Medical Spa Insider

“For med spas, it’s so important to know who you are, what you stand for, and deliver on that with discipline.” This week, AmSpa’s Alex Thiersch sits down with Lowinn Kibbey, President of North America at Cynosure Lutronic, to discuss the landmark merger of two global energy-based device leaders and what it means for the future of medical aesthetics. They talk about: The historic merger of Cynosure and Lutronic, one year in; Navigating the unique dynamics of the aesthetics industry; Why brand identity, discipline and metrics are key to med spa success; Cynosure Lutronic’s approach to clinical training and post-sale support; Four major growth drivers: rejuvenation, rejuvenation, skin of color and male patients; How GLP-1s are reshaping patient demand and creating new business models; And much more. --- Music by Ghost Score

What if your med spa data could talk? This week, AmSpa founder and CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, speaks with Alex Lirtsman, founder and CEO of CorralData, to explore how medical spas can unlock real-time, HIPAA-compliant insights without changing their existing systems. CorralData integrates everything from your EMR to marketing, payroll, and finance systems, giving med spas the ability to uncover actionable insights that drive profitability, patient retention, and scalable growth. Listen for strategies to ask smarter questions of your data, including: Integrating all of your existing platforms to get actionable insights from your data; How multi-location practices, med spa rollups and private equity develop playbooks; Navigating HIPAA and BAAs with AI companies to create secure data analysis tools; Using reverse ETL to optimize for high lifetime value patients and boost profitability; The questions you can ask your data with conversational AI and large language models; CorralData’s tailor-made solutions for Advanced MedAesthetic Partners, and more! -- Music by Ghost Score

This week, AmSpa founder and CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, speaks with Emma Snowball-Robinson, APRN, founder of PURE Medical Aesthetics and PURE Evolution Academy. They chat about her incredible journey from modeling and marrying a rock star to putting herself through nursing school and founding a thriving aesthetic practice. Emma opens up about her reinvention and why “keep showing up” has been her guiding motto. Listen to hear: Emma’s path from modeling to regenerative medicine and wellness; Overcoming divorce, financial hardship and the challenges of single motherhood; How Emma rebuilt her life and launched her career in nursing; Her passion for regenerative medicine and the future of aging well; The importance of persistence and always showing up, even in difficult times; How a freak accident paused her injecting career and shifted her perspective; Her plans to give back through scholarships, community support and expanding her practice. --- Music by Ghost Score

In this special MSS edition of Medical Spa Insider, Michela Bailey sits down with AmSpa State Chapter leaders from California and Utah, recorded live at Medical Spa Show 2025! Meet California co-chair Sahar Saghezchi, of Cupertino Facial Esthetics; Utah co-chair Terri Hancock, DNP, ACNP-BC, of Bellissima Medical Aesthetic; and Utah co-chair Amanda Hopper, of St. George Med Spa. They share their excitement to reconnect at MSS and the Women in Aesthetics Leadership Conference (WALC), and the ways they are bringing their communities together through state-specific resources, networking and collaboration. Connect and collaborate with the med spas growing alongside you when you join your AmSpa State Chapter today. --- Music by Ghost Score

Join AmSpa founder and CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, as he discusses with Courtney Smith, account executive, and Jon Romano, SVP of sales at Darwill, how med spas can leverage data-driven direct mail to overcome digital fatigue and achieve significant growth. Recorded at AmSpa’s Chicago headquarters, this episode explores the evolution of traditional marketing and how direct mail can create genuine, lasting impressions that boost ROI when integrated with CRM and digital strategies. Key insights include: Darwill’s strategic pivot to the medical aesthetics industry and insights into med spa owners’ unique needs; The three essential factors Darwill considers when identifying profitable verticals like medical spas; How direct mail campaigns proactively target ideal customers, compared to digital; Utilizing CRM-triggered automation for personalized mailers that boost bookings and retention; Identifying the most effective creative offers and frequency for med spa audiences; Strategies for tracking ROI from direct mail campaigns; Combining direct mail with digital marketing for a competitive edge. --- Music by Ghost Score

