Podcast Summary: ASCP Esty Talk – Ep 343 – Not Your Mama’s Med Spa

Date: August 27, 2025
Hosts: Maggie Stasik & Alec Cressman

Episode Overview

This episode explores the rapid transformation of medical spas ("med spas") from traditional aesthetic clinics focused on surface treatments (like Botox and lasers) into holistic wellness hubs offering a wide spectrum of whole-body health services. Hosts Maggie Stasik and Alec Cressman discuss new trends, the economic drivers behind them, the broadening client demographic, and the implications for estheticians and skincare professionals.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Evolution of Med Spas

[01:43–04:26]

• Maggie: Med spas are undergoing a significant pivot, expanding from injectables and surface-level treatments to comprehensive wellness offerings—like peptides, metabolic health, hormone balancing, and internal medicine.
  • “If it feels like med spas are turning into wellness clinics, that’s because they kind of are.” (Maggie, 01:43)
• There’s a marked increase in med spas being owned by internal medicine doctors (now 7%, up from previous years), and general practitioners (26%).
• Diagnostic testing, prescriptions, and root-cause health optimization are now part of the med spa experience.

[03:22] Alec:

• Traces back the spa’s roots to wellness for the whole body, noting the consumer demand for integrated care—moving “neck down.”
• Med spas can be more profitable than general practice due to being largely cash-pay.

2. Consumer Demand & Cultural Shifts

[04:26–05:16]

• Maggie: The main driver is clients asking for more than superficial fixes—they want better energy, libido, sleep, weight management—while still enjoying the traditional spa luxury.

[05:06] Alec:

• Acknowledges that everything (energy, libido, skin) is interconnected, pushing consultations beyond just skin analysis (e.g., incorporating cortisol tests).

3. The Financial Impact of New Services

[05:29–06:37]

• Maggie: 60% of med spas now offer GLP-1s (injectable weight loss drugs), resulting in a 5% bump in average patient spend (to nearly $1,500/person).
• Alec: Shares personal use of GLP-1s, notes the complexity (compounding pharmacies, pricing).
• Med spas that offer GLP-1s see a 9% revenue increase; those that don’t, see a 2% decline.

[07:06]

• 40% of GLP-1 patients are brand new, attracted by these services—acting as a “gateway” into further treatments.

4. Expanded Service Menus

[07:24–08:53]

• Maggie & Alec:
  • Offerings now include:
    • IV drips (hydration, energy)
    • Peptide injections (fat loss, libido, repair)
    • Hormone replacement therapy
    • Functional lab testing (thyroid, adrenal, gut health)
    • Prescription libido treatments (including the “little pink pill” for female sexual desire)

Quote:
“This is being introduced in med spas as a libido solution for women… hormone-free, FDA-approved, and dispensed directly through med spas.” (Maggie, 07:50)

• Notable cost for the libido pill: $199/month or $599/90 days—much higher than the better-known “blue pill” for men.

5. Demand, Demographics, and Controversy

[09:38–10:56]

• There’s a “pink tax” disparity in pricing for women’s treatments.
• Sales of the pink pill jumped 77% last year, manufacturer expects to double this in 2025.
• Awareness is spreading as the product becomes available in more med spas.

Quote:
“So you mean to tell me that 77% jump means how many people are dissatisfied out there or want more?” (Alec, 10:12)

6. Tech, Trends & Spending Habits

[11:14–13:48]

• Rise of regenerative aesthetics: growth factors, exosomes, biostimulatory injectables (like Sculptra).
• Clients spend ~$313/year on skincare products (stat questioned by both hosts as a lowball).
• Alec: Shares he rarely leaves a med spa without a $900+ bill (for multiple injectables).
• Body contouring services are down 50% since 2019, mostly due to pricing and lack of consumer understanding.

7. Shifts in Body Image & Societal Standards

[13:48–14:47]

• Possible link between decreased demand for body contouring and the cultural shift toward body acceptance and diverse beauty ideals.

8. Implications for Estheticians

[14:49–17:11]

• Not all estheticians are in med spas, and their ability to sell products or offer treatments varies by state and scope of practice.
• Skincare remains the typical entry point—“the gateway” for further med spa treatments.
• Collaboration between estheticians and med spas is key. Referrals can work both ways, especially as clients ask more internal health questions.
• Staying educated about new treatments—even if not offered by the esthetician directly—is essential for client trust and professional success.
• Understanding side effects and implications, e.g., how GLP-1s or hormone therapies may affect skin and treatment choices.

Quote:
“We need to stay educated—even if you’re not performing these services, understanding them because your client’s going to come in the door, lay on your bed, have questions.” (Maggie, 16:21)

9. Integrated, Holistic Demand

[17:11–18:11]

Quote:
“Not every med spa is handing out libido pills with your lymphatic drainage. But the shift is real. People want integrated results… look good, feel good, and ideally not have to go to five different places.” (Maggie, 17:11)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Alec: “When you’re satisfied in that area, it seems a lot of things go right. Or physiologically, maybe there is more hormone regulation, if you will… and if you’re happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it.” (08:10)
• Maggie: “The wellness world is knocking on the treatment room door.” (17:16)
• Alec (on the “pink tax”): “The pink tax sucks.” (09:38)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:43] – Main theme: Med spas’ shift to whole-body health
• [03:22] – Spa history & consumer demand for integrated care
• [05:29] – New service lines and financial impacts (GLP-1s)
• [07:24] – Expanded med spa menu (IVs, peptides, HRT, libido pills)
• [10:56] – Market growth and challenges with awareness
• [11:14] – Regenerative aesthetics and retail spending
• [13:48] – Decline of body contouring & evolving beauty norms
• [14:49] – Esthetician role, collaboration, and staying informed
• [17:11] – The integrated future of med spas and skin professionals

Takeaways

• Med spas are rapidly incorporating wellness, forming a hybrid between aesthetics and internal health—driven by consumer demand, profitability, and cultural shifts.
• GLP-1s and newer services are reshaping patient demographics and spending.
• Estheticians must stay informed about these changes, as clients increasingly seek holistic, integrated solutions and consult them as trusted experts.

For further learning or episode details, check the ASCP show notes or connect with the hosts on ASCP’s platforms.