

Beauty Bytes with Dr. Kay: Secrets of a Plastic Surgeon™
Kay Durairaj, MD, FACS @beautybydrkay
The hot new location for all your beauty needs. Learn how to stay beautiful on the inside and out with advice from Kay Durairaj, MD, a top plastic surgeon from Los Angeles, California. This podcast will feature the inside scoop on trends in plastic surgery, botox, fillers, beauty, and wellness. Guest stars will include influencers, entrepreneurs, and other top plastic surgeons across the country. Stay tuned for Beauty Bytes, and follow us on Instagram @beautybydrkay.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 8, 2025 • 1h 8min
752: Hair Loss Awareness Month: Expert Guide to Hair Wellness with Dr. Bauman
August is Hair Loss Awareness Month. Join hair loss expert Dr. Alan Bauman and I as we delve into the latest advancements in hair restoration and regenerative medicine! From the use of exosome therapy for hair growth and healing post-transplant to non-invasive growth factor delivery methods like sonophoresis, we explore cutting-edge approaches to improve hair health. Learn how peptides, platelet-rich plasma, scalp care, and lifestyle adjustments play crucial roles in biohacking hair loss and discover how to optimize hair follicle function for smoother, shinier, and thicker hair. A must-listen for anyone on a journey to better hair health!

Aug 5, 2025 • 49min
751: Long COVID, Gut Health, and Longevity with Dr. Robin Rose
In this episode of Beauty Bytes with Dr. Kay, Dr. Robin Rose, a double board-certified specialist in gastroenterology and internal medicine, shares her expertise on gut health and the profound impact of Long COVID on our bodies and aging process.
Dr. Rose reveals how the COVID-19 spike protein acts as an "age accelerant" by causing cellular senescence and impacting every organ system. She explains the groundbreaking research on how the virus invades gut bacteria, leading to the persistent production of toxic peptides and spike protein fragments that wreak havoc throughout the body. Learn about the wide spectrum of Long COVID symptoms, from brain fog and chronic fatigue to dysautonomia and mast cell activation, and why conventional medicine often struggles with these "zebra" diagnoses.
Dr. Rose also dives into the critical role of gut health in overall well-being and longevity, discussing the importance of balancing the gut microbiome, the distinction between prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics, and advanced treatments for healing a compromised gut. Discover practical biohacking tips, including the importance of sweating for detoxification, and gain a deeper understanding of how to protect your health in a post-pandemic world.
Find Dr. Robin Rose and learn more about her work at terrainhealth.org and on Instagram @Dr.Robin.Rose.

Aug 1, 2025 • 14min
750: Facial Balancing & Collagen Stimulators: Build Beauty That Lasts
On this Five Minute Friday, Dr. Kay dives into the art of facial balancing — what it is, how it works, and why it's the key to achieving natural, long-lasting beauty. She explains how strategic placement of filler across multiple areas like the chin, cheeks, lips, and temples creates harmony and proportion. Plus, learn why collagen stimulators like CaHA and PLLA are the secret weapon for building a strong foundation and stimulating your skin’s natural regenerative power. Whether you're new to injectables or refining a past treatment, this is your crash course in beautiful results that age gracefully.

Jul 26, 2025 • 9min
749: Ozempic Face: What It Is, Why It Happens, and What You Can Do About It
In this week’s Five Minute Friday, Dr. Kay dives into the hot topic of Ozempic Face — the facial volume loss and sagging that can occur with rapid weight loss from GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. She explains what causes these changes, how to recognize the signs, and when to take action. Learn how strategic filler placement, collagen-stimulating injectables like Radiesse, Sculptra, and Renuva, and preventative planning can help restore youthful structure and preserve your facial foundation. Whether you’re just starting weight loss or already seeing changes, this episode is your guide to looking as vibrant as you feel.

Jul 22, 2025 • 49min
748: Building Your Unicorn Team & Mastering Leadership Energy with Jen Kim
In this insightful episode of Beauty Bytes with Dr. Kay, Jen Kim, a renowned marketing and branding expert and author of the book "The Unicorn Team," is interviewed. Jen, recognized by Forbes as a top brand strategist, shares her groundbreaking philosophy on leadership and team building, emphasizing that true brand success hinges on the collective energy of the humans involved.
Jen introduces her unique concept of "energetic leadership types" – Visionizers, Strategizers, and Mobilizers – and explains how understanding these dynamics within your team can unlock a flow state of "unicorn energy." She also delves into the "brand cast" framework, a powerful tool for leaders to clarify and communicate new ideas effectively, and offers a comprehensive assessment within her book to help identify these types. Beyond strategy, the conversation touches on the importance of authenticity, navigating self-doubt, and maintaining personal energy to drive a brand forward. Jen also shares her personal beauty routine, including favorite supplements like niacinamide and magnesium, and highlights the importance of self-care for leaders.
Whether you're an aesthetic professional, an entrepreneur, or leading any team, this episode offers invaluable insights into fostering a high-performing, cohesive unit that can bring any vision to life.
Discover more about Jen Kim and her work in "The Unicorn Team." The book is available on Amazon, at local bookstores, and for free on audio with a Spotify Premium account. You can also find Jen on Instagram @Jennifer.Kem.

