Plastic Surgery Practice

Host: Alison Werner Guest: Terri Ross, Practice Management ExpertEpisode Overview:In the fifth and final episode of our podcast series on growth strategies for medical aesthetic practices, Alison Werner and Terri Ross wrap up the series with a deep dive into accountability. After exploring the key strategies for growth—from business fundamentals and weight loss services to wellness offerings and AI integration—this episode ties everything together by focusing on the critical role accountability plays in achieving sustainable success.Terri provides actionable advice on how practice owners can hold themselves and their teams accountable, set clear expectations, and align their business goals with their personal aspirations. This episode highlights the importance of intentional decision-making and offers practical steps to build a thriving, resilient practice.What You’ll Learn:The Power of Accountability: Why holding yourself and your team accountable leads to better performance, increased profits, and improved retention.Key Steps for Practice Owners: How to balance your roles as a clinician, business owner, and leader by setting clear expectations and identifying essential traits for each team role.Team Accountability Strategies: Practical tools like morning huddles, monthly meetings, and performance reviews to ensure staff stay aligned with practice goals.Self-Reflection for Owners: How practice owners can evaluate their leadership style and seek mentorship or coaching to enhance their business acumen.Aligning Business with Personal Goals: How to ensure your practice growth supports the lifestyle and legacy you envision for yourself and your family.Series Recap:Episode 1: State of the Industry – Understanding business fundamentals and the need for training.Episode 2: Harnessing the Weight Loss Craze – Turning a Trend into Long-Term Growth – Building long-term patient relationships through strategic weight loss programs.Episode 3: Integrating Wellness – Expanding Growth Opportunities Beyond Surgery – Expanding into holistic care to meet patient demand and drive retention.Episode 4: Embracing Artificial Intelligence – Leveraging AI for enhanced diagnostics, efficiency, and patient engagement.Episode 5: Accountability and Intentional Growth – Bringing it all together with intentional growth and leadership strategies.Connect with Terri Ross:Website: Terri Ross ConsultingStay Connected:Visit Us: PlasticSurgeryPractice.com

Host: Alison Werner Guest: Terri Ross, Practice Management ExpertEpisode Overview:In the fourth episode of our podcast series on growth pathways for medical aesthetic practices, Alison Werner and Terri Ross explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the aesthetics industry. As AI continues to reshape healthcare, aesthetic practices have a growing opportunity to harness this technology to enhance diagnostics, practice management, and patient care.Terri offers practical insights on how AI can streamline operations, improve patient outcomes, and boost efficiency, while addressing common concerns about AI replacing human roles. Whether you're running a large practice or a small boutique clinic, this episode will guide you on how to take the first steps toward integrating AI and using it to drive growth.What You’ll Learn:The Impact of AI on Aesthetic Practices: How AI is projected to grow in healthcare and what that means for the aesthetics industry.Key Areas for AI Integration: Explore how AI can enhance patient diagnostics, streamline practice management, and personalize patient care.Benefits of AI Tools: How AI can reduce operational costs, improve efficiency, and create more customized treatment plans.Practical Steps for Adoption: Where to start if you’re considering AI, including identifying practice weaknesses and selecting the right tools.Debunking AI Myths: Why AI is designed to augment human skills, not replace providers, and how it can actually make patient care more personal.Connect with Terri Ross:Website: Terri Ross ConsultingStay Connected:Visit Us: PlasticSurgeryPractice.comJoin us next time to discover how accountability ties it all together—ensuring your team, business, and personal goals align for success!

Host: Alison Werner Guest: Terri Ross, Practice Management ExpertEpisode Overview:In the third episode of our podcast series on growth pathways for medical aesthetic practices, Alison Werner and Terri Ross explore the rising trend of wellness in the aesthetic industry. With patients seeking holistic approaches to health and aesthetics, wellness services are becoming an essential part of practice growth. But what does “wellness” really mean for a plastic surgery practice, and how can practices integrate these services effectively?Terri breaks down the types of wellness services that can complement surgical procedures, how to tailor offerings based on your specialty, and how these services can enhance patient outcomes, loyalty, and profitability. This episode is packed with actionable insights on embracing wellness to create a comprehensive, patient-centered practice.What You’ll Learn:The Growing Wellness Trend: Why patients are increasingly looking for holistic health solutions and how this trend is impacting aesthetic practices.Defining Wellness for Your Practice: What wellness services can look like for different types of practices – from body-focused services like lymphatic drainage to facial-focused treatments like oxygen therapy.How to Get Started: Practical steps to integrate wellness offerings based on your practice’s specialty and patient needs.The Power of Comprehensive Care: How combining wellness services with surgical and non-surgical treatments can lead to better patient outcomes and increased lifetime value.Data-Driven Decisions: Why you should use patient surveys, practice data, and business assessments to determine the right wellness services for your practice.Connect with Terri Ross:Website: Terri Ross ConsultingStay Connected:Visit Us: PlasticSurgeryPractice.comIn the next episode, we’ll dive into the role of artificial intelligence in the aesthetics industry and how AI can enhance diagnostics, practice management, and patient care.

