Opening a med-spa
Med-spa equipment checklist
The short answer
Use this checklist as a starting point, then buy for the services you'll actually launch with. The two biggest decisions are your main treatment chair/bed and your facial machines — get those right, and the rest follows.
Core treatment furniture
Buying guide →- Treatment chair or facial bed (powered for clinical work; stationary to start)
- Exam table — for physician-led or medical services
- Esthetician stool with adjustable height
- Trolley cart for tools and small devices
Treatment machines & devices
Buying guide →- Microdermabrasion or multifunction facial machine for your service menu
- Service-specific devices (LED, steamer, hydrodermabrasion, etc.)
- Magnifying lamp / exam light
- Confirm device fit with your scope of practice and state rules
Sanitation & safety
- Disinfection supplies and surface wipes rated for clinical use
- Towel warmer / hot cabinet
- Sharps container and proper waste disposal (if injectables)
- PPE — gloves, masks, eyewear
- Hand-hygiene station
Disposables & consumables
- Gloves, table paper, gowns and drapes
- Applicators, spatulas, cotton, gauze
- Machine consumables (tips, filters)
- Back-bar products for your treatments
Room support & storage
Buying guide →- Storage cabinets or shelving
- Linens and protective covers
- Waste bins (general + clinical as needed)
- Adjustable, even lighting
- Reception / consultation seating
Plan the room before you buy
Before ordering big-ticket furniture, sketch your treatment room to scale so equipment fits the space, plumbing, and power. Our floor-plan and layout guide walks through it — including how some suppliers offer free room-layout help.
Floor-plan & layout guideMed-spa equipment checklist FAQs
What equipment do I need to open a med-spa?
A typical med-spa treatment room needs a treatment chair or facial bed, an esthetician stool, a trolley cart, the facial or treatment machines for your services, storage, sanitation and disposables, and — for medical services — an exam table. Exact needs depend on your service menu, space and scope of practice.
How much equipment should I buy before opening?
Buy what your launch service menu actually requires, plus essential sanitation and disposables, and leave room to add machines as demand proves out. Over-buying ties up capital; under-buying delays revenue. A supplier that offers room-layout help can keep you from buying furniture that doesn't fit the space.
Does this checklist replace professional or compliance advice?
No. This is a general planning guide, not medical, legal or compliance advice. Licensing, scope of practice and equipment requirements vary by state and service — verify them with qualified advisors and your local authorities before opening.
Where to buy your equipment
Compare med-spa equipment suppliers nationally, or see LA-area options if you're opening in Los Angeles.