According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the number of nonsurgical cosmetic procedures in the United States increased performed in 2006 increased by 50 percent from 2003. Over 9.2 million procedures were performed in 2006. The most frequently performed procedure was Botox injection.

The top five nonsurgical cosmetic procedures in 2006 were:

1. Botox injection (3,181,592 up 40 percent from 2003)
2. Laser hair removal (1,475,296 up 60 percent)
3. Chemical peel (556,172, down 23 percent)
4. Microdermabrasion (993,071 up 169 percent)
5. Hyaluronic acid (Hylaform, Restylane) (1,593,554 up 1,271 percent)

What makes a procedure profitable? The difference between the expense of using the equipment vs. the revenue the equipment generates. Your equipment should easily pay for itself.

Types of equipment available? You will find different manufacturers will specialize in certain procedures (i.e. microdermabrasion, cellulite). Lately, the trend has been to combine several treatments in one machine (i.e. hair removal, acne treatment, and skin photo rejuvenation). You will need to decide how many treatment rooms you will have, and what procedures you will offer in each. Before making any equipment decisions, you need a solid business plan in place.

Top 5 Nonsurgical Cosmetic Procedures

Botox Injections

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS): The cosmetic form of botulinum toxin, often referred to by its product name Botox®, is a popular non-surgical injection that temporarily reduces or eliminates frown lines, forehead creases, crows feet near the eyes and thick bands in the neck. The toxin blocks the nerve impulses, temporarily paralyzing the muscles that cause wrinkles while giving the skin a smoother, more refreshed appearance. Studies have also suggested that Botox is effective in relieving migraine headaches, excessive sweating and muscle spasms in the neck and eyes. This is a medical procedure and should be completed in a surgical center environment.

Hair Removal

There are many different technologies available to perform hair removal. The top equipment for hair removal is IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and Nd:YAG (laser).

Many manufactures make machines that will do multiple procedures. These machines will typically range from $39,000-$150,000.

Microdermabrasion

The ASPS defines Microdermabrasion as a skin-freshening technique that helps repair facial skin that takes a beating from the sun and the effects of aging. The plastic surgeon uses a device like a fine sandblaster to spray tiny crystals across the face, mixing gentle abrasion with suction to remove the dead, outer layer of skin. As with other skin rejuvenation techniques, more than one treatment may be needed to reduce or remove fine wrinkles and unwanted pigmentation.

Generally speaking, there are usually two versions of microdermabrasion, one for aestheticians, the other for physicians. A well made aesthetic microdermabrasion is usually all you need in a MedSpa, unless you are going to be doing blood barrier work.

Hyaluronic acid

According to ASAPS, Hyaluronic acid is a natural polysaccharide, that in appropriate form, is a versatile soft tissue filler. Currently available as the product name Restylane® distributed by the Medicis, and Juvederm® distributed by Allergan. Hyaluronic acid is being widely used for the management of wrinkles, fine lines, contour deformities, and volumetric deficiencies of face, cheeks, and lips associated with aging, developmental anomalies, and certain diseases. Restylane/Hylaform does not represent the final answer in the search for an ideal tissue filler but provides a predictable, safe, user-friendly approach.

The results can last up to six months. It is especially effective for the nasolabial folds, lip augmentation, and areas of contour deformities. It is also an ideal adjunct for Botox treatment and is frequently used in conjunction with Botox to correct lines and creases that persist.

The Right Procedures for a Medical Spa

If your goal is to maintain profitability, you need to focus on the most requested procedures (the demand). You will notice the top procedures are for Anti-Aging and Hair Removal.

One word of caution: If you deviate from the well-know procedures, you risk spending excessive time educating your clients.

Generally speaking you want to focus on procedures that are non-ablative, comfortable, and show relatively quick results. MedSpa customer's also want procedures completed in short time-frames, so try to not exceed an hour for any one procedure.