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MedSpa Equipment List: Essential Equipment for US, Canada, UK & Australia 2026

Complete equipment guide for starting a medspa in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia. Learn about costs, FDA/TGA approval, and essential aesthetic equipment.

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Starting a medical spa (medspa) in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, or Australia requires significant investment in specialized aesthetic equipment. The right equipment determines your service offerings, revenue potential, and competitive advantage in the rapidly growing aesthetic medicine market.

This comprehensive guide covers all essential medspa equipment with pricing in USD, CAD, GBP, and AUD, regulatory requirements for each country, and tips for making smart purchasing decisions.

Understanding MedSpa Equipment Categories

Core Treatment Equipment (High Priority)

Laser and Light-Based Devices:

  • Laser hair removal systems
  • IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) devices
  • Fractional CO2 lasers
  • Nd:YAG lasers
  • LED light therapy systems

Injectable Equipment:

  • Medical-grade refrigeration
  • Treatment chairs and beds
  • Sharps disposal systems
  • Emergency medical kits

Skin Rejuvenation:

  • Microdermabrasion machines
  • Chemical peel equipment
  • Dermaplaning tools
  • Hydrafacial systems
  • Microneedling devices

Body Contouring:

  • Cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting) machines
  • Radiofrequency devices
  • Ultrasound cavitation systems
  • EMSCULPT systems

Support Equipment (Essential)

Treatment Rooms:

  • Electric treatment beds
  • Adjustable chairs
  • Magnifying lamps
  • Sterilization equipment
  • Storage cabinets

Safety and Hygiene:

  • Medical-grade autoclaves
  • UV sterilizers
  • Disinfection systems
  • PPE supplies
  • Emergency equipment

Client Experience:

  • Luxury waiting room furniture
  • Private changing rooms
  • Premium robes and linens
  • Ambient lighting and sound
  • Consultation areas

Essential MedSpa Equipment: Complete List with International Pricing

1. Laser Hair Removal Machine

Why Essential: Laser hair removal is the #1 requested medspa service globally, generating consistent year-round revenue with high profit margins.

Types Available:

Diode Laser (Most Popular):

  • Suitable for all skin types (Fitzpatrick I-VI)
  • Wavelength: 808nm
  • FDA/TGA/Health Canada approved
  • Cost:
    • US: $80,000 - $150,000
    • Canada: $110,000 - $200,000 CAD
    • UK: £65,000 - £120,000
    • Australia: $120,000 - $225,000 AUD

Alexandrite Laser:

  • Best for lighter skin types
  • Fastest treatment times
  • Cost:
    • US: $100,000 - $180,000
    • Canada: $135,000 - $245,000 CAD
    • UK: £80,000 - £145,000
    • Australia: $150,000 - $270,000 AUD

Nd:YAG Laser:

  • Safest for darker skin tones
  • Versatile for multiple treatments
  • Cost:
    • US: $120,000 - $200,000
    • Canada: $165,000 - $270,000 CAD
    • UK: £95,000 - £160,000
    • Australia: $180,000 - $300,000 AUD

IPL Systems (Budget Option):

  • Multi-purpose treatment capability
  • Lower initial investment
  • Cost:
    • US: $30,000 - $80,000
    • Canada: $40,000 - $110,000 CAD
    • UK: £25,000 - £65,000
    • Australia: $45,000 - $120,000 AUD

Key Features to Look For:

  • FDA clearance (US), TGA approval (Australia), Health Canada license, CE marking (UK)
  • Integrated cooling system
  • Multiple spot sizes (small, medium, large)
  • Adjustable pulse duration
  • User-friendly touchscreen interface
  • Comprehensive warranty (2-3 years)
  • Local service and support

Revenue Potential:

  • US: Full body $800-1,500 per session
  • Canada: $700-1,300 CAD per session
  • UK: £600-1,000 per session
  • Australia: $900-1,800 AUD per session
  • ROI: 12-18 months with proper marketing

Recommended Brands:

  • Candela (USA) - Premium, excellent support
  • Lumenis (Israel) - Industry leader
  • Cynosure (USA) - FDA-approved systems
  • Alma Lasers (Israel) - Good value
  • Cutera (USA) - Reliable technology

2. CoolSculpting (Cryolipolysis) System

Why Essential: Non-invasive body contouring is one of the fastest-growing aesthetic treatments, with high patient demand and premium pricing.

