The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly to Be Beautiful
The United States is obsessed with beauty. From our early years, we’ve been conditioned to believe that beautiful people are more credible and draw more attention. In today’s culture, attention is currency. This obsession is probably why there has been such a boom in the med spa business. As healthcare and insurance-based clinicians realize they can work less stressful hours and make more money, the anti-aging med spa industry will continue to evolve. Over the past 25 years, my wife and I have witnessed a significant shift, which may not be entirely positive.
Our practice started as a small 1,200 sq ft space focused on wellness services and nutrition to help people get healthy by improving their diet, taking better care of their bodies, and reducing stress. As our practice grew, so did the demands of our patients and clients. They not only wanted to be healthier, but they also wanted to look healthier and younger. I can relate to this; as I aged, I wanted my outside appearance to mirror how good I felt from the inside out. This philosophy guided us in building our practice and treating patients for over two decades.
The Good
Owning and operating a med spa has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The joy of helping someone feel confident and beautiful, both inside and out, is unparalleled. Our commitment to health and wellness allowed us to create a unique space where patients could achieve their aesthetic goals while improving their overall health. By investing in top-of-the-line equipment, hiring experts, and maintaining continuous staff training, we ensured that our patients received the best care possible. The relationships we built with our patients, watching them transform and thrive, were the highlights of our journey.
The Bad
However, in the last few years before we decided to sell our practice, we noticed a subtle but significant shift in our patients. New patients, seeing their friends achieve amazing results at our clinic, wanted the same—but they wanted results immediately and as cheaply as possible. I understand the desire for quick and affordable results. I, too, dislike overpaying for anything and wasting time. However, achieving long-lasting, sustainable, and safe results takes time. In the long run, investing in a comprehensive, health-focused approach saves money because it encourages the necessary habit changes for sustainable results. This ensures that you not only look great but are genuinely healthy.
The Ugly
Unfortunately, not all clinics take this root-cause approach. Many new med spas popping up are focused on getting people in the door with low-cost offers and upselling them on high-profit services. This business model often puts the needs of the patient second or even third. When high-volume, discount services become the norm, trust is lost. Our principle has always been about doing what’s best for the patients. This includes investing in the best equipment, paying for expert training, and continually evolving as individuals to foster a healthy work culture.
A Rapidly Evolving Industry
The med spa industry is evolving rapidly, driven by society’s obsession with beauty. While this presents opportunities for growth and innovation, it also brings challenges. The key to success lies in maintaining a patient-centric approach, focusing on sustainable health and beauty rather than quick fixes. As my wife and I reflect on our 25 years in the industry, we are proud of the practice we built and the lives we transformed. For those entering this field, remember that true beauty starts from within, and the best results come from a commitment to overall health and wellness.