Jul 18, 2025 • 8min
747: Protein Power: Animal vs Plant-Based
This episode of Beauty Bytes with Dr. Kay is a powerful Five Minute Friday focused on one of the most underrated beauty nutrients: protein. As a facial plastic surgeon and longevity expert, Dr. Kay unpacks why protein is essential for glowing skin, collagen support, and lasting results from aesthetic treatments.
Whether you're investing in lasers, Botox, or biostimulators like Sculptra and Radiesse, your treatments can only go so far without the internal building blocks your body needs to regenerate — and protein is at the core. Dr. Kay explains the difference between complete and incomplete proteins, how to structure your intake throughout the day, and why women over 40, those on GLP-1s, and patients navigating menopause must prioritize this macronutrient.
You’ll learn how protein influences your skin’s ability to respond to injectables, maintain facial volume, and repair after treatments like microneedling or threads. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their beauty and wellness game from the inside out. Your beauty Rx this week: protein, protein, protein. Think of it as your most powerful internal skincare step.

Jul 15, 2025 • 55min
746: Navigating Perimenopause & Menopause with Midi Health Experts
This special episode of Beauty Bytes with Dr. Kay features Dr. Kathleen Jordan and Joanna Strober, co-founders of Midi Health, the nation's largest virtual care platform for perimenopause and menopause. They discuss the critical need for comprehensive, accessible care for women experiencing midlife hormonal changes.
Dr. Jordan and Joanna share their personal journeys of navigating inadequate menopause care and delve into the science, debunking common myths surrounding Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and its risks, particularly concerning breast cancer. They highlight how Midi Health is revolutionizing care by addressing a wide range of symptoms—from metabolic changes and sleep issues to skin and hair concerns—and providing evidence-based solutions, including HRT, supplements, and GLP-1 medications.
Learn about the nuances of perimenopause, the importance of proactive health management, and the exciting future of longevity and personalized medicine for women. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand and optimize their health during this significant life transition.
Discover more and book a visit at joinmidi.com and follow them on Instagram @MidiHealth.

Jul 12, 2025 • 11min
745: Khloé Kardashian, Cosmetic Work & The Beauty Standard
In this Five-Minute Friday episode, Dr. Kay discusses Khloé Kardashian's recent admission about her cosmetic procedures, including a nose job and past facial fillers. This candid revelation offers a much-needed breath of fresh air in an industry often fueled by denial and curated perfection.
Explore how the Kardashian aesthetic has influenced beauty standards for over a decade, and the consequences of denying cosmetic enhancements. Dr. Kay emphasizes that this transparency is crucial for fostering healthier conversations around beauty, allowing individuals to differentiate between naturally achievable looks and medically enhanced ones. Learn why honesty from public figures can empower young people, reduce societal pressure, and pave the way for a more authentic and liberating approach to beauty.

Jul 9, 2025 • 44min
744: Consciousness, Energy Healing, and the Biofield with Dr. Jason Yuan
This episode of Beauty Bytes with Dr. Kay features Dr. Jason Yuan, a licensed naturopathic physician, acupuncturist, and leading educator in consciousness-informed healing. Dr. Yuan specializes in biofield therapies, bridging ancient healing practices with modern science to help individuals awaken their inner healer.
Dr. Yuan shares his personal journey from chronic eczema to exploring the profound connection between thoughts, emotions, and physical health. He delves into cutting-edge research, including studies from MD Anderson Cancer Center, demonstrating how conscious intention can subtly impact cellular processes. Learn about the science of biofield, the power of breathwork and meditation to cultivate inner energy, and how these practices can influence everything from pain management to overall well-being.
Discover how your inner energy radiates outward, affecting your appearance and interactions, and why energetic hygiene is as important as physical hygiene. Dr. Yuen also discusses the future of integrative medicine, where understanding the biofield becomes a crucial pillar for holistic health and longevity.
Find Dr. Jason Yuan on Instagram @DrJasonYuan.

Jul 4, 2025 • 12min
743: Five Minute Friday: Simplify Your Summer Beauty Routine!
Dewy Blush, Sunscreen, Natural Hair - Join us in this week's Five Minute Friday as Dr. Kay explores the summer trend of "low maintenance luxury" for a relaxed and effortless beauty routine! Dr. Kay emphasizes the appeal of natural, minimalistic makeup looks and shares her personal preference for a skin-breathing, low-maintenance approach. From tinted lip balms with skincare benefits to mineral sunscreens that can double as concealer, we discuss the importance of multitasking products that streamline your regimen. She also touches on the growing popularity of air-drying hair to embrace natural textures, and the significance of a comprehensive body care routine, including exfoliation and hydration. Tune in to learn how to simplify your beauty routine while achieving a polished, radiant look for the summer!


