Inside Aesthetics

Episode 147 hosts Dr Tim Brown (Plastic Surgeon based in Melbourne) and Dr Niro Sivathasan (Cosmetic Surgeon based in Sydney).

We invited these two surgeons from different backgrounds to discuss the current crisis in the Australian cosmetic surgery industry. 

For some context to this podcast, it's currently legal for any doctor who holds a medical license to practice and perform cosmetic surgery - regardless of their medical expertise or experience. This unusual loophole can be exploited because there is no formal pathway for any doctor to train in cosmetic procedures. 

For many years, there's been an uncomfortable and sometimes volatile relationship between plastic surgeons and other doctors who practice cosmetic surgery - who are collectively known under the umbrella term 'cosmetic surgeons'. This label covers a wide spectrum of doctors, all the way from first year graduates with no formal training through to highly respected and experienced cosmetic surgeons with 25+ years experience.

Just a fortnight ago, a national TV programme called 'Four Corners' re-ignited this debate with alleged unsafe and poor standards from a prominent and well known cosmetic surgeon. This is the crux of the issue that plastic surgeons and the public have increasingly voiced. 

We discuss the entire breadth of the issue including: 

- The difference between a plastic surgeon & a cosmetic surgeon and how their training differs

- How both groups of surgeons gain experience in cosmetic surgery and the format of their particular colleges who represent them

- The perceived 'turf war' that exists between these two groups

- The distinct lack of formal regulation and why this situation has continued for so long

-  How the complications of medical procedure are inevitable and why the context of these is so important when judging if the surgery was 'good' or 'bad'

- The role of patients in this equation including

• what questions they might want to ask a surgeon to understand their credentials
• their understanding of risk and the importance of doing their own research before committing to a surgical procedure

- If there can be a solution to the turf war?

 

SUPPORT THE PODCAST:

- If you enjoy listening to IA every week and would like to help support the podcast, we have two simple donation options: I Love IA! & Buy us a coffee! 

IA PATREON:

Did you know that we have an online injectable education and business mentoring service called IA Patreon? Get access to the following benefits (depending on your tier):

- Access to four IA Whatsapp groups (General, Injectables, Business & Regenerative Aesthetics) 

- Access to our IA Injectable Live sessions (Injectable Zoom sessions led by Dr Jake)

- Access to weekly IA Hints & Tips (Videos, insights & other injectable education)

- Access to our IA Business Hints & Tips (Videos of business hints and experiences)

- Access to IA Business Insights (Zoom recordings of David doing business coaching with our IA Patrons)

- Access to our growing IA Library of clinical papers, books and resources

- Access to eight IA Webinars

- Business mentoring opportunities with David (30 minutes free for Platinum tier Patrons)

- Shadowing opportunities in clinic with Dr Jake (additional cost)

 

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Subscribe to IA on Apple Podcasts

Subscribe to IA on Spotify

Other IA links:

Follow IA on Instagram

Sign up as an IA Patron

Visit the IA website 

Contact IA

Apply to be a guest on IA

Dr Jake Sloane:

Follow Dr Jake on Instagram 

Dr Jake's website

David Segal:

Follow David on Instagram

Follow Dr Tim on Instagram: @timbrownplasticsurgeon

Follow the Australian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) on Instagram: @asapsau

Follow Dr Niro on Instagram: @doctorniro

Follow the Australian College of Cosmetic Surgery and Medicine (ACCSM) on Instagram: @accsm.org.au

 

Episode 146 hosts Dr Rosalia Luketina (Plastic Surgeon based in Zurich, Switzerland) Rosalia works at SkinMed clinic where she and a team of plastic surgeons and dermatologists work together to treat their patients holistically. Rosalia is one of a minority of plastic surgeons around the world who juggles her time equally between operating and injecting. Rosalia joins us in the 2nd Chapter of our mini-series called 'The Injector Diaries'. These episodes feature in depth conversations, stories and experiences from injectors around the globe. Each injector brings their own unique take on things and we'll showcase every level of injector, from newbies to masters. We'll explore how and why they chose to inject, why they favour using certain products, look under the hoods of their clinics and businesses and aim to learn from and inspire our injector listeners.