Host: Alison WernerGuest: Terri Ross, Practice Management ExpertEpisode Overview:In the second episode of our podcast series on growth pathways for medical aesthetic practices, Alison Werner and Terri Ross explore the booming trend of weight loss services, particularly the rise of Ozempic and similar medications. With weight loss demand skyrocketing, practices have a unique opportunity to integrate these services into their offerings. But the key to success lies in creating a comprehensive program rather than a one-and-done service.Terri shares her insights on how practices can approach this trend strategically, how to develop ongoing patient relationships, and why a well-thought-out weight loss program can unlock significant growth potential and increase lifetime patient value.What You’ll Learn:The Weight Loss Boom: Why weight loss services, particularly the Ozempic craze, are reshaping the aesthetics industry and why practices should consider embracing this trend.Building a Vertical, Not Just a Service: How to integrate weight loss into your practice as a sustainable program that fosters ongoing patient relationships.Treatment Plans That Work: The importance of offering comprehensive treatment plans that address patients’ holistic needs, from weight loss to skin tightening and aesthetic procedures.Implementation Strategies: Practical advice for introducing weight loss services, including staff training, patient education, and program development.Key Metrics to Track: How to measure the success of a weight loss program, including gross profit margins, revenue per hour, and patient conversion rates. Connect with Terri Ross: • Website: Terri Ross ConsultingStay Connected: • Visit Us: Don’t miss our next episode, where we’ll dive into the growing trend of wellness services and how they can enhance your practice’s growth strategy.

Host: Alison Werner Guest: Terri Ross, Practice Management ExpertEpisode Overview:In the kickoff episode of our special five-part podcast series on growth strategies for medical aesthetic practices, host Alison Werner sits down with Terri Ross, a globally recognized practice management expert, to explore the current state of the medical aesthetics industry. As practices face an increasingly competitive market, Terri shares insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, particularly in an election year where the industry is experiencing a 17% decline.Together, they discuss key issues such as the role of private equity, consolidation trends, and the critical importance of business training in driving sustainable growth for aesthetic practices. Terri emphasizes that while clinical excellence is crucial, practices must also embrace the business side of aesthetics to thrive.What You’ll Learn:Current Industry Trends: The impact of market conditions, private equity, and consolidation on medical aesthetics practices.Business Challenges: Why many practices struggle to identify growth opportunities due to gaps in business training and understanding of key benchmarks.The Importance of Training: How business education, proper benchmarks, and accountability are essential for practice success.Metrics to Track: Gross profit per procedure and revenue per hour as two critical KPIs to assess and improve practice performance.Pathways to Growth: An overview of potential strategies and services to explore for sustainable growth and improved patient outcomes.Connect with Terri Ross:Website: Terri Ross ConsultingStay Connected:Visit Us: PlasticSurgeryPractice.comDon’t miss the upcoming episodes where we’ll dive into specific pathways to growth, including integrating weight loss services, wellness offerings, and the role of AI in your practice.

In this episode of the Plastic Surgery Practice podcast, host Alison Werner interviews Babak Azizzadeh, MD, FACS, a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon and director of the Facial Paralysis Institute in Los Angeles. They discuss the nuances of plastic surgery and aesthetic procedures for younger patients, focusing on rhinoplasty and lip fillers.Overview of TopicAzizzadeh elaborates on the increasing demand for aesthetic procedures among younger individuals. He provides insights into the physical and social factors influencing the decision to undergo procedures like rhinoplasty and lip fillers, emphasizing the importance of timing and psychological readiness.Key Takeaway 1: Considerations for Rhinoplasty in Young PatientsAzizzadeh highlights that rhinoplasty is most popular among teenagers and young adults, typically between the ages of 16 and 24. The physical readiness for surgery depends on the individual's growth and development, with girls often being ready around 15 or 16, and boys a bit later. He stresses the importance of ensuring that the septum and facial growth are complete to avoid stunting facial development.Key Takeaway 2: The Social Dynamics of SurgeryThe social aspects of plastic surgery for minors are complex. Azizzadeh points out that both the patient and their parents must be aligned in their decision-making. Effective communication and mutual agreement are crucial. He also addresses the significant psychosocial impact of nasal deformities, noting that timely intervention can prevent bullying and improve social interactions.Key Takeaway 3: The Psychological Evaluation ProcessAzizzadeh explains that the initial consultation with young patients and their parents is thorough, often lasting up to an hour. During this time, he assesses the psychological readiness and maturity of the patient, as well as the family dynamics. He emphasizes the importance of realistic expectations and continuous evaluation to ensure the suitability of the procedure.Key Takeaway 4: Timing and Recovery for SurgeryTiming the surgery is critical, with Azizzadeh preferring to schedule procedures early in the summer to allow for ample recovery time. He explains that while the initial recuperation from rhinoplasty is quick, the final results can take longer to manifest, necessitating a more extended recovery period to achieve optimal outcomes.Key Takeaway 5: Lip Fillers in Younger PatientsLip fillers are increasingly popular among young adults, particularly those in their 20s, driven by social media influence. Azizzadeh advises a conservative approach, starting with small amounts of filler to achieve a natural look. He warns against overdoing lip fillers, which can result in unnatural appearances and necessitate correction.Key Takeaway 6: The Impact of Social MediaSocial media has profoundly changed the landscape of plastic surgery, making younger patients more informed and opinionated about their desired procedures. Azizzadeh acknowledges the challenge of managing expectations but finds that younger patients are generally open-minded and receptive to professional advice.ConclusionAzizzadeh appreciates the enthusiasm and satisfaction of younger patients when procedures are done correctly and conservatively. He emphasizes the importance of education and realistic expectations, ensuring that both physical and psychological factors are considered before proceeding with any aesthetic procedure.

