In this episode of MedSpa Mayhem, hosted by Dr. Kate Dee, the focus is on the use of exosomes and stem cells in medical aesthetics. Dr. Dee talks to Judy Rubin, an internal medicine doctor with extensive experience in aesthetics, about how exosomes can aid in cell-to-cell communication, particularly in joint and systemic treatments. The discussion covers what exosomes are, their applications, and the importance of using high-quality sources. Rubin shares her personal experience with stem cell treatment for her meniscal tear, highlighting the benefits she noticed within five weeks. The conversation also explores the challenges of ensuring product quality, the ethical considerations around sourcing exosomes, and the importance of certification for med spas. Additionally, the episode introduces listeners to the soon-to-launch MedSpa Board, an organization aimed at certifying med spas to ensure they operate legally and ethically.

Reach out to Dr. Dee

Email Dr. Kate Dee at [email protected]

Check out the Medspa Mayhem website for

• More about Dr. Dee

• Upcoming appearances

• Links to buy the book on Bookshop, B&N, Amazon

• Press and Podcast info

Glow Medispa in Seattle, WA

Purchase Medspa Mayhem on Amazon

Find out about the Medspa Board

Meet Dr. Judy Rubin

Nouveau Medspas in Gig Harbor, WA

Takeaways

• Exosomes are small vesicles used for cell communication, crucial for signaling in injury recovery.

• Stem cells can regenerate tissues and respond to exosome signals.

• Quality control is essential in sourcing exosomes.

• There is a lack of regulation in the exosome market.

• Patients should seek qualified professionals for exosome treatments. Patients should inquire about sterility and endotoxin testing.

• Stem cell treatments are still highly experimental and not guaranteed to work.

• Regulation of med spas is inconsistent across states and a new entity, the MedSpa Board, aims to certify ethical and legal practices in the industry.

• Researching providers and treatments is essential for patient safety.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Experience with Stem Cells

00:27 Welcome to MedSpa Mayhem

01:21 Meet Dr. Judy Rubin

02:08 Understanding Exosomes

06:01 Stem Cells Explained

06:37 Sources and Types of Stem Cells

11:13 Quality and Safety Concerns

13:36 Applications and Benefits of Stem Cells and Exosomes

20:10 Concerns About Placenta Safety and FDA Monitoring

20:58 Cost Comparison of Knee Injections

22:10 Exosomes in Skincare

23:19 Ensuring Quality and Safety in Stem Cell Treatments

29:02 Med Spa Certification Initiative

30:40 The Importance of Proper Regulation and Enforcement

37:37 Safety and Efficacy of Stem Cells and Exosomes

38:40 How to Research and Find Reliable Providers

39:19 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of MedSpa Mayhem, Dr. Kate Dee discusses the advantages of direct primary care with guest Dr. Steffie Deeds, an internal medicine physician and founder of her own direct care practice. The conversation covers the broken traditional insurance-based healthcare system, the benefits of direct primary care for both physicians and patients, and the practical implementation of this model. Dr. Deeds explains the difference between having insurance and receiving actual care. The episode also delves into women's health issues, particularly around hormones and menopause, debunking myths and emphasizing the importance of proper treatment. The show highlights how physicians like Dr. Deeds are transforming patient care by focusing on long-term relationships and personalized medicine.

Reach out to Dr. Dee

Email Dr. Kate Dee at [email protected]

Check out the Medspa Mayhem website for

• More about Dr. Dee

• Upcoming appearances

• Links to buy the book on Bookshop, B&N, Amazon

• Press and Podcast info

Glow Medispa in Seattle, WA

Purchase Medspa Mayhem on Amazon

Find out about the Medspa Board

Reach out to Dr. Stefie Deeds

Website: www.deedshealth.com

Menopause Checklist:   drdeeds.kit.com/menopause-checklist

Instagram:   www.instagram.com/stefiedeedsmd

Takeaways

• Direct Primary Care is an alternative model to traditional medicine that allows more time for patient visits and a more comprehensive approach to care

• Hormones and menopause are increasingly recognized in women's health.

