A medical spa, also known as a med spa or medi-spa, is a facility that combines medical and aesthetic services to provide treatments such as laser hair removal, botox injections, skin rejuvenation, body contouring, and more. Medical spas are different from traditional spas in that they are supervised by licensed medical professionals and use advanced technologies and equipment to deliver safe and effective results. 

The United States medical spa market size is one of the largest and fastest-growing segments in the global wellness industry, driven by the increasing demand for minimally invasive and non-invasive cosmetic procedures, the aging population, the rising awareness of health and beauty benefits, and the availability of innovative and affordable treatments. In this blog, we will explore the current and future trends of the US medical spa market, and how it is expected to grow from $8.89 billion in 2024 to $23.89 billion by 2032, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.0%. 

Market Trends 

The US medical spa market is witnessing several trends that are shaping its growth and development. Some of the key trends are: 

  • Increased adoption of non-surgical procedures: According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the number of non-surgical cosmetic procedures performed in the US increased by 2% from 2019 to 2020, reaching 16.3 million. The most popular non-surgical procedures include botulinum toxin type A (Botox), soft tissue fillers, chemical peels, laser hair removal, and microdermabrasion. These procedures are preferred by consumers as they are less invasive, less painful, have shorter recovery times, and offer natural-looking results. 

  • Expansion of services and customer base: Medical spas are expanding their range of services and target markets to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of consumers. Some of the emerging services include vaginal rejuvenation, tattoo removal, hair restoration, teeth whitening, and wellness therapies. Medical spas are also attracting new customer segments such as men, millennials, and ethnic minorities, who are seeking to enhance their appearance, confidence, and well-being. 

  • Integration of technology and innovation: Medical spas are adopting new technologies and innovations to improve the quality and efficiency of their services, and to differentiate themselves from the competition. Some of the examples of technology and innovation in the medical spa industry include artificial intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality, telemedicine, 3D printing, and biotechnology. These technologies and innovations enable medical spas to offer personalized, customized, and interactive experiences to their clients, and to optimize their operations and costs. 

Market Drivers 

The US medical spa market is driven by several factors that are boosting the demand and supply of medical spa services. Some of the major drivers are: 

  • Increased emphasis on physical appearance: The US society places a high value on physical appearance, and many people are willing to invest in their looks to enhance their self-esteem, social status, and career prospects. According to a survey by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 56% of respondents said that looking younger and more attractive was a key motivation for seeking cosmetic procedures, while 51% said that they wanted to look more refreshed and less tired. 

  • Aging population: The US population is aging, and the number of people aged 65 and above is projected to increase from 56 million in 2020 to 95 million by 2060, according to the US Census Bureau. As people age, they experience signs of aging such as wrinkles, sagging skin, age spots, and hair loss, which can affect their appearance and quality of life. Medical spa services can help them to restore their youthful appearance and address their age-related concerns. 

  • Rising awareness of health and beauty benefits: The US consumers are becoming more aware of the health and beauty benefits of medical spa services, and how they can improve their physical and mental well-being. Medical spa services can help to reduce stress, improve mood, enhance skin health, prevent and treat skin conditions, improve blood circulation, detoxify the body, and boost immunity. According to a report by the International Spa Association, 72% of spa-goers said that they visited spas for health and wellness reasons, while 28% said that they visited spas for beauty reasons. 

  • Availability of innovative and affordable treatments: The US medical spa industry is characterized by high competition and innovation, which leads to the introduction of new and improved treatments that offer better results, safety, and convenience. The prices of medical spa services are also becoming more affordable, as the industry benefits from economies of scale, lower overhead costs, and increased consumer demand. According to a report by the American Med Spa Association, the average price of a medical spa service in the US was $103 in 2019, down from $131 in 2017. 

Market Challenges 

The US medical spa market also faces some challenges that may hamper its growth and profitability. Some of the key challenges are: 

  • Lack of regulation and standardization: The US medical spa industry is regulated by different state laws and agencies, which creates inconsistency and confusion in the quality and safety of medical spa services. Some states have strict regulations that require medical spas to be owned and operated by licensed physicians, while others have lax regulations that allow non-medical personnel to perform medical spa procedures. This can lead to malpractice, negligence, and adverse outcomes for consumers, as well as legal and ethical issues for medical spa operators. 

  • High competition and customer retention: The US medical spa market is highly competitive, with a large number of players offering similar services and products. This makes it difficult for medical spas to differentiate themselves and attract and retain customers. According to a report by the American Med Spa Association, the average customer retention rate for medical spas in the US was 60% in 2019, which means that 40% of customers did not return to the same medical spa. Medical spas need to invest in marketing, customer service, loyalty programs, and referrals to increase their customer base and loyalty. 

  • Impact of COVID-19 pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on the US medical spa market, as it has disrupted the supply chain, reduced the consumer spending, and forced many medical spas to close or limit their operations due to lockdowns and social distancing measures. The pandemic has also increased the health and safety concerns of consumers, who may be reluctant to visit medical spas due to the risk of infection and transmission. Medical spas need to adopt strict hygiene and sanitation protocols, and offer online and remote services to cope with the pandemic and its aftermath.