System Specifications:

  • FDA-cleared, TGA-approved technology
  • Multiple applicator sizes
  • Controlled cooling technology
  • Treatment time: 35-60 minutes per area

Cost:

  • US: $60,000 - $120,000 (machine) + $3,000-5,000 per applicator
  • Canada: $80,000 - $165,000 CAD + $4,000-7,000 CAD per applicator
  • UK: £50,000 - £95,000 + £2,500-4,000 per applicator
  • Australia: $90,000 - $180,000 AUD + $4,500-7,500 AUD per applicator

Applicators Needed (Minimum 4-6):

  • Small (chin, arms): $3,000-5,000 each
  • Medium (flanks, bra fat): $4,000-6,000 each
  • Large (abdomen, thighs): $5,000-7,000 each

Alternative Systems:

  • Clatuu (Korean technology): 40-50% lower cost
  • Chinese systems: 60-70% lower cost (quality varies)

Revenue Potential:

  • US: $750-1,500 per cycle
  • Canada: $800-1,600 CAD per cycle
  • UK: £600-1,200 per cycle
  • Australia: $900-1,800 AUD per cycle
  • Full treatment (multiple areas): $3,000-8,000
  • ROI: 18-24 months

3. Botox and Dermal Filler Equipment

Why Essential: Injectable treatments offer the highest profit margins (60-80%) with growing demand across all demographics.

Essential Equipment:

Medical Refrigerator (2-8°C):

  • Pharmaceutical-grade
  • Temperature monitoring and alarms
  • Backup power compatible
  • Cost:
    • US: $2,500 - $5,000
    • Canada: $3,500 - $7,000 CAD
    • UK: £2,000 - £4,000
    • Australia: $3,800 - $7,500 AUD

Injectable Treatment Chair:

  • Electric adjustment
  • Memory foam padding
  • Medical-grade upholstery
  • Cost:
    • US: $3,000 - $8,000
    • Canada: $4,000 - $11,000 CAD
    • UK: £2,500 - £6,500
    • Australia: $4,500 - $12,000 AUD

Emergency Kit:

  • Epinephrine auto-injectors
  • Antihistamines
  • Hyaluronidase (filler reversal)
  • Blood pressure monitor
  • Oxygen supply
  • Cost:
    • US: $1,500 - $3,000
    • Canada: $2,000 - $4,000 CAD
    • UK: £1,200 - £2,500
    • Australia: $2,300 - $4,500 AUD

Product Inventory (Initial):

  • Botox/Dysport/Xeomin: $400-600 per 100 units
  • Hyaluronic acid fillers: $300-600 per syringe
  • Initial stock: $10,000-40,000

Revenue Potential:

  • US: Botox $12-20 per unit, Fillers $600-1,500 per syringe
  • Canada: Botox $10-15 CAD per unit, Fillers $600-1,200 CAD
  • UK: Botox £200-400 per area, Fillers £300-800
  • Australia: Botox $300-600 AUD per area, Fillers $600-1,200 AUD
  • Profit margin: 60-80%
  • ROI: 6-12 months

4. Hydrafacial MD System

Why Essential: Trending facial treatment combining cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, and hydration with high client satisfaction and retention.

System Features:

  • Patented vortex technology
  • Multi-step treatment process
  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Customizable serums

Cost:

  • US: $20,000 - $35,000
  • Canada: $27,000 - $48,000 CAD
  • UK: £16,000 - £28,000
  • Australia: $30,000 - $53,000 AUD

Consumables (Monthly):

  • Treatment tips: $150-300 each
  • Serums: $500-1,500 per bottle
  • Monthly cost: $1,000-2,000

Revenue Potential:

  • US: $150-300 per session
  • Canada: $180-350 CAD
  • UK: £120-250
  • Australia: $200-400 AUD
  • With add-ons: +30-50%
  • ROI: 10-15 months

5. Radiofrequency (RF) Skin Tightening Device

Why Essential: Non-invasive skin tightening for face and body is a popular anti-aging treatment with minimal downtime.

