hands-On One Day Botox/Dysport & Dermal Filler Training.