Medical Spa Business Forum > Adding Or Starting New Medical Spa Services
NPderm, I'd suggest that you take some time before you make any decision regarding the purchase of a new technology. Read through some of the cosmetic laser and IPL reviews and make a smaller move to start. It's most common that a clinic just starting to offer technologies will buy a workhorse IPL first in order to provide the widest range of treatments with a single platform.
You'll be best service by making yourself informed. I've heard numerous stories of clinics that negotiated better pricing just by being armed with reviews.
Medical Spa MD
Very wise advice by Medical Spa MD. Before you talk to any company educate yourself on all the options you may have, look for independent comments and reviews, and above all, once you know the subject please use your common sense.
Do not rely too much on the "before" and "after" images provided by the device companies... remember that these are the best of the best they could come across. Do not get excited about the ROI figures...these look great on the paper but in reality it takes time to get to the suggested point. And always keep in mind that, all too frequently, the companies selling you these devices will be very good to you. Until you buy their equipment.
Marek Kacki, MD
Of course, I plan on doing a lot of research. I've been reading about various equipment for the past few years and I can see that there are pitfalls, hard sells, equipment failures and repairs, etc.
I have a large family practice already - the aesthetics portion has been building slowly over the past 3 years and has recently taken off. There is little if no competition in my area. Having said that, the population base is small, so I can't see spending thousands on equipment. All one has to do is google "laser" and see that the market is very competitive in urban areas.
Even the dentists do Botox and it's dirt cheap. I happen to have 25+ years with injections and I think I'm great at it, so that's a plus. So - what's next. Any suggestions on smaller machines - ???
NPderm
I don't necessary mean a laser machine - I'm talking about services such as microdermabrasion, sclerotherapy by injection, etc. Are there procedures that would be worth learning that I can add to my practice.
NPderm
A couple of thoughts here:
First, non-medical treatments don't generate medical revenues. Things like micodermabrasion, massage and the rest of the day spa offerings or renting out a room to an esthetican in order to 'upsell' your medical treatments generally don't work and lead to real problems. My advice is stay out of anything that does not require medical licensure to start.
Second: Get trained in a number of different treatments that you can perform yourself without investing in anything too expensive. (Training always pays for itself even if it's only to let you know what you don't want to offer.)
Third: Talk to your patients. Don't ask them what they want. Sell them. The rubber meets the road where people reach for their wallet.
Medical Spa MD
Thanks for the advice, good point re using my licensure. A lot of my patients would like spider vein therapy - so maybe that
is the next step. Also, I treat quite a few patients for Acne - so as I said, I am considering carrying some skin care products for specific problems. Funny how patients can gripe about their insurance co-pay and what's covered and then whip out the cash for Botox and fillers. Oh well - human nature.
NPderm
In what state are you practicing - makes a difference!
Cal
California
NPderm
Are you a 49% or less partner with an MD or DO? It's a fair question because in CA an NP can't own his/her own medical spa - must have MD/DO supervision.
Cal
We have been using Botox and Dermal fillers for 3 years and have quite a few regular customers. I would like to take my practice to the next level. I have read through many of the threads here discussing various treatments and to be honest it is a bit overwhelming. I am thinking of beginning offering Acne treatment, spider vein removal, peels.....????
Any advice on were to begin?? I am considering using Obagi products - and I think they have an Acne line.
IPL? I would love to find a small IPL or Laser - and am just beginning to research their use and how to purchase one.
Thanks in advance....