Types:

Monopolar RF:

  • Deepest tissue penetration
  • Best for body contouring
  • Cost:
    • US: $30,000 - $60,000
    • Canada: $40,000 - $82,000 CAD
    • UK: £25,000 - £48,000
    • Australia: $45,000 - $90,000 AUD

Fractional RF Microneedling:

  • Combines RF with microneedling
  • Excellent for acne scars and texture
  • Cost:
    • US: $40,000 - $80,000
    • Canada: $55,000 - $110,000 CAD
    • UK: £32,000 - £65,000
    • Australia: $60,000 - $120,000 AUD

Key Brands:

  • Thermage (USA) - Premium, FDA-cleared
  • Venus Concept (Canada) - Multi-technology platform
  • BTL Exilis (UK) - Combination RF and ultrasound
  • InMode (Israel) - Fractional RF leader

Revenue Potential:

  • US: Face $500-1,000, Body $800-1,500 per session
  • Canada: Face $600-1,200 CAD, Body $900-1,800 CAD
  • UK: Face £400-800, Body £600-1,200
  • Australia: Face $700-1,400 AUD, Body $1,000-2,000 AUD
  • Package (6 sessions): 4-6x single session price
  • ROI: 12-18 months

6. Fractional CO2 Laser

Why Essential: Gold standard for skin resurfacing, treating wrinkles, scars, and sun damage with dramatic results.

System Features:

  • Ablative fractional technology
  • Adjustable depth and density
  • Integrated cooling
  • Multiple treatment modes

Cost:

  • US: $80,000 - $200,000
  • Canada: $110,000 - $270,000 CAD
  • UK: £65,000 - £160,000
  • Australia: $120,000 - $300,000 AUD

Key Brands:

  • Lumenis UltraPulse - Industry gold standard
  • Cynosure SmartXide - Versatile platform
  • Alma Pixel CO2 - Good value
  • Sciton Halo - Hybrid fractional

Revenue Potential:

  • US: $1,500-4,000 per treatment
  • Canada: $1,800-4,500 CAD
  • UK: £1,200-3,200
  • Australia: $2,000-5,000 AUD
  • ROI: 18-30 months

7. Microdermabrasion Machine

Why Essential: Popular entry-level facial treatment with minimal downtime and broad appeal.

Types:

Diamond-Tip Microdermabrasion:

  • No crystals (cleaner operation)
  • Precise control
  • Cost:
    • US: $12,000 - $25,000
    • Canada: $16,000 - $34,000 CAD
    • UK: £10,000 - £20,000
    • Australia: $18,000 - $38,000 AUD

Hydradermabrasion:

  • Water-based exfoliation
  • Gentler on sensitive skin
  • Cost:
    • US: $15,000 - $30,000
    • Canada: $20,000 - $41,000 CAD
    • UK: £12,000 - £24,000
    • Australia: $23,000 - $45,000 AUD

Revenue Potential:

  • US: $100-200 per session
  • Canada: $120-250 CAD
  • UK: £80-160
  • Australia: $150-300 AUD
  • ROI: 8-12 months

8. LED Light Therapy System

Why Essential: Versatile, non-invasive treatment for acne, anti-aging, and wound healing with no downtime.

Panel Systems:

  • Full-face coverage
  • Multiple wavelengths (red, blue, near-infrared)
  • Cost:
    • US: $8,000 - $20,000
    • Canada: $11,000 - $27,000 CAD
    • UK: £6,500 - £16,000
    • Australia: $12,000 - $30,000 AUD

Revenue Potential:

  • US: $75-150 per session
  • Canada: $90-180 CAD
  • UK: £60-120
  • Australia: $100-200 AUD
  • Often added to other treatments: $50-100 extra

9. Sterilization Equipment

Why Essential: Critical for safety, hygiene, and regulatory compliance in all countries.

Medical-Grade Autoclave:

  • Class B sterilization
  • 18-23 liter capacity
  • Cost:
    • US: $4,000 - $8,000
    • Canada: $5,500 - $11,000 CAD
    • UK: £3,200 - £6,500
    • Australia: $6,000 - $12,000 AUD

UV Sterilizer Cabinet:

  • For tools and equipment
  • Cost:
    • US: $1,500 - $3,000
    • Canada: $2,000 - $4,000 CAD
    • UK: £1,200 - £2,500
    • Australia: $2,300 - $4,500 AUD

10. Treatment Beds and Furniture

Why Essential: Client comfort directly impacts satisfaction, retention, and online reviews.

