California practices need a marketing partner that knows California rules. Business and Professions Code Section 651 bars false or misleading health-care advertising and sets conditions on things like before-and-after photos, the Medical Board of California has published guidance on medical spas, and California restricts who can own a medical practice. Prestige works with California practices remotely from our Austin headquarters.
California is the largest state market in the country. The U.S. Census Bureau’s Vintage 2024 estimates put California at 39,431,263 people (U.S. Census Bureau). It is also one of the most competitive and most regulated markets for elective care, so growth depends on doing marketing carefully.
Prestige Medical Marketing works with California practices remotely from our Austin headquarters. We do not claim a California office. This guide is general information, not legal advice.
California’s health-care advertising law
Business and Professions Code Section 651 prohibits false, fraudulent, misleading or deceptive statements in health-care advertising. It addresses claims likely to create false or unjustified expectations and sets conditions on photographs and depictions of results. Before-and-after galleries, “best” claims and pricing promotions deserve a counsel review before they go live.
Med spa rules from the Medical Board of California
The Medical Board has published guidance on medical spas. It treats cosmetic treatments such as injectables and lasers as medical procedures that require proper licensing and supervision. Your website should be clear about who performs treatments and how care is supervised. That is good for compliance and for patient trust.
Ownership and the corporate practice of medicine
California generally limits who can own and control a medical practice. The Medical Board explains the corporate practice of medicine on its practice information pages. Marketing does not change your structure, but it should not describe the business in a way that conflicts with it.
Winning Maps and AI search in California markets
Dense metros mean many practices compete within a short drive. Google ranks local results by relevance, distance and prominence (Google), so a complete Google Business Profile, strong service pages and steady honest reviews matter. Google’s guidance on AI features in Search says no special markup is needed for AI Overviews, so clear, useful pages are the play. Our Maps and AI search service, custom websites and AI front desk cover it end to end.
Who we work with in California
Med spas, plastic surgery, dermatology, weight loss and longevity practices. We take one practice per specialty in each market so we are never marketing you against yourself.
Agency or in-house?
Some California practices build an in-house team; others outsource. We compare the options honestly in medical marketing companies vs. in-house.
Running a California practice and want to know if your market is open? Check if your market is open or call (716) 400-0084. It is a free 15-minute call, and we only work with one practice per specialty in each market.
More specialty and state guides: Medical marketing guides hub.
Put this playbook to work: see how it applies to the Prestige System for medical practice marketing.
Frequently asked questions
Does Prestige have an office in California?
No. Prestige is headquartered in Austin, Texas, and works with California practices remotely.
What California law covers health-care advertising?
Business and Professions Code Section 651 prohibits false, fraudulent, misleading or deceptive statements in health-care advertising and addresses items such as photographs and claims about results. Have counsel review your ads and website.
What does the Medical Board of California say about med spas?
The Medical Board has published guidance on medical spas, explaining that cosmetic medical procedures are the practice of medicine and must be performed by appropriately licensed people under proper supervision.
Can a non-physician own a med spa in California?
California generally restricts lay ownership and control of medical practices, often called the corporate practice of medicine doctrine. The Medical Board explains this on its practice information pages. Get legal advice on your structure.
Which California practices does Prestige work with?
Med spas, plastic surgery, dermatology, weight loss and longevity practices, with one practice per specialty in each market.