• Many doctors lack training in menopause management.

• The Women's Health Initiative study has been misinterpreted for years.

• Hormone therapy can protect heart and bone health.

• Bioidentical hormones are not inherently better than FDA-approved options.

• Early conversations about menopause can lead to better health outcomes.

• Community engagement is vital for women's health education.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to MedSpa Mayhem

01:11 Meet Dr. Stefie Deeds

02:26 Understanding Direct Care

03:28 Challenges in Traditional Healthcare

06:17 The Benefits of Direct Care

17:56 Hormones and Menopause

22:52 The Shift Towards Treatment

23:07 Challenges in Accessing Care

23:28 Risks of Non-Guideline Based Care

24:55 Compounded Hormones vs. FDA Approved

27:42 Supplements and Their Efficacy

28:37 Personal Experiences with Hormone Therapy

30:07 Testosterone and Libido

31:38 Discussing Menopause with Your Doctor

37:45 Community Engagement and Education

39:32 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of MedSpa Mayhem, host Dr. Kate Dee interviews Amanda Lemmage, owner of Skingevity Med Spa. They discuss their preferences for different FDA-approved neurotoxins like Dysport and Botox, detailing the pros and cons of each. They then delve into their favorite laser and RF microneedling treatments, highlighting the superior technologies from Korea and the importance of avoiding high-risk treatments like CO2 lasers. Lastly, they touch upon the confusing and inconsistent legal landscape governing med spas, emphasizing the necessity of medical directors and ethical practices. Dr. Dee also introduces a new initiative, the Medspa Board, aimed at certifying reputable med spas to protect consumers.

Reach out to Dr. Dee

Email Dr. Kate Dee at [email protected]

Check out the Medspa Mayhem website for

• More about Dr. Dee

• Upcoming appearances

• Links to buy the book on Bookshop, B&N, Amazon

• Press and Podcast info

Glow Medispa in Seattle, WA

Purchase Medspa Mayhem on Amazon

Find out about the Medspa Board

Meet Amanda Lemmage 

Amanda on Instagram and LinkedIn

Skingevity Med Spa in Spring Park, IL

Check out Amanda’s podcast: the All-In Wellness Show

Takeaways

• Neurotoxins like Botox and Dysport have different properties and are not the same

• Patient education is crucial in aesthetic treatments.

• Ablative lasers carry higher risks and are generally avoided.

• RF microneedling is a safe and effective treatment option.

• Honesty and transparency with patients build trust.

• The med spa industry is evolving with new technologies and regulations. People want to be educated and not pressured into treatments.

• Regulations vary significantly by state in the aesthetics industry.

• Medical directors must be actively involved in practices.

• There is a movement towards stronger medical directorship in med spas.

• Patients should be aware of the qualifications of their providers.

• The Medspa Board aims to certify compliant med spas.

• Consumers need to know what questions to ask when choosing a med spa.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to MedSpa Mayhem

01:06 Meet Amanda Lemon: Licensed Esthetician and Business Coach

01:52 Diving into Neurotoxins: Botox, Dysport, and More

04:21 The Pros and Cons of Different Neurotoxins

11:31 Challenges with Sales Reps and Marketing Tactics

15:08 Laser Treatments: RF Microneedling and More

25:43 The Importance of Risk Management in Spas

25:57 Educating Patients on Safety

26:21 Honesty and Integrity in Patient Care

27:12 Avoiding High-Pressure Sales Tactics

27:59 Age Considerations for Treatments

28:39 Maintaining Skin Health Over Time

30:20 Industry Regulations and Legal Changes

31:31 The Role of Medical Directors

33:27 Ethical Concerns in Medical Spas

43:06 The Med Spa Board Certification

48:46 Advice for New Patients and Practitioners

50:39 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode, Dr. Kate Dee interviews Brett Chikowski (COO) and Connor O'Rourke (CEO), co-founders of the med spa marketing firm Middle Way Marketing. They discuss their backgrounds, how they met, and the inception of their company. The conversation delves into effective marketing tactics for med spas, including foundational digital strategies, the importance of high-quality content, and the significance of a well-trained staff. They also compare the effectiveness of Google ads versus social media ads, highlight common pitfalls in the industry, such as leased websites, and share their approach to reputation management and reviews. Both industry veterans offer valuable advice for med spa owners looking to improve their marketing strategies and for consumers seeking legit practices.