IntroductionIn a recent episode of the Plastic Surgery Practice Podcast, hosts Alison Werner and Keri Stephens welcomed Stuart Mohr, Vice President of Marketing and Clinical at Jan Marini Skin Research. The discussion centered around the integration of clinically-backed skincare products to enhance practice procedures, results, and return on investment (ROI).Stuart Mohr’s BackgroundStuart Mohr shared his extensive background in the aesthetics industry, spanning nearly 25 years. Initially a biomedical and electrical engineer designing lasers for ophthalmology and dermatology, Mohr transitioned to marketing after obtaining his MBA. He has been with Jan Marini Skin Research for 15 years, bringing a unique perspective to the intersection of clinical results and business operations in aesthetics.The Role of Professional Skincare in Aesthetic PracticesMohr emphasized the importance of incorporating professional skincare into aesthetic practices. He highlighted that while patients visit for specific services like laser treatments or peels, their daily home care regimen significantly impacts the overall results. According to a New Beauty Magazine survey, over 80% of patients desired product recommendations from their practices to achieve better results.Key Takeaway 1: Integration of Professional SkincarePractices should recommend clinically proven skincare products to patients for use between office visits. This approach ensures superior results, faster patient satisfaction, and continuous engagement with the practice.Selecting the Right Skincare ProductsWhen selecting skincare lines, plastic surgeons should prioritize products backed by scientific data and clinical studies. Mohr discussed a non-hydroquinone hyperpigmentation product from Jan Marini Skin Research that outperformed 4% hydroquinone in a split-face study, demonstrating the importance of evidence-based choices.Key Takeaway 2: Evidence-Based Product SelectionProducts should be chosen based on their proven efficacy in delivering results, as demonstrated through rigorous clinical studies.Enhancing Results and ProfitabilityMohr illustrated how combining skincare products with in-office treatments can enhance results and profitability. For example, using home care products in conjunction with laser treatments for rosacea showed statistically significant improvements compared to laser treatments alone. This not only improves patient outcomes but also increases practice profitability.Key Takeaway 3: Increased ProfitabilityIntegrating professional skincare can double the profitability per hour in practices, with zero added room or staff time.Maintaining Patient EngagementTo maintain patient engagement, Jan Marini Skin Research offers an e-commerce solution that allows patients to purchase products online. This ensures continuous product availability and ties the patient’s purchases back to the practice, providing ongoing revenue.Key Takeaway 4: Continuous Engagement and RevenueProviding an easy way for patients to purchase recommended skincare products online ensures continuous engagement and additional revenue streams for the practice.ConclusionThe podcast concluded with Mohr highlighting the dual benefits of incorporating professional skincare products: enhanced patient results and increased practice profitability. He encouraged plastic surgeons to select skincare lines based on scientific evidence and to leverage these products to build stronger, longer-lasting relationships with their patients.Stuart Mohr's insights offer a roadmap for aesthetic practices aiming to optimize both clinical outcomes and business success through the strategic use of professional skincare products.

In this episode, Dr Gregory Keller, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon with offices in Beverly Hills and Santa Barbara, Calif, and full clinical professor and member of the medical staff at UCLA, talks about what it means for your practice and patient relationships to offer retail skincare products in office and what stands out to him about the Defenage line of skincare and haircare products.

This week, we revisit our conversation with Terri Ross, a well-known aesthetics practice management consultant. She talks about how a med spa can benefit the plastic surgery practice financially and improve patient outcomes and the lifetime value of a patient to the practice.

Dr Sal Pacella, division head of plastic surgery at Scripps Hospital, on the opportunities to change a child’s life through reconstructive plastic surgery with the non-profit Fresh Start Surgical Gifts.

In this episode, Dr Elisabeth Potter, who specializes in DIEP flap breast procedures, on how the recent CMS decision ensures patients have options and why there is still more work to be done to ensure equitable access.

In this episode, Max Stock, founder and CEO fo Epicutis Skincare, joins the podcast to talk about the company's products, how they were developed, why they're ideal for plastic surgery patients post procedure, and how Epicutis works with plastic surgery practice to build better patient relationships.

In this podcast episode, Dr Alex Zuriarrain is back to talk about the surgical and non-surgical neck lift options, who’s a good candidate for what, and setting realistic expectations with your patients.

In this episode, Leah Garcia and Dr Felipe Jimenez of Nulastin, the hair care brand focused on elastin replenishment, on why hair care products should be part of a plastic surgery practice’s retail offerings and its line of products featuring its patented Elastaplex technology.

In this podcast, we look at facial paralysis, facial reconstruction, and the role of the plastic surgeon, Babak Azizzadeh, MD, FACS, a double-board certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, specializing in the field. In this episode:Founder and director of The Facial Paralysis Institute and associate clinical professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Azizzadeh shares how it was a family friend’s experience with facial paralysis while he was doing his residency that sparked his passion for this subspecialty.Most of the time, Azizzadeh explains, we don’t think about the 17 muscles on either side of our face—the ones that allow us to express ourselves and control how our mouth for eating and speaking and opening and closing our eyes. The brain and the facial nerve work together seamlessly. But when there is an injury, virus, inflammation, infection, or tumor that interrupts that nerve, the face can stop working normally—and that is when facial paralysis can set in.Azizzadeh explains the role of the facial plastic surgeon in managing facial paralysis. He talks about how most plastic surgery is about creating some improvement in symmetry or static procedures, like face lifts. Facial paralysis, on the other hand, requires more dynamic reconstructive efforts to allow the patient to, for example, “smile more naturally, emotionally, and more instinctually, according to Azizzadeh.In his breakdown of the procedures in his armamentarium, Azizzadeh explains that no two patients present the same. Facial paralysis, however, can be broken down into two categories which come down to zero activity and some activity. He explains how length of paralysis affects surgical choices and how muscles from other parts of the body can be used introduced where facial muscles have atrophied.For patients experiencing facial paralysis caused by Bell’s Palsy, Azizzadeh explains how he is using Botox and physiotherapy to improve patient’s facial movement.And then, Azizzadeh talks about his own pioneering work in the field, including his surgery called selective neurolysis to help patients regain the ability to produce natural facial expressions. PSP