00:00 Introduction 01:03 Meet Dr Rosalia Luketina 04:55 Early Exposure to Complications in Aesthetic Medicine 10:59 First Training Experiences and Learning to Inject 18:27 Challenges With Access to Structured Training 26:25 Differences in Regulations Across Countries 33:29 Combining Surgery and Injectables in Daily Practice 41:37 Managing Complications and Building Clinical Confidence 48:53 Importance of Patient Communication and Follow Up 52:09 Using Biostimulators and Expanding Treatment Options 61:45 Setting Realistic Expectations and Saying No to Patients 68:49 Building a Premium Clinic and Patient Experience 76:38 Marketing Through Reputation and Word of Mouth 80:09 Social Media Responsibility and Professionalism 86:34 Future of Training, Regulation and Patient Education

ALL IA LINKS & CONTACT INFORMATION

Episode 146 hosts Dr Rosalia Luketina, a Plastic Surgeon based in Zurich, Switzerland.   Rosalia works at SkinMed clinic where she and a team of plastic surgeons and dermatologists work together to treat their patients holistically. Rosalia is one of a minority of plastic surgeons around the world who juggles her time equally between operating and injecting.    Rosalia joins us in the 2nd Chapter of our mini-series called 'The Injector Diaries'. These episodes feature in depth conversations, stories and experiences from injectors around the globe.   Each injector brings their own unique take on things and we'll showcase every level of injector, from newbies to masters.   We'll explore how and why they chose to inject, why they favour using certain products, look under the hoods of their clinics and businesses and aim to learn from and inspire our injector listeners.

In this episode, we discuss:

- Why we chose Rosalia as a guest on the podcast

- Rosalia's journey into plastic surgery

- How and why she became interested in injectables

- How she trained and her thoughts on how new injectors are trained

- Her role as a trainer at 'Swiss Aesthetic Institute'

- What the clinic where she works offers and what it's like working with a team of plastic surgeons and dermatologists

- What types of types patients come to her and what they want 

- Who has inspired her

- What her worst complication was, what she did to manage it and how she coped 

- Her thoughts on biostimulator fillers

- As a surgeon whether she sees a role for threads or not

- How she uses ultrasound and where it fits into injectables

- How she likes to approach social media 

- Her thoughts about the podcast and it's role in helping educate injectors

Every week our Injector Diaries guest is also asked some rapid fire questions:

-What's your favourite toxin and why

-What's your favourite filler and why

-What's your go-to cannula make and size?

-Aspiration, yes or no?

 PATREON:

Join our Patreon for on demand injectable and business education in addition to global networking opportunities with other injectors

SUPPORT THE PODCAST:

Click here if you enjoy listening to IA every week and would like to contribute to supporting the podcast

CHECK OUT OUR SPECIAL OFFERS:

Click here to browse our latest partner offers!

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Contact IA and other important links

Subscribe to IA on Apple Podcasts

Subscribe to IA on Spotify

Follow Dr Jake on Instagram 

Follow David on Instagram

Our guest:

Follow Rosalia on Instagram

Episode 145 hosts Caitlin King (Registered Nurse based in Melbourne, Australia)

Caitlin has background in acute and perioperative nursing. She completed a Bachelor of Nursing, Post Graduate degree and is currently completing a Masters Degree in Nursing. She continues to works part-time in the operating theatre of one of Sydney's largest hospitals whilst also injecting part-time under the business name, 'Plump Me'.

Caitlin joins us in our 1st Chapter of a new mini-series called 'The Injector Diaries'. These episodes will feature in depth conversations, stories and experiences from injectors around the globe. Each injector brings their own unique take on things and we'll showcase every level of injector, from newbies to masters. We'll explore how and why they chose to inject, why they favour using certain products, look under the hoods of their clinics and businesses and aim to learn from and inspire our injector listeners.

00:00 Introduction 01:03 Why the New Mini Series Was Created 04:55 Meet Caitlin King 10:59 Discovering Aesthetic Injecting Through Hospital Work 18:27 Transition From Hospital Nursing to Chain Clinic Role 26:25 What Working in a Chain Clinic Is Really Like 33:29 Benefits of High Volume Experience for New Injectors 41:37 Training Pathways and Ongoing Education Requirements 48:53 Importance of Mentorship and Learning From Conferences 52:09 Building a Personal Brand and Using Social Media 61:45 Consultation Skills and Understanding Patient Motivation 68:49 Managing Difficult Conversations and Saying No to Treatment 76:38 Dealing With Price Shopping and Building Patient Loyalty 80:09 Why Follow Up Reviews Improve Outcomes and Trust 86:34 Lessons for New Injectors Starting Their Careers

ALL IA LINKS & CONTACT INFORMATION

Episode 145 hosts Caitlin King, a Registered Nurse from Melbourne, Australia.

Caitlin has background in acute and perioperative nursing. She completed a Bachelor of Nursing, Post Graduate degree and is currently completing a Masters Degree in Nursing. She continues to works part-time in the operating theatre of one of Sydney's largest hospitals whilst also injecting part-time under the business name, 'Plump Me'.

Caitlin joins us in our 1st Chapter of a new mini-series called 'The Injector Diaries'. These episodes will feature in depth conversations, stories and experiences from injectors around the globe. Each injector brings their own unique take on things and we'll showcase every level of injector, from newbies to masters. We'll explore how and why they chose to inject, why they favour using certain products, look under the hoods of their clinics and businesses and aim to learn from and inspire our injector listeners.