Reach out to Dr. Dee

Email Dr. Kate Dee at [email protected]

Check out the Medspa Mayhem website for

• More about Dr. Dee

• Upcoming appearances

• Links to buy the book on Bookshop, B&N, Amazon

• Press and Podcast info

Glow Medispa in Seattle, WA

Purchase Medspa Mayhem on Amazon

Reach Out to Middle Way Marketing

Conner O’Rourke - CEO

Brett Chikowski - COO

Middle Way Marketing is a digital marketing agency focused on marketing for doctors and med spas. They are based out of Austin, TX and specialize in websites, SEO, Google PPC, social media content campaigns, videography, and photography. For inquiries please email [email protected] or visit www.middlewaymarketing.com.

Takeaways

• Foundational marketing is crucial for long-term success.

• High-quality personalized content is essential for attracting clients.

• Reputation management and reviews are vital for attracting new patients.

• Avoid marketing agencies that lease websites to clients.

• Word of mouth remains the most effective marketing strategy.

• SEO is essential for being discoverable online.

• Educating clients about marketing is vital for transparency.

• Understanding the marketing process helps set realistic expectations.

• Legitimate med spas prioritize patient education over sales.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to MedSpa Mayhem

01:11 Meet the Middle Way Marketing Founders

01:59 Marketing Tactics for Med Spas

02:39 The Origin Story of Middle Way Marketing

06:15 Foundational Marketing Strategies

09:18 Challenges with Lead Generation

09:57 The Importance of Conversion

16:33 The Role of Price Transparency

20:24 Crazy Marketing Tactics

24:53 The Importance of Personalized Content

26:31 Effective Review Strategies

27:23 SEO and Keywords in Reviews

28:52 Prompting Patients for Reviews

30:00 The Role of Front Desk in Reputation Management

31:03 Personalized Review Requests

33:40 Importance of Word of Mouth and SEO

35:03 Challenges with Digital Communication

37:19 The Future of AI in Customer Interaction

41:12 Advice for Med Spa Owners and Consumers

50:06 Concluding Thoughts and Final Tips

In this episode of MedSpa Mayhem, Dr. Kate Dee discusses the intricacies of weight loss using GLP-1 agonists with naturopathic doctor Ashley Millhiser. They delve into the importance of complete body optimization, the benefits and pitfalls of GLP-1 drugs, and strategies for sustainable weight loss. Key topics include the significance of monitoring fat loss over weight loss, individualized patient care, and supplemental treatments such as strength training and advanced muscle-building devices like Emsculpt Neo. Both experts emphasize the necessity of working with knowledgeable providers to avoid the common mistakes in using these medications and ensure long-term success.

Reach out to Dr. Dee

Email Dr. Kate Dee at [email protected]

Check out the Medspa Mayhem website for

• More about Dr. Dee

• Upcoming appearances

• Links to buy the book on Bookshop, B&N, Amazon

• Press and Podcast info

Glow Medispa in Seattle, WA

Medspa Board Website

Purchase Medspa Mayhem on Amazon

Meet Ashley Milhizer, ND and on instagram

Visit Real Results medical, locations in Tempe and Scottsdale AZ:  website, and on instagram

Takeaways

• Weight loss is a journey that requires ongoing management.

• Individualized approaches to medication are crucial for success.

• Diet should focus on whole foods and adequate protein intake.

• Exercise should include strength training to preserve muscle mass.

• Utilizing technology can enhance muscle building and recovery.

• Common pitfalls include moving too quickly with medication adjustments.

• Sustainable weight loss requires patience and lifestyle changes.