This week, AmSpa founder and CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, sits down with Dr. Christopher C. Surek, DO, FACS—board-certified plastic surgeon, internationally recognized facial anatomist, and founder and director of the Academy for Injection Anatomy (AIA)—to discuss the new AIA Alumni Reunion and Refresher course. Designed exclusively for advanced cadaver training alumni, this event offers a higher level, more intense training experience with live full face injections, layered and cross-sectional dissections, and simultaneous ultrasound assessments. Dr. Surek also talks about his new textbook, co-authored with Dr. Steven Weiner, and the power of mentorship and networking within the AIA community. Learn why building your safety community is just as essential as mastering anatomy and register for the AIA Alumni Reunion and Refresher course at americanmedspa.org/aiaalumni. --- Music by Ghost Score

In this episode, AmSpa’s Alex R. Thiersch, JD, and Cathy Christensen join Dr. Kay Durairaj, internationally recognized facial plastic surgeon and founder of Beauty by Dr. Kay live from Las Vegas at the Medical Spa Show 2025 to talk about Biohacking Beauty: The science shaping the future of biohacking and regenerative aesthetics. From GLP-1s and “Ozempic face” to collagen stimulation, exosomes, polynucleotides and peptide stacks, Dr. Kay demystifies the research-backed tools med spa professionals can use to optimize skin regeneration and enhance cellular health for their aesthetic patients. They talk about: The authentic energy of community and growth at MSS; Building the Biohacking Beauty track with credible specialists; The rise of GLP-1s in aesthetic care and why it’s here to stay; How collagen stimulators are redefining injectables post-filler fear; Top-tier peptides, exosomes and supplements that fight cell aging; Why salmon sperm is being used off-label for facial rejuvenation; How to earn trust with credentialing and educational standards; Dr. Kay’s personal wellness stack, collagen techniques and more! --- Music by Ghost Score

In this special MSS edition of Medical Spa Insider, Michela Bailey sits down with the Tennessee, Georgia and Florida state chapter leaders, recorded live at Medical Spa Show 2025! Meet Tennessee chair Courtney D. Walker, Esq., of Smiley Aesthetics; Georgia chair Martina Kolovich, NP, of Altera Aesthetix; Florida co-chair Michael Zanetti of Erasable Med Spa, and Florida secretary Adrienne Lloyd, MHA, FACHE, of Med Spa Optimization. They talk about taking a proactive approach to med spa regulations, the importance of following the rules for patient safety, the training and networking that keeps them coming back to Medical Spa Show every year, and their plans to bring med spas together to elevate the industry. Get involved at the local level when you join your State Chapter. Learn more at americanmedspa.org/state-chapters. --- Music by Ghost Score

“All medical providers just aren't taught the skills to own and operate a business successfully.” This week, AmSpa founder and CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, speaks with Mary Smiley Ford, MSN, APRN, CRNA, and Carla Pierson, DNP, MBA, RN, identical twins and co-founders of Smiley Aesthetics in Nashville, Tennessee. They explore how their mission to empower med spa providers through compliance, clinical training and business support has fueled the growth of a platform powering over 140 independent med spas. In this conversation, you will hear: How Smiley Aesthetics supports med spa owners with compliance, clinical training and business tools; Why regulatory compliance is the foundation of their franchise-like platform; The importance of structure with medical directors and prescribing protocols; How collaboration and community-building have elevated them all; The unique factor of being identical twins and how it fuels their success; How Mary’s journey highlights aesthetics as an avenue for providers in recovery; Building their dream package: a training facility, surgery center and med spa. Plans for future expansion, a men-focused med spa, and more! --- Music by Ghost Score

In this special MSS edition of Medical Spa Insider, Michela Bailey sits down with the leaders of the Texas State Chapter, recorded live at Medical Spa Show 2025! Meet Texas co-chairs S. Alexis Gordon, MD, FACS, of Renew MD Facial Aesthetics, and Celeste Cisneros, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, of Solas Health and Wellness; and secretary Tammy Pendygraft, CLHRP, of Revive Aesthetics and Regenerative Medicine. They share what motivated them to lead, how they’re championing safe practices in medical aesthetics, and the importance of compliance education in building a safer, stronger med spa community. Make a difference in your local med spa community by joining your state chapter today. --- Music by Ghost Score