In this episode, we discuss:

- How we chose Caitlin as our first guest

- Caitlin's journey into facial aesthetics and how her career in peri-operative nursing has helped

- Caitlin's thoughts on nurses who go straight from their degree into injecting

- How she trained and what she think the ideal training of an injector looks like

- What a chain clinic is and what it's like for an injector to work in this type of business model

- The pro's and con's of working in a high volume chain clinic as a new injector

- What types of types patients come to her and what they want

- Why she's looking to branch out on her own under her own brand, 'Plump Me' 

- What the best injectables training event she ever attended was

- How she likes to approach social media to advertise her injectables business

- Why she uses TikTok for her social media and how this differs to using Instagram

- Being part of the injecting community online and how injectors can positively inspire each other

 

Every week our Injector Diaries guest will also be asked the same key (rapid fire!) questions:

-What's your favourite toxin and why

-What's your favourite filler and why

-What's your go-to cannula make and size?

-Share their top tips and tricks to enhance their patients experience

PATREON:

Join our Patreon for on demand injectable and business education in addition to global networking opportunities with other injectors

SUPPORT THE PODCAST:

Click here if you enjoy listening to IA every week and would like to contribute to supporting the podcast

CHECK OUT OUR SPECIAL OFFERS:

Click here to browse our latest partner offers!

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Contact IA and other important links

Subscribe to IA on Apple Podcasts

Subscribe to IA on Spotify

Follow Dr Jake on Instagram 

Follow David on Instagram

Episode 144 hosts Dr Shobhan Manoharan (Internationally-renowned cosmetic and laser dermatologist based in Brisbane, Australia) He specialises in the use of energy based devices for both medical and cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Manoharan is a key opinion leader for Solta Medical, a brand of Bausch health. Solta's impressive technology portfolio includes Fraxel, Thermage, Clear + Brilliant, Isolaz, liposonix and VASERlipo. After getting to know Dr Manohran we first define what we mean by skin quality and more interestingly, what our patients perceptions of their skin are. 00:00 Introduction 01:03 Meet Dr Shobhan Manoharan 04:55 Growth of Laser and Energy Based Dermatology 10:59 Understanding Skin Health and Aging Changes 18:27 Why Skin Quality Matters Beyond Injectables 26:25 Common Mistakes Patients Make With Skin Care 33:29 Introduction to Laser Technology and Categories 41:37 Difference Between Ablative and Fractionated Lasers 48:53 What Fraxel Is and How It Works 52:09 Indications Including Pigmentation, Aging and Scarring 61:45 Treatment Process, Downtime and Recovery Expectations 68:49 Combining Fraxel With Other Treatments and Injectables 76:38 When Injectors Should Refer Patients for Laser Therapy 80:09 Managing Patient Expectations and Treatment Planning 86:34 Pricing, Training and Key Takeaways for Practitioners

This episode was supported by Solta Medical, the company behind Fraxel: the original fractionated laser

ALL IA LINKS & CONTACT INFORMATION

Episode 144 hosts Dr Shobhan Manoharan, an internationally-renowned cosmetic and laser dermatologist based in Brisbane, Australia.   He specialises in the use of energy based devices for both medical and cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Manoharan is a key opinion leader for Solta Medical, a brand of Bausch health.   Solta's impressive technology portfolio includes Fraxel, Thermage, Clear + Brilliant, Isolaz, liposonix and VASERlipo.   After getting to know Dr Manohran we first define what we mean by skin quality and more interestingly, what our patients perceptions of their skin are.   We cover:

- What defines 'good skin'

- Collagen and why this is so important for the skin's quality and texture

- How injectable patients often neglect their skin and the pitfalls to this

- The basic of lasers and laser treatments

- Ablative vs non-ablative lasers

- Fraxel: the original non-ablative fractional laser

- How energy based devices and injectables can be used synergistically

This episode was supported by Solta Medical, the company behind Fraxel: the original fractionated laser

 

Show your support for IA via Patreon

SUPPORT THE PODCAST:

- If you enjoy listening to IA every week and would like to help support the podcast, we have two simple donation options: I Love IA! & Buy us a coffee! 

