In this episode, Alex sits down with Sheila Barbarino, MD, FAAO, FAACS, FACS to talk about the fast-moving world of aesthetic medicine and what’s coming next. They discuss how international travel and research are helping shape new treatment options, from emerging fillers to the next generation of neurotoxins. The conversation dives into practical medical-legal safety advice, including how small daily habits can protect both patients and practices. Finally, the episode highlights the expanding leadership of women in medical aesthetics and why that shift matters for the industry’s future.

00:30 Aesthetics as a global industry 01:34 The intersection of medical safety and legal safety 05:06 How FDA regulation can create an innovation gap 16:45 Innovative new treatments and techniques for holistic treatment 23:15 The leadership role of women in aesthetics

In this jam-packed episode of Medical Spa Insider, AmSpa founder Alex Thiersch sits down with three leading aesthetic and wellness innovators at the Medical Spa Show to explore the massive shift toward longevity medicine, functional health, and internal wellness.

First, Dr. Johnny Franco opens up about his personal 100-pound weight loss journey using GLP-1 medications and how he is pioneering treatment protocols to address "aesthetic maturity issues" like skin laxity and volume loss in younger patients. Next, Dr. Sabrina Fabi dives into hormonal optimization, sharing the fascinating neurobiology behind oxytocin receptors, topical hormone wellness, and why looking good is directly linked to how we feel. Finally, Dr. Maxwell Jen shares his journey from emergency medicine to founding Umi Anti-Aging, explaining why he runs a completely filler-free practice and how he balances cutting-edge international treatments with strict US regulatory frameworks.

01:20 The GLP-1 Patient Journey & "Aesthetic Maturity" 04:46 Proactive Treatment Protocols 10:48 The Aesthetic/Longevity Merger 17:41 The Science of Topical Oxytocin 24:56 From Emergency Medicine to Foundational Health 34:56Navigating International Innovations & Regulatory Compliance

Is your practice set up to keep running smoothly during rough times?

In this episode, AmSpa founder Alex Thiersch connects with Candace Noonan, Director of Education at Derma Concepts (the exclusive U.S. distributor of Environ Skin Care). Together, they dive into the economic realities currently impacting medical aesthetics—from rising global import costs and tariffs to shifting consumer spending habits. Candace explains why discounting product prices in a results-driven practice erodes perceived value and devalues clinical outcomes. Instead, she outlines how business owners can reframe retail around comprehensive, protocol-based treatment plans and strategic bundling.

02:17 Industry sentiment about economic shifts 05:30 The dangers of discounting products 08:00 A strategy for absorbing overhead 14:24 Maintaining operational discipline 18:00 Building on the legacy of Environ 23:40 Streamlining to build long-term systems