• Monitoring muscle mass is essential to prevent wasting during weight loss.

• Professional guidance is important for long-term success.

• Weight loss medications can lead to significant health improvements.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to MedSpa Mayhem

01:20 Meet Dr. Kate Dee and Ashley Millhiser

01:58 The Weight Loss Journey with GLP-1 Agonists

04:16 Long-Term Weight Management Strategies

11:55 The Role of Diet and Nutrition

15:35 Exercise Recommendations for Weight Loss

21:18 Using Technology to Aid Weight Loss

24:34 Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

32:36 Final Thoughts and Advice

34:00 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of MedSpa Mayhem, Dr. Kate Dee interviews Dr. Giselle Prado Wright, founder of Exert Body Sculpt in Florida, to discuss the intricacies of liposuction and weight loss. Dr. Wright shares her unique journey from aspiring dermatologist to liposuction specialist, emphasizing the importance of resilience and mentorship in the medical field. The conversation covers various aspects of liposuction, including patient candidacy, procedural details, post-operative care, and the impact of weight loss medications like GLP-1 agonists. Dr. Wright also highlights the common complications associated with liposuction, particularly seromas, and the critical need for proper follow-up care. Additionally, Dr. Dee and Dr. Wright touch upon the pitfalls of seeking low-cost cosmetic surgeries in high-volume clinics, emphasizing the necessity of choosing experienced practitioners who provide comprehensive care. Tune in to learn more about the wild west of medical aesthetics and how to navigate it safely.

Reach out to Dr. Dee

Email Dr. Kate Dee at [email protected]

Check out the Medspa Mayhem website for

• More about Dr. Dee

• Upcoming appearances

• Links to buy the book on Bookshop, B&N, Amazon

• Press and Podcast info

Glow Medispa in Seattle, WA

Purchase Medspa Mayhem on Amazon

Dr. Prado-Wright is a cosmetic surgeon in Fort Myers, FL specializing in awake liposuction and non-invasive procedures for facial rejuvenation. She founded Exert BodySculpt in 2021 and has built a successful business by combining her medical expertise with advanced marketing and sales tactics. Dr. Prado-Wright is currently focused on helping physicians start or scale their entrepreneurial and practice ownership journey through franchising.

Patients: https://exertbodysculpt.com/

Physicians:  exertbodysculpt.com/franchise

Instagram:  instagram.com/drgisellepradowright

Takeaways

• Liposuction requires extensive practice and understanding of human anatomy to perform safely and effectively.

• The ease of performing liposuction can vary greatly depending on the patient's body type and previous surgeries.

• Integrating weight loss programs with liposuction can enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction.

• Surgeons should prioritize patient desires and not push unnecessary procedures.

• Post-operative care is crucial for successful recovery and patient satisfaction.

• Patients often experience emotional challenges post-surgery, which can be exacerbated by complications. Recovery from liposuction can take six months to a year.

• Patients often regret not undergoing procedures sooner.

• Genuine care and passion are essential in cosmetic practices.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to MedSpa Mayhem

01:16 Meet Dr. Giselle Prado-Wright

02:08 Dr. Prado-Wright's Journey to Liposuction

04:18 Understanding Liposuction

07:52 Patient Consultations and Evaluations

09:56 Weight Loss and Liposuction

16:19 Complications and Recovery

18:54 Understanding Liposuction Complications

20:21 The Importance of Post-Op Care

21:17 Med Spa Complications and Follow-Up

21:55 Unusual Cases and Seroma Management

24:01 Infections and Mycobacterium Concerns

27:20 Skin Tightening with Renuvion

30:09 Founding Exert Body Sculpt

33:43 Advice for Practitioners and Patients

35:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this special bonus episode of Med Spa Mayhem on the Fat Mascara Podcast, Dr. Kate Dee discusses her journey from diagnostic radiology to owning a med spa after a successful career in breast cancer imaging. Co-hosted with Jen Sullivan, the episode dives deep into the legal and safety challenges within the med spa industry, including the frequent headline-making abuses like counterfeit Botox and illegal practices. Dr. Dee provides critical advice on how to find reputable and legal med spas, the importance of good faith exams, red flags to watch out for, and the potential dangers of common procedures like fillers and laser hair removal. Listeners also get a sneak peek into Dr. Dee's vision for a national nonprofit organization to certify med spas for legality and safety, aiming to protect consumers better.

