Medical Spa Insider

It's time to rethink how we approach healthcare affordability.  In this episode of Medical Spa Insider, host Alex Thiersch welcomes back "The Godfather of CareCredit," Beto Casellas, Executive Vice President and CEO of Synchrony Health and Wellness. As the aesthetic industry shifts toward a holistic model of longevity and wellness, the question of affordability becomes paramount. Beto discusses CareCredit's strategic collaboration with the Milken Institute, a non-partisan think tank, to research healthcare accessibility and financial literacy. They dive into the reality of American healthcare spending—noting that many consumers underestimate their costs by 1.5x—and introduce the concept of "Wealthspan," the financial stability required to support a long, healthy life. From new procedure calculators to fair financing principles, this conversation explores how transparency and planning can ensure patients get the care they need when they need it. Discussion points include: How CareCredit became partnered with the Milken Institute CareCredit's most recent statistics on patient costs and preparedness How longevity medicine has created a need for greater research into affordability A look at CareCredit's Procedure Calculator How to turn wellness from from an emergency expense into a regular budget item The principles and goals of CareCredit, Synchrony, and the Milken Institute moving forward

Innovation in aesthetics isn’t just about new treatments—it’s about improving precision, safety, and consistency in everyday procedures. In this episode of Medical Spa Insider, AmSpa founder Alex Thiersch is joined by Julie Bass Kaplan and Dr. Rebecca Weiss, two highly respected injectors and educators, to discuss how new delivery technology is reshaping neuromodulator treatments. They break down the real-world challenges of traditional injection methods—from inconsistent dosing to patient discomfort—and how systems like NavaClick by Lineage Biomedical are helping providers deliver more precise, repeatable results. Discussion points include: Why precision and consistency are critical in neurotoxin treatments Common pitfalls of traditional injection techniques (and how to avoid them) How technology can improve patient comfort and outcomes The role of standardization in advancing industry safety Why continuous education separates good injectors from great ones How better results lead to stronger patient retention and practice growth

Not all capital is created equal. After 10 years building a med spa from the ground up, the offers started coming in. One looked perfect — until it wasn't. In this episode of Medical Spa Insider, host Alex Thiersch interviews Maegen Kennedy, MMS, PA-C, Founder of Windermere Medical Spa and Head of Clinical Development at AYA Skin. This is the unfiltered story of walking away from a private equity deal, spending two years getting crystal clear on what a real growth partnership looks like, and finally finding a company built to scale a legacy — not just extract one. If you're a med spa owner thinking about your next chapter, this conversation will change how you approach it. The discussion includes: How to Approach Business Growth with Strategy and Intentionality The Importance of Staying Customer-Focused while Scaling Why the First Deal Might Not Be the Best Deal Recognizing and Preserving Core Values while Pursuing a Partnership Trusting Your Instincts while Finding Your Right Fit  

How do you react to changes in the industry?   In this episode of Medical Spa Insider, host Alex Thiersch interviews Max Baybak, co-founder of Influx Marketing, a leading agency in aesthetic marketing. They discuss the evolution of the aesthetic industry, the challenges faced by marketing agencies, and the impact of AI on marketing strategies. Max introduces Growth Stack, a new platform designed specifically for medical spas, emphasizing the importance of personalization and effective web design in today's digital landscape. The conversation highlights the need for agencies to adapt to changing technologies and the ongoing relevance of websites in marketing. Takeaways include: Influx Marketing's history of specializing in marketing medical aesthetic Why they focus on understanding the patient journey Challenges and opportunities provided by developments in AI technology The development of Growth Stack and how it allows for more personalized outreach Business's need to stay competitive in a changing environment A preview of the Medical Spa Show and Influx's involvement in the program

What good is AI if it doesn't know how to put your data to use? In this episode of Medical Spa Insider, host Alex Tiersch is joined by Dennis Steele, co-founder of Podium, to discuss the journey of building a tech giant rooted in the success of local businesses. From humble beginnings to becoming a vital tool for the aesthetic industry, Dennis shares insights into why staying close to the customer is the ultimate competitive advantage. The conversation dives into the evolution of the medical spa industry, the importance of streamlining the "in-store" experience, and how they design the Avery AI to bridge the gap between providers and patients. Whether you are a solo practitioner or scaling multiple locations, this episode offers a roadmap for using better communication to drive business growth. Discussion points include: The beginning of Podium Why the company works with med spas Designing for the single-location vs an enterprise The implementation of AI as an employee How Podium's new operating system connects AI with data and purpose