Electric Treatment Bed:

  • Multi-position adjustment
  • Memory foam padding
  • Medical-grade upholstery
  • Cost per bed:
    • US: $4,000 - $12,000
    • Canada: $5,500 - $16,000 CAD
    • UK: £3,200 - £9,500
    • Australia: $6,000 - $18,000 AUD
  • Quantity needed: 3-5 beds

Luxury Waiting Room:

  • Designer furniture
  • Ambient lighting
  • Product displays
  • Cost:
    • US: $15,000 - $50,000
    • Canada: $20,000 - $68,000 CAD
    • UK: £12,000 - £40,000
    • Australia: $23,000 - $75,000 AUD

Complete MedSpa Equipment Budget by Country

United States

Basic MedSpa ($150K-250K):

  • IPL system: $50,000
  • Microdermabrasion: $15,000
  • Injectable equipment: $10,000
  • LED therapy: $10,000
  • Sterilization: $8,000
  • Treatment beds (2): $12,000
  • Furniture: $20,000
  • Initial inventory: $25,000

Mid-Range MedSpa ($300K-500K):

  • Diode laser: $120,000
  • Hydrafacial: $30,000
  • RF device: $50,000
  • Injectable equipment: $15,000
  • Sterilization: $10,000
  • Treatment beds (3): $24,000
  • Furniture: $35,000
  • Initial inventory: $50,000

Premium MedSpa ($600K-1M+):

  • Nd:YAG laser: $180,000
  • CoolSculpting: $120,000
  • Fractional CO2: $150,000
  • RF microneedling: $70,000
  • Hydrafacial: $35,000
  • Injectable equipment: $20,000
  • Sterilization: $15,000
  • Treatment beds (4-5): $48,000
  • Premium furniture: $75,000
  • Initial inventory: $100,000

Canada (CAD)

Basic: $200K-340K Mid-Range: $400K-680K Premium: $800K-1.35M

United Kingdom (GBP)

Basic: £120K-200K Mid-Range: £240K-400K Premium: £480K-800K

Australia (AUD)

Basic: $225K-375K Mid-Range: $450K-750K Premium: $900K-1.5M


Country-Specific Regulatory Requirements

United States (FDA)

Equipment Approval:

  • All devices must be FDA-cleared or approved
  • Class II medical devices require 510(k) clearance
  • Lasers are Class II devices
  • Maintain device registration

Facility Requirements:

  • State medical board oversight
  • Physician medical director required
  • Staff training documentation
  • Adverse event reporting

Canada (Health Canada)

Equipment Licensing:

  • Medical Device License required
  • Class II-IV devices need approval
  • Establishment License for facility
  • Quality management system

Provincial Requirements:

  • Provincial health authority approval
  • Physician oversight
  • Staff credentials verification

United Kingdom (MHRA)

Equipment Compliance:

  • CE marking required
  • MHRA registration
  • Post-market surveillance
  • Vigilance reporting

CQC Registration:

  • Facility registration if providing regulated activities
  • Regular inspections
  • Quality and safety standards

Australia (TGA)

Equipment Approval:

  • TGA registration required
  • ARTG (Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods) listing
  • Class IIa-III devices need conformity assessment
  • Sponsor responsibilities

AHPRA Compliance:

  • Medical practitioner oversight
  • Notification requirements
  • Advertising regulations

Equipment Purchasing Strategies

New vs. Refurbished Equipment

New Equipment Advantages:

  • Full manufacturer warranty (2-3 years)
  • Latest technology and features
  • FDA/TGA/Health Canada approval current
  • Financing options available
  • Better resale value

When to Buy New:

  • Core revenue-generating equipment (lasers, CoolSculpting)
  • Safety-critical devices (autoclaves)
  • High-use equipment
  • When warranty is essential

Refurbished Equipment Advantages:

  • 40-60% cost savings
  • Proven technology
  • Faster ROI
  • Good for testing new services

When to Buy Refurbished:

  • Secondary equipment
  • Testing market demand
  • Budget constraints
  • Established technology