In our latest podcast episode, hosts Alison Werner & Keri Stephens speak with Dr. Constance M. Chen from New York, is a leader in microsurgical breast reconstruction. They discuss the nuances of DIEP flap breast reconstruction, a topic clouded with misconceptions, especially regarding slimmer patients.Dr. Chen addresses the common belief that thin individuals aren't suitable candidates, pointing to alternative grafting methods. With growing concerns around breast implant illnesses, she highlights the advantages of the DIEP flap method, outlining its recovery process in comparison to implants.The conversation also touches upon who might not be the best candidate for this procedure, with insights from Dr. Chen on natural tissue breast reconstruction. Join us for a comprehensive and insightful discussion.

In this podcast, Plastic Surgery Practice Co-Chief Editors Alison Werner and Keri Stephens interview James Beckman, MD, founder and CEO of Therapon Skin Health. They talk about the company’s Theraderm Clinical Skin Care line, its proprietary peptides, and how Theraderm grew out of Beckman’s works to develop a product to improve the skin of burn victims with skin-grafted hands. They also talk to him about where skin care is headed.Beckman, who spent 20 years in private practice as a plastic and reconstructive surgeon and has a degree in biochemistry, shares his journey to creating a commercial product with active peptides for skin showing the signs of aging. The product grew out of his work with patients who had suffered burns or lost skin that resulted in skin grafts to close the wound and with patients who were just experiencing extremely dry skin as a result of their working conditions.Working with a local pharmacist, he created his first product: Beckman’s Dry Skin Therapy. The product caught on with fellow plastic surgeons and he soon had his first company. From there, he sought to develop a product that restored elasticity and collagen of aging skin.Today, the Theraderm Clinical Skin Care line has three product systems—an anti-aging, a skin renewal, and a revision clear skin system. As Beckman puts it, “Those three systems developed out of one system, and that one system developed out of one product that restored the oil depletion in dry hands.”When looking to the future for the skin care company and its products lines, Beckman shares his philosophy on product development overall—and it centers on helping the consumer actually solve a problem. “I think the key for skin care product manufacturers is to—with any product—go out and see what the consumers are suffering with and try to find an answer that solves that problem rather than an advertising campaign that sells more of your product.”In this interview, Beckman takes the listener through his career journey as a plastic surgeon in rural Arkansas and shares how word-of-mouth marketing is so much more valuable than having a huge advertising budget. After all, that’s how he found success with Beckman’s Dry Skin Therapy, and that pattern continues today with Theraderm's skin care product lines. PSP

Join PSP co-chief editor Keri Stephens as she sits down with Alexander Zuriarrain, MD, FACS, a board-certified plastic surgeon and owner of Miami-based Zuri Plastic Surgery, to delve into all things rhinoplasty.The conversation kicks off with the impact of the so-called “Zoom Boom” on the popularity of rhinoplasty. As people spend more time on video calls, they find themselves scrutinizing their own appearances, leading to a surge in interest for nasal corrections. Zuriarrain explains how the advent of remote work has contributed to this phenomenon, with individuals seeking rhinoplasty to address nasal deformities and enhance their facial features.Zuriarrain then discusses the evolution of rhinoplasty techniques and outcomes over the past few decades. From traditional methods involving chisels and hammers to modern innovations like ultrasonic rhinoplasty, the field has seen remarkable advancements, Zuriarrain explains. The use of sophisticated technologies, such as 3D imaging and computer-assisted surgery, has also made a significant impact. However, Zuriarrain cautions against relying solely on 3D imaging due to potential discrepancies between the generated images and the actual surgical results.The podcast moves on to discuss patient selection, emphasizing the importance of identifying individuals who are genuinely good candidates for rhinoplasty. Zuriarrain shares his selective approach, highlighting specific patient populations, such as those exhibiting body dysmorphia or unrealistic expectations, who may not be suitable candidates. He further emphasizes the importance of ethnic considerations, as different geographic backgrounds have unique nasal anatomies that require specialized approaches.Complications associated with rhinoplasty are also addressed in the podcast. Zuriarrain explains that swelling is a common concern, with patients often underestimating the recovery time needed for optimal results. He discusses potential complications, including “whistleblower” deformities, collapse of the tip, and issues with the nostril base, highlighting the need for skilled surgical techniques and patient education to minimize risks.The episode concludes with a discussion on how surgeons balance patient desires for specific nose shapes with overall facial features and aesthetic goals.

Medical tourism has been on the rise in recent years as people seek cheaper cosmetic surgery options in foreign countries. However, this trend has been associated with a range of risks and complications, as discussed by Alexander Zuriarrain, MD, FACS, a board-certified plastic surgeon and owner of Miami-based Zuri Plastic Surgery, in this podcast with PSP co-chief editor Keri Stephens. According to Zuriarrain, patients seeking affordable cosmetic surgeries often consider traveling to the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Colombia, or Mexico, where the costs are significantly lower than in the United States. However, there are a number of concerns associated with medical tourism, including the potential for patient exploitation, the risk of complications arising from long flights, and the difficulty of diagnosing and treating complications without in-person consultations. One of the major worries associated with medical tourism is the potential for patient exploitation. Patients who seek cosmetic surgery in foreign countries may be unaware of the quality of care they will receive or may not have access to adequate post-operative care. This can lead to a range of complications, including infections, necrosis, and blood clots, which can be difficult to diagnose and treat remotely. Another risk of medical tourism is the financial cost associated with undergoing cosmetic surgery abroad. Patients may believe that they are getting a better deal by traveling to a foreign country for surgery, but they may not consider the additional costs associated with follow-up care and complications. These costs can quickly add up, making the overall cost of surgery much higher than expected. Overall, Zuriarrain advises patients to mull the risks and benefits of medical tourism before deciding to undergo cosmetic surgery abroad. Patients should be aware of the potential for patient exploitation, the risks associated with long flights, and the difficulty of diagnosing and treating complications remotely. Instead, patients should consider seeking surgery from U.S.-based board-certified plastic surgeons, who can provide them with high-quality care and adequate follow-up care at a reasonable cost.

