Beauty & The Brain®

Dr. Chris Croley and Jerry Drinkard, NP dig into a topic that doesn’t get talked about enough in aesthetics: lidocaine toxicity.Numbing cream and injectable lidocaine are used every day in aesthetic medicine, but this episode explains why “routine” doesn’t always mean risk-free. Chris and Jerry walk through how toxicity can happen, what makes certain situations more dangerous, and the early signs that providers need to recognize before a complication becomes catastrophic.They also cover:why large body surface areas, occlusion, and higher concentrations increase riskhow topical numbing changes the safe threshold for injectable lidocainewhat symptoms can show up first, including metallic taste, tingling, anxiety, and ringing in the earswhy some aesthetic procedures require extra cautionhow providers can think more carefully about comfort, dosing, and patient safetyThis episode is especially valuable for aesthetic providers, injectors, and anyone interested in the safety side of cosmetic medicine.Follow Beauty & The Brain for more honest conversations with Dr. Chris Croley and Jerry Drinkard, NP on beauty, health, safety, and confidence.

Dr. Chris Croley and Jerry Drinkard, NP take on one of the biggest aesthetic trends making the rounds online: the Nefertiti neck lift.This week, they explain what this treatment really is, how it works, and why the results are often much more subtle than social media makes them seem. They walk through the role of the platysma muscle, how toxin can reduce downward pull along the jawline and neck, and which patients are most likely to see improvement.They also get into the important part most people miss: this treatment does not fix loose skin. If skin laxity, “turkey neck,” or weight-loss-related changes are the bigger issue, neurotoxin may need to be combined with other options like devices, biostimulants, or skin-tightening treatments for a better outcome.It’s a practical, honest conversation about realistic expectations, patient selection, side effects, and how experienced injectors think beyond trendy treatment names to build better full-face and neck plans.Follow Beauty & The Brain for weekly conversations on aesthetics, beauty, health, and confidence with Dr. Chris Croley and Jerry Drinkard, NP.

On this episode of Beauty & The Brain, Dr. Chris Croley and Jerry Drinkard, NP, talk candidly about something a lot of people experience but few talk about openly: getting fired, losing a role unexpectedly, and the financial and emotional fallout that follows.After Chris shares the shock of recently losing an anesthesia contract, the conversation turns into a bigger discussion about what real security actually looks like. They unpack the stress of sudden career disruption, the difference between cutting expenses versus creating new revenue, and why building savings, transferable skills, and multiple streams of income can completely change how you recover from a setback.They also connect it back to the aesthetics space — including the surprising reality that many patients don’t give up their aesthetic treatments as quickly as you might expect, even when money feels tight.This episode is for anyone who has ever wondered:How secure is my job, really?What would I do if my income changed tomorrow?And am I building a life that depends on one paycheck — or one that can pivot?It’s honest, practical, and full of perspective for providers, business owners, and anyone thinking more seriously about financial resilience and career flexibility.Follow Beauty & The Brain for more conversations on beauty, business, health, and confidence.

Dr. Chris Croley and Jerry Drinkard, NP, dig into a side of aesthetics that does not get talked about enough: the temptation to buy new devices before your practice is truly ready for them.This episode is especially valuable for med spa owners, injectors, and providers who are trying to grow the right way. Chris and Jerry talk through the difference between chasing shiny new technology and making smart, patient-centered investments. They share real stories from Skin & Tonic Med Spa, including an early device purchase that turned into a hard lesson, and break down the questions every provider should ask before bringing in expensive equipment.From patient demand and skin type considerations to support, training, maintenance, downtime, and actual breakeven numbers, this conversation is a practical reminder that great outcomes and sustainable growth go hand in hand.Follow Beauty & The Brain for more honest conversations on aesthetics, confidence, wellness, and the business behind exceptional care.

Dr. Chris Croley and Jerry Drinkard, NP sit down with Allie Ballew, NP for a hilarious and unexpectedly informative episode of Beauty & The Brain.What starts as a conversation about a viral rumor involving Olympic ski jumpers and alleged penile enhancement quickly turns into a bigger discussion about male confidence, penis filler, temporary versus longer-lasting enhancement options, and the real difference between increasing girth and increasing length.The episode also touches on why some materials are safer than others, how these treatments are actually used in practice, and what people are really hoping to achieve when they ask about enhancement. It’s candid, funny, and full of the kind of honest back-and-forth that makes this show what it is.In this episode:a viral Olympic rumor and why it caught their attentionhow penis filler is used in aesthetic medicinesaline vs. hyaluronic acidwhy girth is easier to enhance than lengthconfidence, perception, and patient expectationsFollow Beauty & The Brain for more weekly conversations with Dr. Chris Croley and Jerry Drinkard, NP on beauty, health, wellness, and confidence.

This week on Beauty & The Brain, Dr. Chris Croley is away — so Jerry Drinkard, NP and Allie Ballew, NP jump in for a casual, behind-the-scenes chat about what Skin & Tonic actually offers and how to think through your options if you’re trying to improve skin quality, texture, aging changes, or confidence.They cover a ton in one episode: why chemical peels are still a go-to, how microneedling boosts collagen with minimal downtime, the “event-ready” glow combos (hello HydraFacial + dermaplane), and what patients should know about injectables (neurotoxins + filler). Then they get into long-game anti-aging with Sculptra/Radiesse, fat-dissolvers like PCDC, collagen threads, and the clinic’s “workhorse” devices — including lasers and plasma treatments for tightening and resurfacing.They also close with a candid (and clinical) overview of sexual wellness options, including CO₂ intravaginal treatments, O-Shot/P-Shot (PRP), and shockwave therapy for men.If you’ve been curious about where to start — or what’s best based on downtime, budget, and timeline — this episode will help you make sense of it all.Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and share this with a friend who’s been thinking about finally doing “something” but doesn’t know where to begin.

Dr. Chris Croley and Jerry Drinkard, NP are going “behind the scenes” at Skin & Tonic—sharing what a typical day actually looks like and why the best patient experience is built from dozens of small, invisible choices.They talk about the real reason people don’t complain (they just don’t come back), how retention becomes the ultimate report card, and why going through your own “patient journey” is one of the smartest things you can do—before you spend more on marketing.You’ll also hear their honest take on different med spa models (high-touch boutique vs high-volume “factory style”), how they divide responsibilities between patient care and business operations, and the unglamorous routines that keep the clinic feeling calm, clean, and premium.If you’re a patient, this episode will change how you see your appointments. If you’re a provider or practice owner, you’ll get a practical reality check—and a lot of ideas you can apply immediately.Follow Beauty & The Brain so you don’t miss next week’s episode—and share this one with someone who loves the “how it works” side of beauty and wellness.

Dr. Chris Croley and Jerry Drinkard, NP take on a topic that keeps showing up in the headlines for a reason: illegal silicone injections.In this episode of Beauty & The Brain, they explain what’s actually happening when someone gets “silicone injections,” why liquid silicone is a totally different situation than silicone implants, and how complications can show up immediately—or years later through chronic inflammation, migration, infection, and even life-threatening events like embolisms.They also get real about why people still agree to it (cost, convenience, access), how FDA approval helps protect patients (even when the process is frustrating), and the simplest ways to vet your provider—including what transparency should look like in a legit treatment room.If you’ve ever considered body augmentation, or you just want to understand what’s safe vs sketchy, this one’s a must-listen.Follow Beauty & The Brain so you never miss a new episode—and share this with someone who needs the red flags before they book the wrong appointment.

Dr. Chris Croley and Jerry Drinkard, NP kick off 2026 with a deep-dive into the treatments they’re most excited about right now — and how to supercharge results by stacking treatments safely.This week is a practical breakdown of what they’re using at Skin & Tonic (Pace, FL) to help with skin laxity, texture, pigment, jawline/jowls, and acne scars — without chasing an “overfilled” look. Chris also explains bioregenerative aesthetics in plain language: treatments that encourage your body to rebuild collagen and elastin for more natural-looking improvement over time.You’ll hear:Why the upgraded Melia RF microneedling is a comfort + safety winWhat high-powered red light therapy can support (hair, inflammation, collagen)How NewbaSKIN hydrodermabrasion fits into glow, decongestion, and regenerative add-onsThe real story on RF microneedling “horror stories” — and how to avoid themHow skin type (Fitzpatrick scale) affects settings and safety, especially for deeper skin tonesWho should get a consult first (active infection, autoimmune flare, and more)Limited-time listener package (Beauty & The Brain)Mention “Beauty & The Brain” when booking and get 20% off the featured treatment-stacking package that combines RF microneedling + NewbaSKIN + red light therapy (valid for treatments through July 2026, per the episode). Follow the show for more weekly conversations on beauty, health, confidence, and the science behind modern aesthetics.

Dr. Chris Croley and Jerry Drinkard, NP are back with Allie Ballew, NP for a real-talk episode on something everyone wonders but few people know how to explain: how do you spot high-quality aesthetic work—and how do you spot the work that’s… not so great?They cover the subtle signs of beautiful treatment (hint: you often shouldn’t be able to tell), the most common giveaways like overfilled lips and filler migration, and what “facial balancing” really means when it’s done well (or when it’s pushed too far).Then the conversation turns serious: when “bad work” isn’t just about looking unnatural—it’s about patient safety. The team unpacks why certain areas—like the 11 lines—carry higher risks when treated with filler, what true informed consent should include, and why it’s always okay to ask your provider about licensure, training, product sourcing, and emergency protocols.If you’re thinking about Botox, filler, or any injectables (or you’ve had them before), this episode will help you make smarter, safer choices—and understand what great work really looks like.Follow/subscribe to Beauty & The Brain for new episodes every week with Dr. Chris Croley and Jerry Drinkard, NP.

Dr. Chris Croley and Jerry Drinkard, NP are talking winter skin — why it gets dry, flaky, and irritated, and what actually helps when your barrier feels “wrecked” this time of year.They cover the sneaky culprits (hello, indoor heat + hot showers), how to adjust your home routine without overdoing it, and why winter is often the ideal season for more transformative treatments like CO₂ resurfacing, RF microneedling, and chemical peels — especially when sun exposure is lower and healing can be a bit easier.You’ll also hear their practical take on post-procedure care (including what they love, what they don’t love, and why), plus a reminder that the best “anti-aging” move is still prevention year-round.Follow Beauty & The Brain so you don’t miss next week’s episode — and share this one with a friend whose skin always freaks out when the temperature drops.

Dr. Chris Croley and Jerry Drinkard, NP are back for the first episode of 2026, and they’re starting the year with a refreshingly honest conversation about goals — the kind that actually reflect real life.Joined by Nurse Practitioner Allie from Skin & Tonic MedSpa, this episode explores what they’re focusing on this year: business growth, personal priorities, skincare simplification, peptides, and the evolving landscape of aesthetic medicine.Dr. Chris opens up about seriously considering a lower face and neck lift, sparking a thoughtful discussion on choosing the right provider, travel vs. local care, and what really matters when it comes to outcomes. The conversation naturally expands into leadership lessons, staffing challenges, patient experience, and why consistency often beats complexity — in skincare and in business.This episode is reflective, insightful, and full of perspective for anyone navigating growth in aesthetics, healthcare, or life in general.✨ You’ll hear about:Immediate vs. long-term goal settingBusiness growth stages in the medspa worldPeptides and patient-driven wellness trendsWhy over-exfoliating (and overcomplicating) skincare is outRegenerative and biostimulatory trends for 2026Gratitude, resilience, and lessons learned from 2025Follow Beauty & The Brain to stay up to date on future episodes covering peptides, injectables, skincare science, and what’s next in aesthetics — with real conversations from providers who live it every day.

Join Dr. Chris Croley and Nurse Practitioner Jerry Drinkard as they discuss restorative aesthetics and scar treatment. Discover how modern aesthetic procedures are changing lives, boosting confidence, and helping people overcome physical and emotional challenges. In this eye-opening episode:Learn about innovative scar treatments for acne, tummy tucks, and moreHear inspiring patient stories, including Bell's Palsy and congenital angioma casesExplore cutting-edge technologies like PRP, Neogen, and microneedlingUnderstand the difference between vanity and life-changing aesthetic proceduresGet insights on body dysmorphia and responsible aesthetic practices🔬 Trending topics covered:#RestorativeAesthetics #ScarTreatment #MedSpa #AcneScars #BellsPalsy #BodyDysmorphia #PRP #Neogen #Microneedling💡 Whether you're a provider or patient, this episode offers valuable information on the latest advancements in aesthetic medicine and how they're improving lives beyond just appearance.🔔 Subscribe for more expert insights on beauty, wellness, and cutting-edge aesthetic treatments!

Welcome to the first Beauty & The Brain episode of 2026.In this reflective and wide-ranging conversation, we rewind 2025 and unpack the ideas, stories, and challenges that shaped the year — from controversial discussions around sexual wellness to deeply personal stories of resilience and reinvention.You’ll hear:Why female sexual dysfunction is defined differently than any other medical conditionThe limitations of traditional healthcare — and why longer, more human conversations matterHow wellness retreats, community, and environment can transform both health and businessA raw, inspiring story of growing up in instability — and turning adversity into entrepreneurial successWhy the same core business principles apply everywhere, no matter the industryThis episode is thoughtful, honest, occasionally funny, and designed to make you think differently — about medicine, business, and the paths we take to get where we are.If you love conversations that blend science, wellness, entrepreneurship, and real life, this one’s for you.

It’s officially the season of Peppermint Lattes & Panic Appointments 🎄In this holiday episode of Beauty & The Brain, Dr. Chris Croley and NP Jerry Drinkard sit down with NP Allie Ballew to talk about why the end of the year sends so many people into aesthetic overdrive — and how to approach holiday treatments without stress, regret, or unrealistic expectations.We cover:Why people suddenly panic about their appearance during the holidaysHow far in advance you should plan Botox and skin treatmentsWhat can still be done last-minute for a confidence boostThe psychology behind “New Year, New Me”Low-downtime treatments that actually deliver before big eventsThis episode is equal parts education, humor, and holiday reality, reminding you that aesthetics should make you feel better — not more stressed.If you’ve ever booked an appointment thinking “My party is tomorrow — help!” … this one’s for you.🎄✨ New episodes weekly. Happy Holidays from the Beauty & The Brain team.

Is spray tanning actually safe — and why does proper training matter more than the solution itself?In this episode of Beauty & The Brain, hosts Dr. Chris Croley and Jerry Drinkard, NP welcome Stacey Fike, founder of Glo Girl and creator of GloPro Training, to explore the science, safety, and business of modern sunless tanning.With more than two decades in the industry, Stacey explains how spray tanning has transformed into a professional, science-backed service — and why education is essential for both results and skin health.Topics covered include:How DHA works on the skinWhy spray tans do not protect against sun damageThe importance of SPF after sunless tanningHow red light therapy supports hydration and longevityWhy most spray tan mistakes happen — and how professionals prevent themHow beauty professionals scale spray tanning into profitable servicesThis episode blends science, skin health, and business strategy with real-life experiences — making it valuable for consumers and providers alike.🔗 Follow & Learn More from Stacey FikeInstagram: @glogirlspraytanWebsite: https://glopro.glogirltanning.comYouTube: @glopro2024LinkedIn: Stacey Fike GloPro