Financing Options

Equipment Leasing:

  • Monthly payments: $5,000-20,000
  • Preserve working capital
  • Tax benefits
  • Upgrade options
  • Interest rates: 8-15%

Bank Loans:

  • Traditional financing
  • Interest rates: 6-12%
  • Collateral required
  • Repayment: 3-7 years

Vendor Financing:

  • Direct from manufacturers
  • Down payment: 20-30%
  • Balance: 12-36 months
  • Interest: 0-10%

SBA Loans (US):

  • Small Business Administration
  • Lower interest rates: 5-8%
  • Longer terms
  • More paperwork

Equipment Suppliers by Country

United States

Major Distributors:

  • Candela Medical (direct)
  • Cynosure (direct)
  • Lumenis USA
  • Aesthetic Solutions
  • National Laser Institute

Canada

Authorized Distributors:

  • Venus Concept (Toronto)
  • Candela Canada
  • Cynosure Canada
  • Aesthetic Equipment Canada

United Kingdom

UK Distributors:

  • Lynton Lasers
  • Aesthetic Source
  • Hamilton Fraser
  • Advanced Skin Technology

Australia

Australian Suppliers:

  • Candela Australia
  • Cynosure Australia
  • Advanced Cosmeceuticals
  • Aesthetic Technologies

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to equip a medspa in the US? Equipping a medspa in the US costs $150,000-250,000 for basic setup, $300,000-500,000 for mid-range, and $600,000-1,000,000+ for premium. Core costs include laser hair removal ($50,000-180,000), body contouring ($60,000-120,000), and injectable equipment ($10,000-20,000).

What is the most important equipment for a medspa? The most important medspa equipment is a laser hair removal system ($50,000-180,000) as it's the highest-demand service. Second priority is CoolSculpting for body contouring ($60,000-120,000) and injectable equipment for Botox/fillers ($10,000-20,000) due to high profit margins.

Do I need FDA approval for medspa equipment? Yes, in the US all medical devices must be FDA-cleared or approved. Canada requires Health Canada licensing, UK needs CE marking and MHRA registration, and Australia requires TGA approval. Using non-approved equipment can result in fines and closure.

Can I buy used medspa equipment? Yes, refurbished equipment can save 40-60% on costs. However, ensure it's from reputable suppliers, has remaining warranty, meets current regulatory standards, and includes service history. Buy new for core revenue equipment like lasers.

What is the ROI on medspa equipment? ROI varies by device: laser hair removal 12-18 months, injectables 6-12 months, CoolSculpting 18-24 months, and facials 8-12 months. High-demand services and effective marketing accelerate ROI. Premium equipment may take 24-36 months.

Where can I buy medspa equipment in the US? Buy from authorized distributors like Candela Medical, Cynosure, Lumenis USA, and Aesthetic Solutions. Avoid unauthorized sellers and ensure FDA clearance, warranty, training, and local service support are included.

Do I need a doctor to operate medspa equipment? Requirements vary by country and state/province. US typically requires physician medical director, Canada needs physician oversight, UK requires GMC-registered doctor supervision, and Australia needs AHPRA-registered practitioner. Check local regulations.

How long does medspa equipment last? Quality medspa equipment lasts 7-15 years with proper maintenance. Laser systems last 10-15 years (50,000-100,000 shots), RF devices 7-10 years, and CoolSculpting 10-12 years. Regular servicing extends lifespan significantly.

Conclusion: Invest Wisely in Your MedSpa Equipment

Choosing the right medspa equipment is crucial for success in the competitive aesthetic medicine market. Prioritize FDA/TGA/Health Canada approved equipment, invest in high-demand services like laser hair removal and body contouring, and ensure proper training and maintenance.

Key Takeaways:

  • Budget $150K-1M+ depending on medspa size and services
  • Prioritize laser hair removal and CoolSculpting
  • Ensure regulatory compliance (FDA/TGA/Health Canada/MHRA)
  • Consider refurbished for secondary equipment
  • Factor in maintenance, consumables, and training
  • Choose suppliers with local support
  • Plan for equipment financing
  • Invest in staff training
  • Maintain equipment regularly

Ready to Start Your MedSpa?

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Need help planning your medspa equipment purchases? Contact our team for a free consultation.

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