Hidden Startup Costs of Opening a Med Spa (and How to Budget for Them)

It’s Not Just the Rent and Laser, Here’s What New Owners Often Miss.
Thinking of opening your own med spa? You’ve probably already looked into treatment chairs, injectables, maybe even a top-of-the-line laser. But before you set your startup budget in stone, it’s essential to understand the hidden costs that often catch new owners off guard. These aren’t luxury add-ons or “nice-to-haves”; they’re real expenses that can impact your launch timeline, profitability, and cash flow. Let’s break down the most commonly overlooked costs so you can budget more effectively and avoid those unexpected surprises.

Hidden Cost #1: Legal + Compliance Expenses
You’ll need more than just a business license. Med spas must comply with strict regulations from the medical board, OSHA, HIPAA, and state-specific authorities.

🔗 Need help navigating med spa compliance? Book a Compliance Strategy Session 

What to Budget:
$3,000–$10,000+, depending on your state and whether you hire a consultant or attorney

Examples:

• Entity formation with physician ownership (if required)

• Employment contracts or 1099 agreements

• Medical director agreements

• HIPAA compliance setup

• Patient consents + treatment protocols

➡️ Pro tip: Partner with a consultant who understands your state’s laws to avoid delays.

Hidden Cost #2: Insurance That Actually Covers You
Malpractice insurance is just the start. You'll also need general liability, property, cyber liability (yes, for your EMR), and potentially workers’ comp.

What to Budget:
$2,000–$8,000/year depending on services and coverage limits

Hidden Cost #3: Buildout + Utilities Surprises
Even a “move-in ready” suite can come with unexpected costs, such as additional plumbing, lighting upgrades, ventilation for lasers, or ADA compliance fixes.

What to Budget:
$10,000–$75,000 depending on location and lease condition

Surprise Examples:

• Electrical rewiring for devices

• Water heaters for sinks

• Commercial-grade HVAC upgrades

• Signage approvals and permits

Hidden Cost #4: Tech + Software Stack
You’ll need more than a Square reader. A proper EMR, booking system, CRM, and marketing integrations are essential for running a streamlined operation.

What to Budget:
$500–$1,000/month or $5,000–$12,000/year, depending on systems

➡️ Choose software that grows with you and integrates well with your other tools.

Hidden Cost #5: Hiring + Training
Even if you're starting solo, you’ll likely need admin help or part-time staff before you expect it. And proper onboarding matters if you want to keep clients coming back.

What to Budget:
$3,000–$10,000+ for early hiring, onboarding materials, training hours, uniforms, and other related expenses.

Hidden Cost #6: Marketing That Works
The “build it and they will come” mindset doesn’t apply in the med spa world. Branding, web design, paid advertising, social media, and SEO are all essential for achieving traction.

What to Budget:
$10,000–$15,000+ for launch marketing and branding essentials

➡️ Need help launching with polish and power? Lexi Design has packages for every stage of growth.

Opening a med spa is exciting, but it’s also a serious investment. Knowing the full picture upfront lets you plan realistically and protect your future profits. Don’t let hidden costs derail your launch or eat into your cash flow.

Need help creating a startup budget that actually makes sense? Book a call with our spa consulting team, and let’s map it out together.