Med Spa Success Strategies

Episode: ChatGPT Ranks the Fastest-Growing Med Spa Services: Science or Hype?

Host: Ricky Shockley
Date: September 1, 2025

Overview

In this episode, host Ricky Shockley leverages ChatGPT’s analysis to rank the fastest-growing med spa services based on scientific evidence, consumer demand for in-office vs. DIY solutions, and their profit/business feasibility. The episode explores which trending med spa offerings are likely to be sustainable “mainstays,” and which are overhyped or unlikely to deliver business results. Ricky digs into which services practices should consider adding, and which they might skip, with a frank industry perspective and real-world experience.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Analytical Criteria for Ranking Med Spa Services

• Evidence-based efficacy: Which services show strong, trusted scientific or clinical value.
• DIY vs. in-office demand: Will customers invest in visiting a spa, or are at-home solutions just as viable?
• Profitability & feasibility: Assessing repeatability, margin potential, bundled service opportunities, and niche/novelty risk.

Ricky organizes the discussion in a “good vs. bad” alternation, highlighting both “core” and “hyped” services throughout.

High Hype, Low Profitability & Weak Evidence

(Services Med Spas Should Think Twice About)

• Functional Beverages
  Weak evidence, easy to DIY, trend likely to fade quickly.

• Ozone Therapy

  “Evidence is weak and controversial. There's limited clinical support, DIY units exist, but clinical oversight can be needed. Liability issues, and the service is very niche—unlikely to become mainstream.”
  (Ricky at 03:10)

• Salt Rooms/Halotherapy

  “Evidence is weak, mainly for relaxation—minimal evidence for respiratory health or skin. Low barrier to entry, DIY options exist, set-ups can be expensive, and people aren’t repeating service frequently. It’s trend-driven and the novelty fades quickly.”
  (Ricky at 03:55)

• Full-Body Red Light Beds (Specifically for weight loss/detox)
  Claims are mostly hype with little evidence; likely to remain niche/novelty, not a core service

Must-Have, Evidence-Based, Profitable Med Spa Services

(The “Core Six” According to ChatGPT’s Ranking)

6. Lymphatic Drainage & Compression Therapy

• Strong evidence for post-op recovery, edema, and circulation

• “Visit likelihood versus DIY is high—DIY is less effective, spa guidance is preferred. Equipment is reusable, repeat sessions possible, and outlook is strong for recovery and athletic clientele, easy to bundle with other services.”
  (Ricky at 07:10)

5. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

• Strong for wound healing, moderate for recovery/cognition
• High in-office potential; expensive and less viable at home
• Premium pricing, repeat sessions

• “It’s a niche service but a premium service—expected to grow in longevity-focused med spas.”
  (Ricky at 09:30)

4. IV Drips (Hydration and Nutrient Therapy)

• Moderate evidence (hydration, B12, C); some clinical backing
• High client interest in sterile, customized setting
• High margin, upsell potential, scalable revenue possible

• “In my opinion, there are a lot of people that are like: if I want more B12 or vitamin C, I'm just going to take a supplement... We've seen that be a pretty tough sell, especially as an entry point.”
  (Ricky at 11:30)

3. Targeted Red Light Therapy (for Aesthetics)

• Strong evidence for skin improvement, hair regrowth, pain; weak for systemic weight loss
• DIY panels exist but spa-quality results are a differentiator
• Low consumables, repeat sessions, frequent bundling

• “I think if pricing is right, there’s going to be steady demand in aesthetics and growth in wellness centers.”
  (Ricky at 14:10)

2. Infrared Sauna

• Strong evidence: cardiovascular health, pain relief, relaxation, detox
• At-home units are costly; spa experience highly valued
• High margin, repeat/use via memberships; synergizes with other services

• “It’s got high potential for profitability and repeatability... proven longevity and integrates with cold plunge well.”
  (Ricky at 22:05)

1. Cold Plunge & Contrast Therapy

• Strong supporting evidence for circulation, inflammation, recovery, stress resilience
• At-home units are expensive and inconvenient, so in-office still in demand
• High margin (memberships, low consumables), repeat habit for enthusiasts

• “Growing aggressively in the recovery and biohacking space... an ideal addition for med spas.”
  (Ricky at 24:00)

Middle-Tier/Emerging Services (Niche Appeal, Upsell Dependent)

(Scientific support varies; often best for high-end or bundled offerings)

• PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) Therapy
  Growth in biohacking and recovery, adoption increasing
• Cryofacials/Local Cryotherapy
  Limited evidence for skin tightening; moderate in-office visits, DIY expanding; moderate repeatability
• NAD+ and IV Injections
• Sound Therapy
• Gut Health Programs (Test & personalize protocols)

“These have some scientific evidence and can differentiate a spa, but usually rely on upsells, creative packaging, or high-end clientele to make them work.”
(Ricky at 16:40)

Notable Quotes

• On emerging fads:

  “This is not to say if you're offering these services it can't work, it's just doing an analysis like, where do we think we’re going to place our bets?”
  (Ricky at 02:41)

• On IV Drips marketing challenge:

  “It’s kind of like juice worth the squeeze. In my opinion... If I don’t want to be hungover, I’m not going to drink too much, and if I have a problem with hydration, I’m going to drink more water and electrolytes.”
  (Ricky at 12:20)

• On business focus:

  “These are ranked by ChatGPT: strong evidence, difficult to DIY, high repeatability, premium pricing. So if you’re going to place a bet, bet on one of these.”
  (Ricky at 06:00)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00 – 02:30: Introduction, episode premise, ChatGPT’s analysis criteria
• 03:00 – 06:00: High-hype/low-profitability services explained: functional beverages, ozone, salt rooms
• 07:10 – 08:00: Lymphatic drainage & compression therapy
• 09:30 – 10:30: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
• 11:30 – 14:00: IV drips (pros, cons, niche marketing realities)
• 14:10 – 15:30: Targeted red light therapy
• 16:40 – 18:30: Middle-tier/emerging niche services overview
• 22:05 – 23:00: Infrared sauna
• 24:00 – 25:00: Cold plunge & contrast therapy ranked #1
• 25:45 – End: Closing invitation for listener feedback and experiences

Episode Tone and Takeaways

Ricky delivers candid, practical insights in a conversational manner—backed both by ChatGPT's synthesized research and his own real-world marketing experience. The episode provides actionable advice for med spa owners looking to diversify their offerings intelligently, balancing science, business sense, and trends.

Final thought:

“I’d love to hear your experiences on some of these... what feels like maybe you were selling a bill of goods that you think is not going to stick around? Share that in the comments.”
(Ricky at 26:00)