How Do I Go from Day Spa to Medi Spa?

Rocco Altobelli

Rocco Altobelli owns several salons and spas throughout the Minneapolis-St. Paul area and is an internationally recognized hair stylist and educator. He also manufactures his own product line and has a thriving private label business. Never content to rest on his laurels, Altobelli's latest venture is the creation of a medical beauty division.

"I saw a large gray area between beauty and medical services where salon professionals were often performing procedures for which they were not adequately trained," says Altobelli. "At the same time many physicians don't have time in their practice to perform services that veer more to the cosmetic." The obvious conclusion was to partner with a physician. Altobelli brought in Dr. Edward Szachowicz, one of the area's leading plastic and facial surgeons to advise him on the purchase of medically endorsed laser equipment and to oversee his training program.

"Education and training is the primary investment, after equipment, when opening a medical spa," says Altobelli. "As medical advisor, Dr. Szachowicz supervises a six-month training program that includes advanced theory, hands-on training and an apprenticeship, as well as current industry knowledge and trends, and he will continue to provide ongoing education.

"This training exceeds any current industry standards," says Altobelli, noting that laser training in schools can be as little as one week and training from laser manufacturers is often only two or three days.

"Providing this level of training is crucial to expanding into the medical spa business and doing it correctly," he says.
Once the training is in place, modifications  are fairly simple. "A light room for the service is the primary addition as well as a secure storage area for the equipment and client records. Every medical spa procedure requires a consultation and brief medical history, so you must have a separate reception area for these clients. Medi spa client files are confidential and fall under federal medical privacy regulations, so you will need a separate storage area for them. We offer photo pneumatic treatments for acne, permanent hair reduction, deep pore purification and skin rejuvenation. All these services include before and after photography, so you must have a private photography room as well."

Altobelli's medical spa opened in late October and his client base was ready for the new facility. He suggests first introducing these services at an existing location, if possible.

"It's also necessary to cross train your stylists and nail techs (think age spots on hands) so they are prepared to refer clients for the proper medical skin care treatments," he adds.