Plastic surgeons today face a unique set of challenges, from changing patient demographics to increased competition in the marketplace. In this podcast episode, Plastic Surgery Practice Editors Keri Stephens and Alison Werner talk to Nicole Chiaramonte, CEO of Advanced MedAesthetic Partners (AMP). Chiaramonte joins them to discuss how AMP can help plastic surgeons overcome these challenges and grow their practices. What’s more, she explains why AMP is an alternative to the private equity consolidation model sweeping the industry. AMP works as a management service organization, coming in, as Chiaramonte describes it, as a consulting firm of sorts to take care of the business side of running a medical practices—specifically those aspects doctors often don’t want to deal with or don’t feel they have the knowledge to handle effectively and efficiently. According to Chiaramonte, AMP takes care of HR, IT, marketing, and overall day-to-day management, including inventory systems and data management for its partner practices. As she explains, AMP allows “physicians to do what they love without the headache of the business side of medicine.” In this episode, Chiaramonte talks about how private equity is changing the playing field, and how she wanted to create a model that protects private plastic surgery practices. As she explains it, Advanced MedAesthetic Partners partner practices retain their public-facing identity. AMP’s goal is optimize the business side, investing heavily in marketing and training, while allowing the plastic surgeon to focus in on what he/she knows best: clinical treatment. As Chiaramonte explains it in this podcast, for plastic surgery practices looking to partner with Advanced MedAesthetic Partners, the key characteristics include a commitment to patient satisfaction, a willingness to adapt to changing market conditions, and a desire to grow and scale their business over the long term. She also explains how this model can be just as attractive to mid-career plastic surgeons as those at the beginning and end of their careers. From there, Chiaramonte shares how AMP has helped partner practices scale up their business. That has included adding additional surgeons to fully book out the practice to building out a practice’s non-surgical recurring revenue opportunities. Chiaramonte also shares how AMP can help practices struggling with staffing—a problem affecting all of healthcare. To close out the episode, Chiaramonte and PSP’s editors talk about trends and how the industry is evolving. And Chiaramonte explains the role she sees Advanced MedAesthetic Partners playing in the future.

Join Plastic Surgery Practice Co-Chief Editors Alison Werner and Keri Stephens as they talk to ELEVAI Labs Founder and CEO Jordan Plews, PhD, to talk about the company's ELEVAI E-series post-procedure aftercare products featuring a proprietary exosome technology. ELEVAI Labs is a biotechnology company developing regenerative skincare applications. The company is focused on physician-dispensed products that can work to support patient skin health following a range of procedures, from microneedling to laser resurfacing. Plews, who has a background in biochemical engineering, shares how his work in stem cell research related to regenerative medicine brought him to aesthetics. He developed a proprietary technology centered around exosomes and the role they play in the cellular repair process of the skin. These exosomes are ultra-small, nanoparticle compartments packed with growth factors known to support skin health. The proprietary ELEVAI Exosomes are the key ingredient in the company’s post-treatment aftercare system, the ELEVAI E-series, launched in 2021, which includes ELEVAI empower and ELEVAI infinity. In this episode, Plews not only provides a deep dive into how exosomes in skin care work, but also explains how the ELEVAI E-series products can be used for post-treatment aftercare for procedures including microneedling to laser resurfacing. As he says, these products work well where “you’re causing a low level of damage and you want to give the patient something that’s going to really supercharge their recovery.” ELEVAI empower is a concentrated serum, designed specifically for single-use in office application post-procedure. ELEVAI enfinity is a daily serum that can then be sent home with the patient to support their skin health post procedure. According to ELEVAI, both products aim to help activate the skin’s natural healing process; reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; improve the appearance of uneven skin tone, skin texture, and laxity; and reduce the appearance of pigmentation and redness. This podcast episode sees Plews talk about the ingredients in these post-procedure aftercare products that work with the ELEVAI Exosome technology, and what both plastics surgeons, their staff, and patients can expect with use. He also explains why these products are only available for sale from authorized providers, for instance, physicians and their trained staff, and why it is important for ELEVAI to work with plastic surgeons and staff like this. PSP

Join Plastic Surgery Practice Co-Chief Editor Keri Stephens as she talks to Michael Tantillo, MD, MBA, a board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of Clareo Centers in Massachusetts, about the popular trend of buccal fat removal. The conversation covers what the procedure is, how it works, and its benefits and risks. Tantillo explains that buccal fat removal has been around for decades but has gained significant popularity recently, particularly among Gen Z patients who are more open-minded to aesthetic procedures. He notes that the procedure is safe when performed by a properly trained surgeon and has minimal risks and downtime. The surgery involves a partial removal of the buccal fat pad, which lies in the mid-face between the muscles, through an incision inside the mouth. Patients can expect a quick recovery and high satisfaction rate, as the procedure results in a slimmed mid-face with reliable and reproducible results, according to Tantillo.The episode also discusses the reasons behind the trend of buccal fat removal, which Tantillo attributes to a drive toward slimming down the mid-face and avoiding the “round face” look. The popularity of buccal fat removal has been driven by its virality on social media platforms like TikTok, Tantillo says. Learn more about the procedure in this informative podcast.