Where does innovation come from? In this episode of Medical Spa Insider, host Alex Thiersch sits down with aesthetic industry luminary and renowned facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Steve Dayan. Dr. Dayan shares his unique perspective on the early days of the medical spa movement and how he helped pioneer the business and marketing tracks that are now staples of modern aesthetic conferences. They also preview Dr. Dayan's upcoming keynote presentation at the Medical Spa Show 2026. Discussion points include: The Creative Power of Necessity Industry Evolution The Social and Neurological Aspects of Beauty How the XOMD Skincare Brand Was Created Respecting History  

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how medical spas attract and convert new patients—but most marketing strategies still focus on the very end of the buying journey. In this episode of Medical Spa Insider, AmSpa founder Alex Thiersch speaks with Rick Brown, co-founder and CEO of MarketStorm, and Krista Stevenson, head of business development, about how their company and other AI tools are changing the way businesses identify and influence consumers long before they start searching. The discussion includes:   What the “Messy Middle” means for medical spa marketing Why most advertising budgets focus too late in the patient decision journey How AI can identify potential patients before they start searching The role of predictive data in modern marketing strategies Why brand awareness early in the decision process matters How med spas can expand beyond social media marketing  

How does a medical aesthetic practice scale to a nation-wide brand without sacrificing quality or values? In this episode of Medical Spa Insider, Alex Thiersch sits down with Jen Seisler, COO of SkinSpirit and George Baxter-Holder, VP of Talent Development, for a conversation about growth, training and leadership in medical aesthetics. Recorded at AmSpa’s new training center ahead of a hands-on cadaver lab with the Academy for Injection Anatomy, the discussion explores how SkinSpirit has grown from a single clinic in Palo Alto to more than 60 locations while maintaining a strong culture of safety, education and provider-first leadership. Discussion points include: Why cadaver anatomy training should become a minimum standard for injectors The provider-first strategy behind SkinSpirit’s expansion How culture and training reduce turnover in aesthetic practices Why responsible growth matters more than rapid scaling How corporate partnerships are helping legitimize medical aesthetics Why safety and trust remain the industry’s true North Star

In this episode of Compliance is Cool, AmSpa founder Alex Thiersch and General Counsel Patrick O'Brien dive deep into the legislative "flurry" currently sweeping through the medical spa industry. Focusing on Indiana's Senate Bill 282, the duo explores how a seemingly benign licensing bill evolved into a restrictive piece of legislation targeting both medical spas and compounding pharmacies. They pull back the curtain on the "Big Pharma" influence—specifically Eli Lilly’s presence in Indianapolis—and explain why the sudden push to track compounded GLP-1 medications has created a "death by paperwork" scenario for med spa owners. This episode serves as a wake-up call for the industry as similar legislative language begins to surface in states like Florida, Iowa, and Arizona. Discussion points include: An overview of the path Indiana SB 282 took from draft to law An explanation of the bill's provisions and how they would adversely affect medical providers The connection between SB 282 and big pharma's battle with compounding medications How Alex, Patrick, and their lobbyist worked with legislators to improve the bill and what it still includes The national trends that practitioners should stay aware of, and how AmSpa and its members can be proactive in leading the conversation

AmSpa founder Alex Thiersch introduces a brand-new segment of the Medical Spa Insider podcast: Compliance is Cool. As the medical spa industry reaches a critical inflection point, Alex discusses his transition from CEO to Chairman, allowing him to focus full-time on the legal advocacy and legislative "battles" currently bubbling beneath the surface. From the importance of data-backed safety research to a deep dive into the recent legislative "kerfuffle" in Indiana involving Eli Lilly and GLP-1 compounding, this episode sets the stage for a more vocal, protected, and compliant industry. Email your compliance questions to alex@AmericanMedSpa.org to be answered on future episodes. Key points include: The Launch of "Compliance is Cool" Leadership Evolution at AmSpa and Alex's new projects The legislative challenges looming for med spas The Indiana GLP-1 bill and Eli Lilly Why the industry must invest in scientific studies AmSpa’s New Chicago Home

With Alex Thiersch on the ground in Indiana lobbying against pivotal new legislation, AmSpa Digital Marketing Supervisor Derek steps in to break down a whirlwind of 2026 legislative moves. From Big Pharma’s influence on GLP-1 regulations to shifting MSO scrutiny and expanding autonomy for practitioners, this episode explores how new bills in states like Indiana, Florida, and Arizona are reshaping the industry. Learn why "information is power" and how these national trends might be coming to your state next. Key points include: The Battle Over GLP-1s Stricter State Oversight MSOs Under the Microscope Expanding Autonomy Rising Professional Standards New Practice Permissions Next Steps for Practitioners and AmSpa

