Start a Practice
Aesthetic Practice Launch Timeline
A phased timeline to help licensed medical providers plan the launch of an aesthetic practice. This timeline is educational and does not promise that every practice can launch within a specific timeframe. Actual timelines vary by state, services, and individual circumstances.
Last reviewed: 2026-08-04
Research Stage
- Confirm your state's scope of practice for the treatments you plan to offer.
- Research corporate-practice-of-medicine rules in your state.
- Evaluate the market demand and competition in your area.
- Identify the treatments you are qualified and authorized to perform.
- Research training programs if additional education is needed.
- Estimate startup costs by category.
Formation Stage
- Consult an attorney about practice ownership and entity structure.
- Register the business entity (LLC, PC, PLLC, or MSO structure as appropriate).
- Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN).
- Open a business bank account.
- Obtain state and local business licenses.
- Register with the state board if required.
Oversight Stage
- Determine whether a medical director or supervising physician is required.
- Identify and interview potential medical directors.
- Negotiate and sign a medical director agreement.
- Confirm the medical director's state eligibility and availability.
- Establish treatment protocols with the medical director.
- Define the chart review schedule.
Compliance Stage
- Obtain professional liability (malpractice) insurance covering aesthetic treatments.
- Obtain general business liability insurance.
- Review workers' compensation requirements if you will have employees.
- Develop written treatment protocols for each procedure.
- Create consent forms for each treatment type.
- Establish a HIPAA privacy and security plan.
- Develop an emergency response plan and anaphylaxis protocol.
Systems Stage
- Select and set up an aesthetic EMR system.
- Verify the EMR supports treatment notes, lot tracking, photos, and consent.
- Set up scheduling and patient communication tools.
- Set up payment processing.
- Establish access controls and user permissions.
- Test backup and data recovery procedures.
Facility or Mobile Setup
- Secure a lease or purchase a commercial space (or a vehicle for mobile).
- Complete build-out and construction if needed.
- Set up treatment rooms with appropriate lighting and equipment.
- Install locked storage for medications and supplies.
- Verify zoning and lease compliance.
- For mobile: outfit a vehicle for safe transport of supplies and medications.
Pre-Launch Stage
- Stock supplies, products, and consumables.
- Stock an emergency kit appropriate for the treatments offered.
- Train staff on protocols, documentation, and emergency response.
- Conduct a mock patient walkthrough end-to-end.
- Finalize pricing and patient communication materials.
- Set up a Google Business Profile if applicable.
- Review all policies, protocols, and consent forms with your attorney.
Launch Stage
- Confirm all licenses, insurance, and agreements are in place.
- Verify staff training is complete.
- Begin accepting patients.
- Monitor documentation quality and compliance.
- Collect patient feedback and address issues promptly.
First 30 Days
- Review all treatment documentation for completeness.
- Conduct the first chart review with the medical director.
- Track patient acquisition sources and conversion.
- Address any operational issues identified during launch.
- Refine scheduling and patient communication workflows.
First 90 Days
- Conduct a comprehensive compliance review.
- Review financial performance against budget.
- Evaluate marketing effectiveness by channel.
- Assess provider utilization and staffing needs.
- Schedule a compliance audit with your attorney.
- Plan for service expansion or additional training if appropriate.
Your Next Step
Ready to take the next step?
Use this checklist alongside the relevant NOVI support options. Requirements vary by state, license and practice structure — confirm specifics with qualified guidance.
NOVI resources are provided for general educational purposes and are not legal, medical, tax, financial, licensing, or regulatory advice. Requirements may vary by state, provider credentials, practice structure, and services offered. Current requirements should be confirmed with qualified professionals and official regulatory sources.