If you’re looking for a business lifeline in the coming year then look no further than combination therapies, says Ricky Allen.
Combination treatment is more than just prepping the skin with quality skincare before a procedure (though this should obviously be the first-line combination therapy offered in any cosmetic clinic or medispa). It should also take into account other basic combination therapies such as LED treatments in conjunction with laser therapy and other beneficial technologies pre and post surgery.
LED treatments are very effective in healing and they can attract a new revenue stream from non-aesthetic referrers such as orthopaedic specialists, cardiologists and even dental surgeons. HydraFacial is also a beneficial base treatment for all clients, as well as part of a pre-surgical skincare program.
For just about any aesthetic clinic, LED therapy, HydraFacial and laser (where indicated) combined with cosmetic injectables should be offered.
These basic combination therapies open up a new client base while at the same time offering your existing clients a better, faster result from the treatments you offe .
New clients from referring nonaesthetic clinicians will then ideally remain with you when they desire aesthetic support.
Supplements & Nutrition
Consider looking outside the more conventional aesthetic treatments and therapies.
Supplements to specifically target the skin are being launched just about every week in Australia.
Life Space, which offers one of the biggest-selling probiotics in Australia, has just launched a range of probiotics which are designed to work on diffe ent aspects of the skin, such as their Probiotics + Skin Rebalance, + Skin Glow and also +Skin Renew.
Even the basic zinc and Vitamin C combination, which we have known for quite a while has been proven to improve the skin’s health, could be stocked by you. When you are designing your clients 12-monthly care program, it’s advantageous to include supplements.
Why not go one step further and have a dietician or nutritionist who visits your clinic? I consider their consultations another form of combination therapy. When you bring in a new consultant, start them initially once a month so they can increase their client base and build a good business with you. A happy consultant is one who stays and remains loyal. And you don’t need a lot of consult rooms to employ many consultants when you bring them in at specific times and days Dieticians and nutritionists are also beneficial for your body sculpting patients, both surgical and non-surgical, to help them maintain and enhance the results of their procedure.
Massage & Reflexology
Offering massage as an adjunct therapy to body contouring is highly advised in helping to remove excess toxins and fluid (lymphatic massage) and for overall good health.
Reflexology is also a valuable add-on to aid in healing and relaxation. Before I perform an aesthetic treatment on a client, perform a few minutes of relaxation reflexology massage on them and they absolutely love it.
Offering elaxation reflexology before treatments can also lessen discomfort associated with some aesthetic treatments and make the patient more willing to have more of those treatments. The level of pain felt is both physical and psychological and reflexology does help with the psychological aspect.
Additionally, many of your clients may have a leaning towards natural therapies, and acupuncturists may align well with your business. Once again, start them slowly and they will naturally build up their business.
Which combination therapies are relevant to you?
So, you may be asking, how do you decide which combination therapies are relevant to your business? Look at the demographics in the area, your clients and what they are coming to see you for.
This homework is essential in order to ensure that every combination therapy you add will not just be successfully utilised but will also meet more of your clients’ needs. Ensure you add these therapies to your prescription of care for your clients and make sure all existing clients are made aware of these new services.
Because of numerous lockdowns, there are many small business operators, such as consultants who would be an asset to your business, who are finding it difficult economically to continue paying rent. You have the opportunity to help them while you grow your own business and increase your revenue.
In business, if you have a happy client it’s often an easy option for them to use whatever else you offer them. For instance, figures show that at least 70% of women take some form of supplement, so why not buy them from you? The same can be said for massage therapists, acupuncturists and dieticians, etc.
Finally, many clinicians find that when it’s time to retire, they don’t actually have a proper business to sell as they are the main revenue driver. Rebuilding your business based on combination therapies means that you really have something special to sell and your revenue as a clinician is superfluous to an excellent revenue stream.
Always build a business based on not just meeting but exceeding the needs of your clients and it will thrive and grow. AMP
Ricky Allen will be holding her Advanced Skincare and Treatment courses and Medispa Marketing and Management courses around Australia this year. Call 0412 700 720 or email rickyall@tpg.com.au for more information.