Reach out to Dr. Dee

Email Dr. Kate Dee at [email protected]

Check out the Medspa Mayhem website for

• More about Dr. Dee

• Upcoming appearances

• Links to buy the book on Bookshop, B&N, Amazon

• Press and Podcast info

Glow Medispa in Seattle, WA

Purchase Medspa Mayhem on Amazon

Visit the Fat Mascara Podcast

Key Takeaways:

• Lack of Med Spa Regulations: Unlike salons, med spas are not routinely inspected or licensed by a governing body, creating a gray area in oversight.

• Legal Gray Areas & Violations: Many med spas operate illegally, with nurses practicing independently without a doctor’s supervision, despite laws prohibiting this in most states.

• Minimal Consequences for Violators: Even when caught ordering counterfeit products or practicing without a license, offenders often face little to no legal repercussions.

• No National Accreditation: There is no national organization certifying med spas for safety and legality, but Dr. Dee is working to create one.

• Consumer Responsibility: Patients must research providers, verify credentials, and ensure they receive a proper medical evaluation before undergoing treatments.

• Rise of Counterfeit Products: Fake Botox and fillers are widely used due to lax enforcement, leading to serious health risks.

• Turf Battles in the Industry: Dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and non-core doctors often dispute who should be allowed to practice aesthetic medicine.

• The “Good Faith Exam” Requirement: Before treatment, a patient should be examined by a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant, but this often doesn’t happen in med spas.

• Dr. Dee’s Mission: Through her book Med Spa Mayhem and efforts with the American Med Spa Association, she aims to raise awareness and push for better regulation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Announcement

00:43 Med Spa Industry Issues

01:36 Meet Dr. Kate Dee

03:40 Dr. Dee's Journey to Aesthetic Medicine

07:44 Legal and Regulatory Challenges in Med Spas

15:28 Finding a Reputable Aesthetic Provider

36:14 Choosing the Right Med Spa

36:44 Identifying Red Flags

38:51 The Importance of a Good Faith Exam

45:46 The Role of Reviews and Ratings

48:04 Avoiding Counterfeit Products

54:32 The Med Spa Certification Initiative

59:45 Fun and Personal Insights with Dr. Dee

01:02:44 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

In this episode, Dr. Kate Dee and her best friend Felicia discuss their personal experiences with GLP-1 medications, specifically semaglutide and tirzepatide, which are gaining popularity for weight loss and diabetes treatment. The conversation covers the impact of these medications on weight loss, hunger, and alcohol consumption, as well as the importance of medical supervision, proper nutrition, and maintenance strategies. Felicia shares her journey of losing weight post-menopause and how she navigated the side effects, while Dr. Dee provides insights on best practices for using these medications. Together, they emphasize the significance of prioritizing protein intake, staying active, and preparing for potential changes in drug accessibility and pricing.

Reach out to Dr. Dee

Email Dr. Kate Dee at [email protected]

Check out the Medspa Mayhem website for

• More about Dr. Dee

• Upcoming appearances

• Links to buy the book on Bookshop, B&N, Amazon

• Press and Podcast info

Glow Medispa in Seattle, WA

Purchase Medspa Mayhem on Amazon

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Special Guest

02:15 Felicia's Weight Loss Journey

04:42 Side Effects and Observations

08:51 Maintenance and Long-Term Effects

10:28 Comparing GLP-1 Drugs

16:30 Future of Weight Loss Medication

21:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of MedSpa Mayhem, host Dr. Kate Dee chats with Nicole Gregory, CEO and co-founder of Urban You Beauty and Wellness in Michigan. Gregory shares her journey into the med spa industry starting with her entrepreneurial background. They discuss the growth and regulation of various trends such as medical weight loss, hair restoration with exosomes, and the integration of wellness services. The episode ends with a look ahead to emerging trends and potential innovations in the aesthetics industry.