 

IA PATREON:

Did you know that we have an online injectable education and business mentoring service called IA Patreon? Get access to the following benefits (depending on your tier):

- Access to four IA Whatsapp groups (General, Injectables, Business & Regenerative Aesthetics) 

- Access to our IA Injectable Live sessions (Injectable Zoom sessions led by Dr Jake)

- Access to weekly IA Hints & Tips (Videos, insights & other injectable education)

- Access to our IA Business Hints & Tips (Videos of business hints and experiences)

- Access to IA Business Insights (Zoom recordings of David doing business coaching with our IA Patrons)

- Access to our growing IA Library of clinical papers, books and resources

- Access to eight IA Webinars

- Business mentoring opportunities with David (30 minutes free for Platinum tier Patrons)

- Shadowing opportunities in clinic with Dr Jake (additional cost)

 

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Subscribe to IA on Apple Podcasts

Subscribe to IA on Spotify

Other IA links:

Follow IA on Instagram

Sign up as an IA Patron

Visit the IA website 

Contact IA

Apply to be a guest on IA

Dr Jake Sloane:

Follow Dr Jake on Instagram 

Dr Jake's website

David Segal:

Follow David on Instagram

Follow our sponsor:

Visit Solta Medical's website

 

Visit the Fraxel website

 

Episode 143 hosts Kian Moini (Owner and operator of a newly launched aesthetic clinic called 'Q-Tox' based in Sydney, Australia)

We discuss the ups, downs and in-betweens of conceptualising and creating a new aesthetic clinic in a very competitive market - covering everything from the design and fit-out, signature scents, financing and recruitment.

As a new entrepreneur in the space, Kian walks us through his journey from the initial concept to his imminent opening in October 2021 - creating an ultra-modern, injectables-only clinic that aims to stand out from the crowd.

00:00 Introduction 01:04 Launching a New Clinic After Lockdown 04:55 Identifying a Gap in the Mid Tier Market 10:59 Why Chain Clinics Are Losing Competitive Edge 18:27 Choosing the Right Location and Business Model 26:25 Customer Acquisition and Marketing Strategy 33:29 Designing a Premium Patient Experience 41:37 Importance of Branding, Environment and First Impressions 48:53 Building Systems, Processes and Technology Infrastructure 52:09 Recruiting the Right Injectors and Creating Partnerships 61:45 Pricing Strategy and Competing on Value Not Discounts 68:49 Step by Step Process of Planning and Building a Clinic 76:38 Common Challenges When Opening a New Practice 80:09 Retaining Staff and Creating Career Progression 86:34 Long Term Vision and Sustainable Business Growth

ALL IA LINKS & CONTACT INFORMATION

Episode 143 hosts Kian Moini, owner and operator of a newly launched aesthetic clinic called 'Q-Tox' in Sydney, Australia. We discuss the ups, downs and in-betweens of conceptualising and creating a new aesthetic clinic in a very competitive market - covering everything from the design and fit-out, signature scents, financing and recruitment.

As a new entrepreneur in the space, Kian walks us through his journey from the initial concept to his imminent opening in October 2021 - creating an ultra-modern, injectables-only clinic that aims to stand out from the crowd.

We cover:

- The current injectables market in Australia, particular post-lockdown

- Deciding on the location of the clinic and the advantages of building in a shopping mall

- How to stand out form the crowd and the importance of doing your market research

- Deciding when and what to outsource

- Digital marketing, social media and the importance of adding your own personal touch

- Tips for finding and retaining quality staff

- Incorporating a plastic surgery referral service into an injectables clinic

PATREON:

Join our Patreon for on demand injectable and business education in addition to global networking opportunities with other injectors

SUPPORT THE PODCAST:

Click here if you enjoy listening to IA every week and would like to contribute to supporting the podcast

CHECK OUT OUR SPECIAL OFFERS:

Click here to browse our latest partner offers!

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Contact IA and other important links

Subscribe to IA on Apple Podcasts

Subscribe to IA on Spotify

Follow Dr Jake on Instagram 

Follow David on Instagram

Episode 142 hosts Dr Dana Berkowitz (Associate Professor of sociology, women and gender studies at the University of Louisiana, USA)

In 2007, Dr Berkowitz published the book, 'Botox Nation: Changing The Face of America' which was an in-depth look at how injectables have become a cultural phenomenon.

As a non-medical professional and having been an injectables patient herself, she interviewed hundreds of Americans to understand their motivations and reasons for seeking out treatments.

00:00 Introduction 01:04 Meet Dana Berkowitz 04:55 Growing Up Around Cosmetic Surgery Culture 10:59 How Botox Became Popular in the Early 2000s 18:27 The Rise of Preventative Treatment Messaging 26:25 Why Beauty Is Expected to Look Effortless 33:29 Stigma Around Injectables Compared to Beauty Treatments 41:37 Medicalization of Aesthetics and Growth of Medical Spas 48:53 Accessibility, Cost and Social Inequality in Treatments 52:09 Social Media, Filters and Changing Beauty Standards 61:45 When Treatments Become Routine Consumer Habits 68:49 Addiction to the Look and Fear of Aging 76:38 Gender Differences and Growth of Male Aesthetic Treatments 80:09 Future Trends in Anti Aging and Longevity Medicine 86:34 Final Reflections on Society, Aging and Self Image

ALL IA LINKS & CONTACT INFORMATION