How much does it cost to start a body contouring business?
Your Low-Cost Step-by-Step Startup Plan
Dreaming of starting a body contouring business but worried it’s too expensive?
Good news—you do not need thousands of dollars, a fancy location, or even to quit your job to get started.
With the right plan, you can launch your business fast, affordably, and professionally using a proven low-cost startup model.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- Exactly how much it costs to start a body contouring business
- How to begin with minimal investment
- Which body contouring certification to take first
- How to practice, market, and get paying clients quickly
- Where to start your business (home is best!)
- How to scale as your business grows
And yes—this entire plan works even if you’re still working your current job.
Low-Cost Body Contouring Startup Model: Step-by-Step
Below is the proven path used by thousands of successful body contouring professionals.
Step One: Get Educated in Technologies, Treatments & Body Issues
Start with free independent research (Cost: $0)
Body contouring is all about helping clients improve stubborn body concerns. Before investing in equipment or supplies, spend time learning about:
- Popular body contouring treatments
- How the technologies work
- Common body concerns (fat, cellulite, loose skin, etc.)
A great place to start is with your free education on our website:
- Fat facts every body contouring professional must know
- The most popular body contouring treatments
- How to choose body contouring machines
- The Ultimate Guide to Body Contouring Certification Courses
These resources cost nothing—and will give you a strong foundation.
Take a body contouring certification course (Cost: $399)
To launch confidently and professionally, your first course should cover multiple technologies so you can treat a wide range of client concerns with just one machine.
Start with the Body Contouring 6-in-1 Masterclass, where you’ll learn:
- Ultrasonic Fat Cavitation
- Radiofrequency (RF) Skin Tightening
- Vacuum/LED Therapy
- Lipo Laser
This one course allows you to begin your business immediately with real, in-demand treatments.
Purchase your 6-in-1 machine (Cost: ~$400)
You may purchase your machine during Step One or at Step Two.
This 6-in-1 cavitation machine is like the one we use in our medical spa. It’s our pick based on years of experience and expertise.
#ad We are amazon associates, so if you click on a link that is a qualified purchase, we may earn a small commission which helps support our mission to provide top-notch body contouring education.
Required Equipment & Supplies (Approx. Cost: $530)
- 6-in-1 Cavitation/RF Machine
- Portable Massage Table
- Conducting Gel
- Protective Eye Goggles
- CaviWipes (160 ct.)
Optional Supplies (Approx. Cost: $35)
#ad We are amazon associates, so if you click on a link that is a qualified purchase, we may earn a small fee. It comes as no extra cost to you and we only recommend products based on our experience and/or use.
Step Two: Practice, Practice, Practice
After completing your certification course, begin practicing treatments on friends and family.
This step is essential for:
- Building confidence
- Perfecting your technique
- Creating before-and-after photos
- Establishing your first location—a treatment room inside your home
Total Cost for Step Two: $130 (supplies only)
Most of the investment in this phase goes toward basic supplies you’ll use with every client.
Step Three: Spread the Word & Start Marketing (Cost: $0–$14/month)
Once you’ve completed your course and practiced treatments, it’s time to tell the world.
Start with your personal social media (Cost: $0)
Share:
- Your training journey
- Treatment benefits
- Practice photos
- Before & afters (once available)
- Client experiences (as you begin seeing clients)
Your friends and followers become your first audience—and your earliest clients.
Name your business + create your treatment menu
You can begin with a simple starter menu:
- Cavitation Fat Reduction
- RF Skin Tightening
- Vacuum/LED Sculpting
- Lipo Laser
Set introductory prices to start booking clients quickly.
Create your business social media pages (Cost: $0)
Once ready, create a:
- Facebook Business Page
- Instagram Business Page
Post regularly, answer questions, and take bookings directly through your pages.
Build a simple website (Cost: ~$14/month)
Affordable options include:
You only need a basic site with:
- Home page
- About page
- Services menu
- Before & after gallery
- Contact/booking
Start taking paying clients
See clients at your home-based treatment room during non-work hours.
You keep your job + build your business = low risk, low cost, high reward.
Step Four: Choose Your Initial Business Location (Cost: $0–$600/month)
As your business grows and you begin booking consistently, it’s time to choose where to operate.
Best Low-Cost Option: Home-Based Studio ($0–$50/month)
- Zero rent
- Fastest path to profitability
- Simple to set up
- Ideal for beginners
- Easy transition from practice clients to paying clients
Additional Options as You Grow
Mobile Business (Low Cost)
- No rental costs
- Bring treatments to clients
- Flexible but requires travel time
Salon Suite (Medium Cost)
$150–$600/month
- Professional environment
- Ideal when your schedule is consistently full
Small Storefront (High Cost)
$1,000–$3,000+/month
- Best once you’ve scaled
- Requires consistent revenue before leasing
Step Five: Grow Your Business with More Treatment Options
Once your client base grows, increase revenue by adding more technologies—and more results.
Recommended Next Step: Whole Body Vibration Therapy (Cost: $99)
This treatment:
- Enhances fat reduction
- Boosts lymphatic drainage
- Works great alone or combined with other modalities
- Delivers fast, noticeable results your clients will love
👉 Learn more: Whole body vibration therapy online body sculpting course
So…How Much Does It Really Cost to Start a Body Contouring Business?
Much less than you think.
Startup Cost Breakdown (Low-Cost Model)
- Free education: $0
- 6-in-1 Masterclass Certification: $399
- 6-in-1 Cavitation/RF Machine: $400
- Basic supplies: $130
- Optional supplies: $35
- Website (optional early on): $14/month
Total Approximate Initial Investment:
👉 $929 (or less if you phase purchases over time)
And remember:
- You can keep your job while building your business
- You can spread out your spending
- You can operate from home to avoid overhead
You can be fully operational within weeks, not months
Start Your Business Now
Ready to launch your body contouring business the right way?
Get certified quickly and affordably with the online training trusted by thousands of professionals.
Enroll Now in the Body Contouring 6-in-1 Masterclass
Learn Cavitation • RF • Vacuum/LED • Lipo Laser
Body Contouring Business - Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the cost to start a body contouring business?
Using a low-cost home-based model, you can start for under $1,000 by completing your certification, purchasing a 6-in-1 machine, and buying basic supplies.
Q. Do I need to quit my job to start?
No. You can train, practice, and see clients during non-work hours. Most professionals transition from full-time to part-time before going full-time in their business.
Q. Do I need a storefront right away?
Not at all. Most new professionals begin with a home-based studio or mobile business to keep expenses low.
Q. Which certification should I take first?
Start with the Body Contouring 6-in-1 Masterclass to learn the four technologies clients ask for most often.
Q. How long does it take to start earning money?
Many professionals begin taking paying clients within 2–6 weeks after completing their first certification course and practicing with friends/family.
About the author, Body Contouring Academy
Shannon, Licensed Esthetician, and Kay, RN & Attorney, are the co-founders of the Body Contouring Academy. With nearly 20 years of med-spa ownership and 7-figure success in non-invasive body contouring, they teach professionals how to build thriving practices through online certification courses.