“With the rapidly growing popularity of aesthetic injections like Botox, filler, skin treatment and hair restoration, these once-niche services are now commonplace in what are called med spas popping up in shopping centers across the country,” said Jena Taft, who advises the medical industry as a Raleigh-based attorney with AM Law 200 firm Dykema Gossett.
In 2024, medical aesthetics like med spas were a $21.95 billion global industry. It is expected to triple in the next 10 years. “Millennials are hitting their 40s. You can look better without getting plastic surgery, and there is a growing social acceptance of cosmetic enhancement,” said Taft. “But while the industry is expanding quickly, regulations haven’t kept pace in many states.”
Taft advises medical groups, including med spas, on everything from regulatory compliance to strategic business decisions. Taft has 10 years of experience as a general counsel in the medical and dental fields. “The dental industry has evolved rapidly, so that experience gives me deep insight into the booming med spa industry.”
Gray Areas
Taft helps med spas navigate what she calls, the gray areas. “While Botox treatments may be common, they’re still medical treatments. These aren’t just facials,” explained Taft. “Spas need proper consent forms, strong documentation practices, and systems that align with state medical board expectations.”
Taft advises healthcare groups on setting up group practices, commercial transactions, mergers and acquisitions, employment matters, vendor disputes, real estate, insurance, and compliance. She also advises her clients in defending regulatory board complaints and provides risk mitigation strategies for complex issues like cyber breaches, HIPAA compliance, and partner disputes.
Direct Advice
“I act as an outside general counsel for our clients,” said Taft. “My goal is to keep my clients ahead of problems, whether that’s structuring a deal properly or responding quickly when something goes wrong.”
She focuses on helping practice groups leverage technology through vendor relationships, mitigate risk, and improve efficiency. “These strategies not only boost profitability but also prepare businesses for future transitions like a sale or succession plan.”
“I don’t give theoretical advice. I give my clients direct, actionable steps. When they call me, they need to know what to do, not get a lecture from me.”
Taft has the benefit of tapping into the experience and knowledge of Dykema’s national healthcare team that assists the medical and dental industries.
“My approach is pragmatic, solution-oriented, and grounded in a strong understanding of the risks and rewards of the medical aesthetics field. I like to say I handle things, whether it’s a surprise visit from a regulator or a lawsuit from a business partner, I’m the one my clients call when they need to know what to do next.”
For more information, visit dykema.com or email [email protected].