Did you know the average medical spa is juggling FOURTEEN separate vendor deals? With that many balls in the air, it’s easy for something to get dropped. In this episode of Medical Spa Insider, Alex Thiersch talks with Keri Concannon, co-founder and CEO of Beauty Rep, about why ordering, onboarding, and managing aesthetic brand partnership is still far more fragmented than it should be—and how the Beauty Rep B2B platform was designed to make vendor management faster, clearer, and easier for practices of every size. Listen to learn: The unique challenges that large brands and smaller brands each face when it comes to selling How BeautyRep opens up conversations by making B2B materials readily available The way that brands are using the portal to support their sales teams The benefits for practitioners and owners of any size when it comes to finding products and managing inventory Keri’s journey from sales rep to entrepreneur and plans for expanding the platform

Growing a practice goes far beyond clinical skills; it requires intentional strategy around hiring, retention, operations, and leadership. AmSpa founder Alex Thiersch sits down with Ashley James of DermAesthetic Consulting to discuss why owners often struggle to get their team aligned with their vision — and how they can fix it. Smart recruiting is a practical solution that will strengthen your clinic’s foundation and boost long-term success. Whether you’re onboarding your first hire or preparing for a major growth phase, these insights will help you build a practice that thrives without you being “on the clock” all the time. Discussion points include: Why hiring right saves more money in the long run than hiring cheap The role of your team in establishing your brand and reputation Establishing onboarding procedures and timelines that lead to productivity Hiring with culture in mind How owners benefit from delegating leadership and operations Using strategic people management to boost revenue and patient experience

Are you acting on data or just collecting it? In this episode of Medical Spa Insider, host Alex Tiersch is joined by Alex Lirtsman (CorralData) and Tyler Weinberg (Aviva Aesthetics) to explore how med spa owners can "hire" AI-driven data collaboration to achieve operational excellence. You’ll learn how Aviva Aesthetics utilized CorralData to move beyond fragmented spreadsheets and EMR silos, turning their scattered databases into a central source of truth. Their partnership acts as a case study for turning messy data into a strategic growth engine. Discussion points: Avoiding Data Fragmentation While Scaling Why Pivot to Automated Reporting Adding a Human Face to Data The Need to Include Data in Decision-Making The Definition of Data Hygiene

MSS is the biggest show of the year, every year. It's not easy to tame a beast of that size, but attendees will let you know that it is worth it.  This week, AmSpa founder Alex R. Thiersch, JD, sits down with AmSpa Director of Education Kirstie Jackson to preview what’s coming at Medical Spa Show 2026 (April 9–12 at Wynn Las Vegas)—and how the agenda is built to serve everyone from newcomers to advanced operators. Kirstie breaks down how she uses data and problem-solving to sift through over 450 presentation submissions, the brand-new learning formats attendees have been asking for, and the can't miss learning opportunities—including an AI summit, our industry-defining cadaver course, and live injections making their debut at MSS. For more information, visit https://www.medicalspashow.com/ Discussion Points Include The size and scope of the Medical Spa Show, spanning eight tracks of education How the AmSpa team creates an elevated immersive experience  Creating a speaker lineup that balances the biggest names with exciting new voices New features of the MSS App that attendees will love A preview of the MSS agenda, from returning favorites to bold new topics including regenerative medicine and artificial intelligence Turning MSS into a four-day experience The exciting news about MSS featuring live injections

This week, AmSpa founder Alex R. Thiersch, JD, sits down with Lina Colleli, MSN, FNP-C, founder of Artmedica Aesthetics in Northern Virginia. Lina shares her journey from fashion and beauty into aesthetic medicine, what it has been like launching her own medical spa, and why she believes the pretreatment consultation is one of the most overlooked yet powerful tools in the industry. She breaks down her signature approach to building trust, educating patients, and creating treatment plans that drive both satisfaction and retention. Lina also reflects on social media’s role in her rapid growth, the realities of business ownership, and her long-term vision for teaching and empowering the next generation of injectors. Key Moments in the Conversation Lina’s background and journey from fashion editing and freelance makeup artistry to aesthetic medicine; What inspired her to open ArtMedica Aesthetics and the emotions of launching the practice; The surprising challenges of business ownership, including inventory management and onboarding staff; How social media built her patient base and continues to drive 90 percent of new inquiries; Why the pretreatment consult is an essential yet undervalued aspect of patient care; How she structures a consult to uncover true concerns, educate clearly, and build long-term trust; Strategies for setting expectations, discussing pricing, and guiding patients without feeling sales focused; Navigating patient information overload from social media and correcting misconceptions with biology and science; Managing a four to five month waitlist and her plans to grow a clinical team to better serve patients; Her long-term goal of building an educational academy and stepping into a larger teaching role; What she is looking forward to at Medical Spa Show 2026.   -- Music by Ghost Score

