Guide to Selling a Plastic Surgery Practice in Portland, OR

Selling your plastic surgery practice is one of the most significant financial and personal decisions you will ever make. For owners in Portland, Oregon, the current market presents a unique window of opportunity, driven by strong patient demand and sophisticated buyer interest. This guide provides a clear overview of the market, the process, and the key factors you need to consider to navigate your transition successfully and realize the full value of your work.

Market Overview

The market for selling a plastic surgery practice in Portland is strong. This is not just a local trend but is supported by powerful national tailwinds.

National Tailwinds, Local Momentum

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reports consistent growth in demand for cosmetic procedures nationwide. This national demand is amplified in a city like Portland, known for its active, health-conscious population. This creates a favorable environment for practice owners considering a sale, as buyers are actively seeking opportunities in growing, demographically strong markets.

A Proven Marketplace

Portland is not just a theoretical market. It is a proven one. We have seen high-performing plastic surgery practices in the area, some with annual revenues exceeding $2.8 million, successfully enter the market. This demonstrates that a robust appetite exists for well-run practices. Buyers are not just looking. They are ready to invest in quality Portland-based practices with established reputations and potential for growth.

Key Considerations

Beyond the numbers, a successful sale aligns with your personal and professional goals. The right buyer is not always the one with the highest offer, but the one who respects your legacy. You will want to consider what is important to you. Think about the future of your staff, the continuity of care for your patients, and your desired level of involvement after the sale. Protecting your practice culture and ensuring your standard of clinical autonomy is preserved are critical negotiation points that define a truly successful transition. Clarifying these priorities early on is the key to finding a partner who fits your vision.

Market Activity

The Portland market is not just active. It is sophisticated. Today s buyers, including private equity groups and strategic health systems, are looking for more than just profitability. They are looking for well-positioned platforms for future growth.

Here are 3 things sophisticated buyers in Portland are looking for right now:

1. Scalable Operations. A practice that relies entirely on the owner is seen as higher risk. Buyers pay a premium for systems, processes, and a team structure that can support a second surgeon or an expansion into new ancillary services.
2. A Balanced Service Mix. While cosmetic procedures are high-margin, a practice with a healthy mix of cosmetic and reconstructive services can demonstrate a wider patient base and more stable revenue streams, making it more attractive.
3. A Strong Brand Reputation. In the digital age, your brand is a major asset. A practice with excellent online reviews, a strong social media presence, and a respected name in the Portland community holds significant intangible value that translates into a higher valuation.

Sale Process

Selling a practice follows a structured path. Knowing the steps helps you prepare and stay in control. It typically begins with a comprehensive valuation to understand your practice’s true worth. From there, we create confidential marketing materials that tell your story and highlight your strengths. The next phase involves discreetly identifying and engaging a curated list of qualified buyers to create a competitive environment. After initial offers are received, you move into negotiation, followed by a formal letter of intent. The final, and often most intense, stage is due diligence, where the buyer verifies all financial, operational, and legal aspects of your practice. Proper preparation for this step is critical. It can prevent surprises and ensure a smooth path to closing.

Valuation

Your practice is likely worth more than you think. Most owners look at their net income, but sophisticated buyers value you based on a metric called Adjusted EBITDA. This stands for Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization. More importantly, it “normalizes” your profits by adding back owner-specific expenses, like an above-market salary or personal items run through the business. This reframing is the first step to unlocking your practice’s true value. A small adjustment can have a huge impact on your final sale price, as valuation is typically a multiple of this number.

Here is a simplified example of how this works:

This process of financial normalization is the foundation of a premium valuation.

Post-Sale Considerations

The day the deal closes is not the end of the story. It is the beginning of your next chapter. Planning for what comes next is just as important as negotiating the sale price. The structure of your deal has major implications for your future. You might negotiate earnouts that provide additional payments if the practice hits future performance targets. Some owners choose an equity rollover, where they retain a minority stake in the new, larger company, offering the potential for a second, often larger, payout down the road. Most importantly, smart tax-efficient structures planned in advance can significantly increase your net proceeds. Thinking through these post-sale elements ensures your transition aligns with your long-term financial freedom and personal fulfillment.