General information for licensed practices, not legal or regulatory advice. Confirm advertising rules with your state boards and your counsel.
Why does med spa social media need a compliance check?
The FTC says advertising "includes statements or depictions ... in social media and influencer marketing," and that "advertising must be truthful and not misleading." Health claims need "competent and reliable scientific evidence," and the FTC is clear that "anecdotal evidence about the individual experiences of consumers ... are never sufficient to substantiate claims about the effects of a health product."
Your state medical board may add its own advertising rules. A simple routine keeps your feed useful without adding risk.
How do you start producing social media content for a med spa?
- Pick two or three content themes you can sustain, such as education, team and clinic operations.
- Write a one-page posting policy listing what you post, what you never post and who approves.
- Name one approver, ideally someone who knows your state's advertising rules, and route anything clinical to your licensed provider.
- Batch content monthly so review isn't rushed.
- Keep a log of what went live and who approved it.
- Review comments and DMs daily and move anything about a patient's care off social media.
What should a med spa post on Facebook and Instagram?
Safe, useful ideas:
- Meet the team. Licensed providers, their credentials and what they do in a visit.
- What to expect. How a consultation works, intake forms, how long it takes.
- Behind the scenes on safety. How rooms are cleaned, how supplies are stored and tracked.
- Plain-language explainers. What a service is in general terms, linked to a page with full context.
- FAQs. Hours, parking, how to book a consultation, cash pay services.
- Community. Local events you support, staff milestones, clinic updates.
- Policies. Cancellation, privacy and how you protect patient information.
What should a med spa avoid posting?
| Avoid | Why |
|---|---|
| Before and after photos | Imply results; FTC uses a before-and-after example of an implied claim |
| Results, outcome or "guaranteed" language | Needs substantiation; Schedule B bars guaranteed outcomes |
| Weight-loss amounts or timelines | Outcome claim |
| Pricing, specials, discounts | Inducement risk; keep pricing for the consultation |
| Giveaways or "tag a friend to win" | Inducement risk |
| Patient photos, names or stories without written authorization | HIPAA generally requires written authorization for marketing uses (45 CFR 164.508) |
| Paid or gifted influencer posts without clear disclosure | FTC Endorsement Guides require disclosing material connections (16 CFR Part 255) |
| "FDA-approved" for any compounded product | Not accurate; FDA says compounded drugs are not FDA-approved |
| Words like "cures," "treats," "prevents" | Disease claims; Schedule B prohibits them |
| Dosing or treatment advice in posts or comments | Clinical decisions belong to the licensed provider |
What's a quick pre-post checklist?
- Does this post show or imply a result? If yes, don't post it.
- Does it mention a price, discount or prize? If yes, remove it.
- Is any patient identifiable? If yes, is written authorization on file?
- Is a paid or gifted relationship disclosed clearly in the post itself?
- Are provider credentials accurate?
- Has the named approver signed off?
How does this connect to growing a med spa?
Good content helps people find you and trust you, but it's one part of the picture. For the broader view, see how to get new clients for a med spa without compliance risk.
If you're adding wellness services, we help med spas open a verified account with RevMed's licensed, vetted pharmacy and laboratory partners, prescribed and supervised by your licensed provider. These are cash pay services. See our med spa page. We're based in Raleigh, your local contact for questions and introductions.
Common questions
Can a med spa post before and after photos?
We recommend against it. The FTC treats before-and-after images as able to imply results, and any patient image also raises authorization questions. Check your state board's rules and your counsel.
Can we share patient reviews?
Testimonials still count as advertising claims under FTC guidance, and identifiable patient information needs written authorization. Keep reviews on review platforms and don't repost results claims.
How often should a med spa post?
Pick a pace your approver can review well. A steady, reviewed schedule beats a rushed daily one.
Can we post prices or specials?
We advise not posting pricing or promotions on social media. Discuss pricing in the consultation.
Who should approve posts?
One named person who knows your state's advertising rules, with clinical questions routed to your licensed provider.
Next step
Want a second set of eyes on your service line setup? Book a 15 minute intro, or open a verified account through our Partner Link.