This week, AmSpa founder Alex R. Thiersch, JD, speaks with Jennifer Orechwa, founder and CEO of Salt Marketing, a boutique agency helping medical spas and aesthetic practices turn their story into strategy. Orechwa shares why Salt Marketing chose to focus on aesthetics, how StoryBrand became her go-to approach (she’s a certified coach!), and the proven strategies med spas need to build with authenticity. Listen to learn: The five-part framework for a marketing system that attracts, converts and scales; How StoryBrand positions the patient as the hero, and why that matters; Common marketing mistakes med spas make and how to fix them; Affordable resources for small med spa or solo practitioners; AI and how to keep your brand authenticity as you grow. Find more insights at saltmarketing.co and check out the Worth Your Salt podcast. -- Music by Ghost Score

The male aesthetic market is growing, so we spoke to the expert to find out how to get them in your med spa’s door. This week, AmSpa founder Alex R. Thiersch, JD, sits down with Terrence Keaney, MD, board-certified dermatologist, co-founder of SkinDC, and clinical associate professor at George Washington University, to explore what drives men into aesthetic practices and how providers can meet their unique needs. From seasonality trends and internal marketing strategies to the impact of GLP-1 medications and the rise of hair restoration, Dr. Keaney shares data-driven insights and practical tips for attracting and retaining male patients while delivering natural, confidence-boosting results. Listen for insights on: Why men remain an underappreciated demographic and how to change that; The treatments men want most: neurotoxins, jawline contouring, and hair restoration; How internal marketing and re-consults increase male patient engagement; The role of social media and word-of-mouth in influencing men’s decisions; Addressing fears of “looking unnatural” and combating filler misinformation; GLP-1 users: five aesthetic concerns and how to treat them; Why regenerative medicine is the next frontier in aesthetics. -- Music by Ghost Score

Adding longevity services doesn’t have to mean massive overhead. In this episode, AmSpa founder Alex R. Thiersch, JD, talks with Jaclyn Kawwas, Head of Commercial at Peak Health, about how her team built a platform that makes launching or expanding longevity medicine simple and profitable for aesthetic practices. Learn how Peak combines personalized protocols with advanced diagnostics, including comprehensive lab panels and imaging to metabolic monitoring, wearables, and performance testing. This conversation covers: Kawwas' career path and why she pivoted to longevity health; What “longevity medicine” means and how it differs from functional medicine; The biggest barriers for patients and providers in accessing longevity care; How Peak Health’s infrastructure and telemedicine platform work for med spas; Practical steps to launch longevity services without heavy investment; Driving revenue and retention while expanding your audience; and Marketing support and early access partnership opportunities. Learn more and apply for early access at getpeakhealth.com. -- Music by Ghost Score

“How can you make sure that you feel as good about your face as you do about your body?” AmSpa founder Alex R. Thiersch, JD, sits down with Tara Capalbo, MBA, General Manager and VP, Head of U.S. Aesthetics at Galderma, for a live conversation at AmSpa headquarters. They talk about how millions of GLP‑1 users are reshaping aesthetic patient demand, Galderma’s phase IV clinical study on facial changes after medication-driven weight loss, and the new Sculpt & Lift injection paradigm designed to help patients restore their appearance with natural-looking results. Listen for insights on: Her transition from pharma and first six months leading U.S. Aesthetics at Galderma; The GLP‑1 phenomenon, declining visit frequency among traditional aesthetic patients, and why Galderma invested early in a phase IV study; What the research found about “Ozempic face,” facial volume loss, and skin laxity, and new restorative combination treatment options with Sculptra and Restylane; Expert consensus on when to start treatment during the weight-loss journey and how to package care with share-of-wallet in mind; Launching a direct-to-consumer campaign that reframes filler language for patient confidence; Provider tools: in-office pamphlets and digital assets to bring up aesthetics earlier in the patient journey; What’s next at Galderma: 2026 launches, GAIN training, and global trends. -- Music by Ghost Score