Join Plastic Surgery Practice Co-Chief Editors Alison Werner and Keri Stephens as they talk to Los Angeles-based, board-certified plastic surgeon and inventor Gregory Mueller, MD, FACS, about a trending device in aesthetic medicine. A public speaker who educates surgeons about the minimally evasive MyEllevate procedure that he developed, Mueller discusses another technology in this podcast: the Sofwave energy-based device, which he uses in his practice. In December, the U.S. FDA cleared Sofwave to treat the appearance of cellulite, complementing its previous clearances to lift the eyebrow lax submental tissue as well as neck tissue. Here, Mueller reveals how Sofwave is different from other devices on the market, in addition to which patient population Sofwave benefits most. He also shares what the learning curve is like for using Sofwave, along with his advice about the device to his plastic surgeon peers.

Join Plastic Surgery Practice Co-Chief Editor Keri Stephens as she talks to Anna Steve, MD, FRCSC, (or “Dr. Anna,” as her patients call her) about all things breast reconstruction. A breast specialist at the New York City-based Neinstein Plastic Surgery, Dr. Anna endorses an “elegant” approach to breast surgery—although she’s quick to point out that the reconstruction process can present unique challenges. In this podcast, Dr. Anna reveals why breast reconstruction is rarely a one-and-done procedure and why referring to post-mastectomy reconstruction as a “free boob job” is deeply erroneous. She also divulges what excites her most in breast reconstruction right now. (Hint: It involves nipple reconstruction.)Finally, Dr. Anna shares one important aspect of medicine that surgeons are “not historically great” at—and why that should change.

In this podcast, Alexander Zuriarrain, MD, FACS, joins Plastic Surgery Practice Co-Chief Editors Keri Stephens and Alison Werner to talk about ethics in plastic surgery—a subject Zuriarrian recently wrote about for Plastic Surgery Practice. The three discuss how social media and the way plastic surgeons are using it are raising some ethical questions. Zuriarrian—a board-certified plastic surgeon and owner of Zuri Plastic Surgery in Miami—talks about how he’s seeing plastic surgeons post altered and airbrushed images on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok and how these posts raise concerns. He talks about how photos showcasing certain procedures are more easy to manipulate and give patients unrealistic expectations. When it comes down to it, Zuriarrian contends that this is one of the reasons patients should search out board-certified plastic surgeons. He points out that the American Board of Plastic Surgery certification process is not just about how good a surgeon’s technique is, but also about ethical behavior—and that includes the ethics around their marketing practices. Zuriarrian specifically points to board guidance on website content and how images are used to illustrate procedures. The fact is social media is a whole new frontier and there are ethical issues that need to be addressed. And while the conversation has started around the responsibilities of board-certified plastic surgeons, it’s going to take time to create guidelines. In the meantime, Zuriarrian reminds listeners of the four guiding principles of medical ethics and talks about why it’s important as a plastic surgeon to look to one’s conscience and always focus on what is in the best interest of the patient. PSP

Join Plastic Surgery Practice Co-Chief Editors Alison Werner and Keri Stephens as they talk to Alexander Zuriarrain, MD, FACS—a board-certified plastic surgeon and owner of Zuri Plastic Surgery in Miami—about the prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) among plastic surgery patients. The podcast, which follows Zuriarrain’s PSP article about the subject, reveals what’s contributing to the surge of BDD and what red flags surgeons should look out for when encountering possible BDD patients. Hint: The mnemonic “SIMON” comes into play. Zuriarrain also divulges the role eating disorders play in BDD and what cosmetic procedures BDD patients commonly request. Finally, he shares how plastic surgeons should respond to patients who exhibit signs of BDD.

Plastic Surgery Practice Co-Chief Editor Keri Stephens sits down with New York-based board-certified plastic surgeon and microsurgical breast reconstruction guru Constance Chen, MD, FACS, to discuss the breast implant explantation process. The podcast, which follows Chen’s article about the topic, delves into why patients are increasingly removing their breast implants and what factors affect the appearance of their breasts post-explanation. Pregnancy, she says, is a key determinant. Chen also shares how explant patients can enhance their appearance via fat grafting, although she calls it far “less predictable” than other methods. Finally, Chen addresses breast reconstruction patients, in particular, and reveals why plastic surgeons need to think beyond breast implants and embrace flap-based procedures. She also highlights the trend of women forgoing reconstruction and staying flat. And, that, Chen contends, is a perfectly viable option as well.

Join Plastic Surgery Practice Co-Chief Editors Alison Werner and Keri Stephens as they talk to Anna Steve, MD, FRCSC, a breast specialist at the famed Neinstein Plastic Surgery in New York City. Known for her “elegant” approach to breast surgery, Dr. Anna, as her patients call her, prioritizes a minimal scar approach to breast augmentation and advocates for limiting patient downtime.In this podcast, Dr. Anna reveals why it’s important for plastic surgeons to speak openly about breast implant illness with breast augmentation patients and how the “bigger is better” adage seems to be changing—particularly in New York City. She also shares how fashion can affect plastic surgery trends.Finally, Dr. Anna shares what excites her most about working in a private practice setting post fellowship training.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Plastic Surgery Practice Co-Chief Editor Keri Stephens sits down with breast implant explant therapist Amanda Savage Brown, PhD, LCSW, author of Busting Free: How to Liberate Yourself from the Quest for Better Breasts Before, During, and Long After Explant. A scientist turned psychotherapist, Savage Brown shares her personal explant journey—which occurred after one of her breast implants ruptured—and why the mental health aspect of it is so important. She also discusses how explanting post-mastectomy can be particularly emotional for breast cancer patients.This podcast also delves into breast implant safety—a topic that has been in the headlines lately due to the U.S. FDA’s recent announcement that breast implants may be linked to additional cancers, such as squamous cell carcinoma—and how such concerns may lead to more women explanting.

To commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Plastic Surgery Practice Co-Chief Editors Alison Werner and Keri Stephens sit down with registered nurse and breast cancer survivor Kim Welch. A degreed aesthetic specialist with more than 15 years of experience focused on aesthetic injectables, Welch is one of the most requested national injectable trainers for Galderma.In this podcast, Welch shares—firsthand—how chemotherapy and radiation can reduce facial volume and how breast cancer survivors can reclaim what was lost through injectables. She also reveals behind-the-scenes information about Galderma’s partnership with the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) and how Galderma and the NBCF’s resources can benefit survivors looking to embrace post-treatment care.Finally, Welch provides her fellow injectors with expert tips for working with breast cancer survivors and shares how plastic surgery practices should approach this patient group.

Join Plastic Surgery Practice Co-Chief Editors Alison Werner and Keri Stephens as they talk to Alexander Zuriarrain, MD, FACS—a board-certified plastic surgeon and owner of Zuri Plastic Surgery in Miami—about the rise of Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) reversals. The podcast, which follows Zuriarrain’s PSP article about the subject, reveals why most surgeons shy away from the procedure and whether the BBL era is truly over like one article recently claimed.

Learn how a med spa can benefit the practice financially, and improve patient outcomes and the lifetime value of a patient to the practice.

Join Plastic Surgery Practice Co-Chief Editors Alison Werner and Keri Stephens as they talk to Ryan Neinstein, MD, FRCSC—a board-certified plastic surgeon and owner of Neinstein Plastic Surgery in New York City—who has been dubbed the surgeon’s surgeon. The podcast, which provides a deep dive into Neinstein’s distinctive practice culture, goes into the brain of the man behind the so-called “Birkin Body.” Neinstein reveals why he set up shop above the iconic Bergdorf Goodman department store and what core principles shape Neinstein Plastic Surgery’s culture. One guiding principle, he explains, is collaboration. Neinstein says he constantly looks to his colleagues for feedback. “It is not a top-down, classic, siloed, corporate structure, where the boss is telling everyone what they’re doing wrong,” he says. Neinstein also discusses his unique lifestyle, which he believes sets him up for success as a plastic surgeon, and what plastic surgeons should know before they post on social media. As a bonus, Neinstein shares what’s on his reading list. Believe us, this a podcast you won’t want to miss.

Join Plastic Surgery Practice Co-Chief Editor Keri Stephens as she talks to Alexander Zuriarrain, MD, FACS—a board-certified plastic surgeon and owner of Zuri Plastic Surgery in Miami—about how nanofat grafting can reverse the structural decline of aging skin. The podcast, which follows Zuriarrain’s PSP article about the subject, provides a history of nanofat grafting and why it’s surging in popularity. Zuriarrain also reveals how stem cells are impacting the nanofat grafting process—calling them “the workhorse of tissue regeneration”—and how they help reduce inflammation at the molecular level. He also shares the key advantages of nanofat grafting, as well as the drawbacks to the process. (Spoiler alert, there are very few!) Finally, Zuriarrain, who counts fat grafting among his most performed procedures, discloses whether he anticipates nanofat grafting for facial rejuvenation one day overtaking fillers and why nanofat grafting can positively impact patients’ psyches.

Join Plastic Surgery Practice Co-Chief Editors Alison Werner and Keri Stephens as they talk to Kerry Cahill, Esq., a lawyer at Westfield, N.J.-based Lindabury, McCormick, Estabrook & Cooper, who specializes in healthcare and frequently works with private-practice physicians. In this podcast, Cahill reveals how plastic surgery practices can maximize their profits, with regards to property leasing and/or purchasing as well as risk mitigation. To start, Cahill shares what metrics she uses when helping clients decide whether to lease or buy a practice, as well as what pitfalls leasers, in particular, should avert. She also discloses what practice owners should know before they attempt to negotiate a lease. And for the plastic surgeons who want to buy a practice, Cahill reveals the red flags they should avoid. In other words, buyer beware. Finally, Cahill divulges the keys to negotiating a competitive contract and why practice owners should never rush a contract and/or closing date. She also shares how often financially savvy practice owners should review their risk mitigation policies.

Join Plastic Surgery Practice Co-Chief Editors Alison Werner and Keri Stephens as they talk to Camelia Lawrence, MD, FACS, the director of breast surgery at the Hospital of Central Connecticut and MidState Medical Center, Hartford Healthcare; and Katrin van Dam, a breast cancer survivor, and the author of Flat and Happy: Mastectomy and Flat Closure—A Personal, Practical Guide, which she wrote alongside of Lawrence. This podcast delves into the reasons van Dam decided to stay flat after her mastectomy—and why she documented her experience in the book—and what she wants to tell other mastectomy patients about her choice. Van Dam also addresses how comparing mastectomies to gender-affirming top surgeries “denies the grief of one [procedure] and the relief of the other.” Finally, Lawrence shares why she believes most women who choose implant-based reconstruction go into their first appointment with their plastic surgeon blindly and how breast surgeons and plastic surgeons can work together better to improve outcomes among mastectomy patients.