Reach out to Dr. Dee

Email Dr. Kate Dee at [email protected]

Check out the Medspa Mayhem website for

• More about Dr. Dee

• Upcoming appearances

• Links to buy the book on Bookshop, B&N, Amazon

• Press and Podcast info

Glow Medispa in Seattle, WA

Purchase Medspa Mayhem on Amazon

Reach out to Nicole Gregory

Urban You

LinkedIn

Interview on Medium

Takeaways

• Staying ahead of trends is important for business differentiation.

• Weight loss trends are rapidly evolving in the aesthetics market.

• Future trends in medical aesthetics will require innovation and regulation awareness. The aesthetic industry is rapidly evolving with new treatments.

• Effectiveness, safety, and legality are crucial in aesthetic procedures.

• The industry is experiencing a rebirth with a focus on quality and customer experience.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to MedSpa Trends

00:33 Welcome to MedSpa Mayhem

01:26 Meet Nicole Gregory

03:23 Nicole's Entrepreneurial Journey

05:58 The Rise of Medical Spas

08:05 Ensuring Quality and Compliance

14:42 Innovations in Wellness Services

15:48 The Weight Loss Debate

21:40 Exploring Semaglutide and Compounding Pharmacies

22:46 Trends in Weight Loss and Hair Restoration

24:31 Navigating Industry Trends and Legalities

24:57 The Rise and Fall of Vaginal Rejuvenation

26:33 Exosomes: Hype vs. Reality

29:47 Challenges in Cellulite Treatments

32:38 Future Trends in Medical Weight Loss and Skin Tightening

35:05 Innovations in MedSpa Operations

40:54 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of MedSpa Mayhem, Dr. Kate Dee discusses the chaotic landscape of the medical aesthetics industry with Nicole Gregory, co-founder and CEO of Urban You Beauty and Wellness. They highlight the prevalence of illegal and unsafe practices, stressing the need for legal compliance and better industry standards. They introduce initiatives like the Michigan Med Spa Association and the proposal for a national certification to bring regulatory oversight and ensure patient safety. Dr. Kate Dee shares her vision for the Med Spa Board, which aims to certify med spas nationwide, ensuring they operate legally and safely. Nicole Gregory sheds light on efforts to improve transparency and accountability in Michigan's med spa industry.

Reach out to Dr. Dee

Email Dr. Kate Dee at [email protected]

Check out the Medspa Mayhem website for

• More about Dr. Dee

• Upcoming appearances

• Links to buy the book on Bookshop, B&N, Amazon

• Press and Podcast info

Glow Medispa in Seattle, WA

Purchase Medspa Mayhem on Amazon

Reach out to Nicole Gregory

Urban You

LinkedIn

Interview on Medium

Takeaways

• The medspa industry is experiencing a rebirth with a focus on quality and customer experience.

• Compliance in medical aesthetics is critical to ensure patient safety.

• Many med spas operate outside the legal framework, leading to poor outcomes.

• There is a lack of specific regulations for medical spas despite the extensive regulations in medicine.

• Many med spas operate under the radar, complicating oversight and safety.

• The Michigan Med Spa Association aims to improve standards and compliance in the industry.

• Consumer awareness and transparency are crucial for patient safety in medical aesthetics.

• Establishing national standards for med spas could enhance safety and accountability.

• The conversation highlights the importance of vetting medical spas before treatment.

• The aesthetics industry is evolving, with a growing focus on ethical practices.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to MedSpa Mayhem

01:12 Meet Nicole Gregory

02:11 Legal and Compliance Issues in Medical Aesthetics

03:33 The Chaos in the Med Spa Industry

05:27 The Role of Medical Directors

10:32 Founding the Michigan Med Spa Association

15:43 National Certification and Standards

27:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts