Ultrasonic cavitation, which is also called ultrasonic lipolysis, is a body contouring treatment that is used to remove fat deposits under your skin. It can also be referred to by brand names, such as Lipoxin or Ultra shape. This procedure is a safer alternative to surgical options, like liposuction.
In the United States today, there is no federal certification, national board, or other national licensure requirements to be a body contouring professional and/or to operate and deliver non-invasive body contouring services. Since it’s not regulated by the federal government, you do not need a federal license.
However, there are state rules that regulate such businesses and you will be required to have the needed licenses to be able to perform body sculpting and ultrasonic cavitation. A body wrapping license is also needed to apply for body wraps.
In order to train for body wrapping, you must hold a cosmetology or massage therapy license. If body wraps are being done to beautify the skin you would need a cosmetology or aesthetics license.
Virginia is the only state without licensing requirements for estheticians. Advocates of the law say the void has left consumers open to improper treatment, infection, or permanent skin damage. Right now, anyone can open a spa or offer facials and other procedures without training.
Types of Licenses Needed for Body Sculpting and Ultrasonic Cavitation
Below are licenses and permits you are expected to acquire when starting a body sculpting and ultrasonic cavitation business in the United States. Note that these licenses are not specific for just body sculpting and ultrasonic cavitation salons but tends to apply to almost any local business.
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Cosmetology or Massage Therapy License
You would need a cosmetology or massage therapy license to be able to perform body sculpting and ultrasonic cavitation. The five things to learn in cosmetology school are how to color, cut, style, sanitize, and add hair to a style, as well as about the human body as it relates to cosmetology.
A cosmetology or massage therapy license gives body sculpting and ultrasonic cavitation salon employees the right to provide beauty salon services and it is issued by the state government. Cosmetology licenses need to be renewed approximately every two years but this can vary by state.
The cosmetology certificate should be clearly displayed in the salon so that both inspectors and salon clients can see them without effort.
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Salon License
Every state Board of Cosmetology licenses and regulates cosmetologists, nail specialists, facial specialists, full specialists, hair braiders, hair wrappers, body wrappers, cosmetology salons, and mobile cosmetology salons. These boards mandate a salon license for any location where cosmetology or a specialty (nail, facial, full specialists) is practiced.
The intention is to make sure the public has access to body sculpting and ultrasonic cavitation services in a safe and sanitary environment. Note that operating a salon or barbershop without a license is considered unlicensed activity. Unlicensed activity in the US is a criminal offense and can result in misdemeanor or felony charges if an individual is convicted.
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Body Wrapping License
A body wrapping license is required if you want to operate body sculpting and ultrasonic cavitation salon services. In order to train for body wrapping, you must hold a cosmetology or massage therapy license. If body wraps are being done to beautify the skin you would need a cosmetology or aesthetics license.
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Business Operation License
Every state in the United States requires that you have a business license. Note that to apply for your business license at your state department you can go to the U.S. Small Business Administration.
You only have to fill out a form with your social security number and profession. A business license normally costs around $100 but the cost can range from $50 to $400. Note that an additional processing fee of about $25 can also be added.
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Doing Business As (DBA) License
A Doing Business As (DBA) License offers you the opportunity to operate your body sculpting and ultrasonic cavitation salon services under a name other than your own. A DBA is not mandatory, but since it fulfills some requirements for opening a business bank account and enforcing any necessary contracts, it is definitely something to consider getting.
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Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
An EIN is a number that is used by the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify and tax businesses. It is essentially a Social Security number for a business. EINs are free when you apply directly with the IRS.
During the online EIN application, the IRS will provide a link to Form 2553, the Election by a Small Business form. You can liken your LLC’s EIN Number to the company’s “social security number”. It helps identify your LLC to the IRS for tax and filing purposes.
Please note that your LLC’s EIN will also be used when you open an LLC bank account, register your LLC with the Department of Taxation, and process employee payroll (if applicable).
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Certificate of Occupancy
You are also expected to validate that your property is fit for a body sculpting and ultrasonic cavitation services business you are planning to set up. A body sculpting and ultrasonic cavitation salon are expected to meet specific water installation and treatment of chemicals requirements so you need to make sure that you have the property inspected before you set up your business.
The Certificate of Occupancy is a document that is issued by a local government agency or building department that certifies that your property is compliant with the requirements for the type of business you are planning to run. Note that you are expected to request this certificate before any work is done on the property.
The cost for a Certificate of Occupancy is around $20 to $80 depending on where your business is based and the size of your property. Commercial business spaces less than 1’500 sq. ft. are typically around $30 whereas bigger ones go up to $80.
Note that this certificate will be issued when all inspection checks have been done. These inspections include an electrical inspection, plumbing inspection, fire safety inspection, and general building inspection.
How to Apply
Aside from the licenses listed above, it is important to note that every state in the US requires a body sculpting and ultrasonic cavitation salon to have a business license. To apply for this business license, you just need to fill out a form with your social security number and profession.
A business license typically costs around $100 but the cost can range from $50 to $400. An additional processing fee of about $25 can also be added. The same process is required when you want to apply for other specific licenses as listed above.
In Conclusion,
It is important to note that the exact licenses or permits you need for body sculpting and ultrasonic cavitation salon, and how you can obtain them, will vary by state. Howbeit, it is advisable you talk to your trade association for more guidance and information.