In this episode, board-certified plastic surgeon Marc Salzman, MD, FACS, shares how he is using ultrasound with breast implant patients.For more great PSP content, subscribe to our newsletter:https://info.medqor.com/pspregform

Join Plastic Surgery Practice Co-Chief Editor Keri Stephens as she talks to Darren Smith, MD, FACS—a New York City-based plastic surgeon specializing in procedures such as breast augmentation, liposuction, and tummy tucks—about how energy-based devices are advancing male body contouring. The podcast, which follows Smith’s PSP article about the subject, provides a deep dive into all things body contouring. Smith shares how energy has provided plastic surgeons with a more minimally invasive way to sculpt patients and how male patients are increasingly drawn to this approach. He also reveals how his patient demographic is shifting and what this means for the aesthetics sector, in general.Finally, Smith—aka @NYCPlasticsDoc—divulges what excites him most in the aesthetics field right now.

Join Plastic Surgery Practice Co-Chief Editors Alison Werner and Keri Stephens as they talk to board-certified plastic surgeon Mark Youssef, MD, of Younique Surgery Center & Medical Spa in Santa Monica, Calif., about the recent—and contrevesial—Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) restrictions placed on Florida plastic surgeons. Youssef, author of the 2019 book, The Art of the Brazilian Butt Lift: Evolve Your Beauty, Empower Your Life, and one of the first members of the World Association of Gluteal Surgeons (WAGS), shares his expert opinion on the Florida Board of Medicine’s recent mandate limiting the number of BBLs local plastic surgeons can perform each day to three and whether he agrees with it. He also divulges whether he feels Florida plastic surgeons have been unfairly targeted. Finally, Youssef reveals WAGS statistics regarding BBL safety and why authorities should pay attention to them.For more great PSP content, subscribe to our newsletter:https://info.medqor.com/pspregform

In this episode, social media agency owner Andrea Smith provides advice on finding and vetting a social media agency to handle your plastic surgery practice’s social media plan. Click here to download Smith’s 10-part discovery call guide. https://smith-social-company.ck.page/discoverycallguide For more great coverage from PSP, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter:https://info.medqor.com/pspregform

Join Plastic Surgery Practice Co-Chief Editors Alison Werner and Keri Stephens as they talk to board-certified plastic surgeon Alex Zuriarrain, MD, FACS, of Zuri Plastic Surgery in Miami, about one of the most common cosmetic procedures, abdominoplasty.This podcast, which follows Zuriarrain’s recent article about the history of the procedure, titled “From Battlefield to OR, Abdominoplasty Still in Evolution,” reveals how abdominoplasty has advanced since its inception to treat truncal wounds in World War II. Zuriarrain also reveals how high-definition abdominoplasty—which amalgamates liposuction with abdominoplasty—is changing the game in the plastic surgery arena. Note: It’s continent of origin may surprise you.Finally, Zuriarrain discusses how, for some patients, abdominoplasty is more than cosmetic—it has tangible health benefits.For more great PSP content, subscribe to our newsletter:https://info.medqor.com/pspregform

Podcast host Alison Werner talks to Fitzharris about The Facemaker, her new book chronicling the work of the father of modern plastic surgery Dr Harold Gillies during World War I.For more PSP coverage, subscribe below! https://info.medqor.com/pspregform

Podcast hosts Keri Stephens and Alison Werner talk to Dr Chen about the sensory restoration procedure and how it can be life-changing for breast reconstruction patients.For more great PSP content, subscribe to our newsletter:https://info.medqor.com/pspregform

Join Plastic Surgery Practice Co-Chief Editors Alison Werner and Keri Stephens as they talk to American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) President Corey Maas, MD, FACS, who runs the San Francisco-based Maas Clinic and is considered a worldwide expert in the field of facial plastic surgery. In this episode, Maas discusses the results from AAFPRS’ annual member survey, which was released earlier this year, and shares what surprised him most. Maas also reveals how the so-called “Zoom Boom” has impacted the facial plastic surgery sector and discloses what young patients—particularly those in their 20s and early 30s—are looking for in regard to facial procedures. Facial plastic surgeons, Maas shares, are also seeing an uptick in male patients, with hair restoration procedures and eyelid surgeries on the rise. In the podcast, Maas also divulges what issues are keeping plastic surgeons up and night (His answer may surprise you!) and shares his favorite aspects of the profession.For more great PSP content, subscribe to our newsletter:https://info.medqor.com/pspregform

Join Plastic Surgery Practice Co-Chief Editors Alison Werner and Keri Stephens as they talk to board-certified plastic surgeon Alex Zuriarrain, MD, FACS, of Zuri Plastic Surgery in Miami, about one of the fastest growing cosmetic procedures: the Brazilian Butt Lift, or BBL. Zuriarrain talks about the ideal BBL candidate, what’s influencing the shape patients are asking for, and the need for patients to have realistic expectations. In addition, he talks about the need for plastic surgeons to really communicate to patients that this is a dangerous procedure. Patients not only need to know the mortality rate associated with the BBL procedure, but also that complications happen—even to the best surgeons. What’s more, patients need to know the limitations of fat grafting and that one round of liposuction and fat grafting may not be enough to get the final result they want.

Keri Stephens, chief editor of 24x7 magazine and co-chief editor of Plastic Surgery Practice, talks about a negative experience she had with a plastic surgeon who performed her breast reconstruction surgery in late 2020. Through her story, we examine what it’s like from the patient’s point of view when plastic surgery is accompanied by a traumatic diagnosis and what it’s like when there is a disconnect between a patient and plastic surgeon.For more coverage from Plastic Surgery Practice, subscribe to our newsletter via the link below: https://info.medqor.com/pspregform