At Octane, we sat down with Dr. Roy Kim, one of the leading voices in artificial intelligence within aesthetics, to talk about where AI is actually headed in 2026 and beyond. What's changing right now is not hype, it's usability. AI is moving from novelty tools into systems that genuinely improve how surgeons run practices, communicate with patients, and make better decisions faster, without losing the human element that matters most.

Dr. Kim breaks down how personalization is becoming the real game changer. Not personalization as a buzzword, but AI that understands your business, your patients, your outcomes, and even your communication style. From vibe coding and custom apps to AI-assisted consultations and education, this shift has the potential to reduce miscommunication, align expectations, and ultimately create happier patients and better outcomes.

Key takeaways from this episode include:

• AI as a business equalizer, helping independent practices compete without private equity

• Smarter patient education tools that improve consultations and informed consent

• AI-driven visualization that aligns surgical planning with a patient's aesthetic goals

• The rise of AI avatars, chatbots, and personalized patient materials

• A future where efficiency improves without sacrificing emotional connection or trust

This conversation sets the tone for how artificial intelligence will shape aesthetics in 2026, not by replacing surgeons, but by amplifying expertise, clarity, and patient experience. Catch the full episode of Plastic Surgery Untold at Octanewherever you get your podcasts, or watch on YouTube for the full discussion.