Botox, Lasers, Etc: To Tip or Not to Tip? - We Gotta Talk (2024)

FAQs

Are you supposed to tip your Botox injector? ›

Tipping your Botox injector is generally not a great idea. If you're happy with the outcome of a procedure, like Botox at a medi-spa chain, you may feel inclined to tip, just as you would for a great haircut. But aesthetic medicine is still medicine, and, as a general guideline, you shouldn't leave a tip.

If you choose to tip your injector, it should be between 10 and 20 percent of the total bill, which is standard in the beauty industry. But don't be offended if your injector also refuses your offer. Amelina says she politely declines tips from her clients. "Tipping can be viewed as a bribe," she explains.

Another, Skin Bar, depends on certified aestheticians to give treatments ranging from IPL, Fraxel, Laser Genesis, and laser hair removal to Botox and fillers. Though many of the treatments offered by these facial bars are similar to those offered by aesthetics bars, gratuity is generally accepted.

A lot of the injectors are nurse practitioners, which is a very advanced degree, and it's unethical for them to expect a tip for a medical procedure. Most of them make good money to stay on staff at a medspa already, but they get into the job knowing that there is an upside with the tips.

Tipping also doesn't apply to any medical spa service like Botox, laser hair removal, microneedling, or anything performed by a medical professional. The main reason why these services don't require tips is that they usually cost hundreds of dollars, so following the standard 15% to 20% is costly.

Tipping for laser hair removal is not mandatory, but it is generally appreciated. Some sources suggest tipping after each visit, while others say it's okay to tip at the end of a series of treatments.

While physician-led med spa services are often a no-gratuity zone, services led by other professionals might be more inclined to encourage tipping (much like you would at a standard spa). Consider asking your med spa for more details about this policy if you have any questions or concerns.

However, it's always a nice gesture to express your gratitude for a job well done. If you're unsure about how much to tip on a HydraFacial, a good rule of thumb is to leave around 15-20% of the total cost.

Don't get a facial or head massage for a full 24 hours after Botox. You should also avoid rubbing your face in the area that was treated. Don't lie down for at least 1 hour after receiving Botox. Don't go into any saunas, hot tubs, or tanning booths for at least 4 hours.

Gratuity cannot be accepted on services such as injectable and laser treatments, medical level microneedling, platelet-rich plasma treatments, and laser hair reduction. If your medical spa provider is asking for or accepting gratuity on a medical procedure, RUN!

Do you tip on CoolSculpting? ›

Many med spa treatments are sold in packages, like laser hair removal, CoolSculpting, and more. In these instances, it can be difficult to determine spa tipping. For packages, you can tip upfront or tip per appointment – either is fine!

Remember that your esthetician is providing you with a service, so you should always tip. What to tip for a facial is much like tipping a server at a restaurant. A 20% tip is good, but base it off the esthetician's performance.

Tipping is customary for “pure” cosmetic services like chemical peels and laser hair removal. If your Botox treatment is bundled with services like these, your provider may expect a tip.

Dr. Melissa Doft of Doft Plastic Surgery, also on The Upper East Side agrees. “We do not encourage patients to tip,” says Doft, although some of her facial clientele insist. “If the physician, physician's assistant or nurse practitioner is performing the procedure, no tip is necessary,” Doft points out.

Board-certified dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and nurse injectors typically do not expect or accept tips for lip fillers. For licensed medical providers, accepting tips is discouraged and considered unethical by healthcare ethics associations.

With this in mind, tipping an esthetician for nonmedical services is generally appreciated and encouraged. A standard rate of 15-20% for a treatment is recommended, but the amount is ultimately at the client's discretion. You may even opt to tip more if the quality of service was especially high.

"Not tipping the owner is an old tradition that's dying out," Post says. She recommends 15 to 20 percent of the fee, whether or not the stylist owns the place. When more than one person (stylist, colorist, blower) attends to you, split 15 to 20 percent among them according to how much each contributed to the outcome.