Inside Aesthetics

Episode 223 is a little bit different... instead of our usual episode style with one or two guests, we go big! A fortnight ago Dr Jake & David appeared at one of Australia's biggest conferences, 'Aesthetics'. This annual meeting is convened by Dr Steven Liew, a renowned Plastic Surgeon and previous guest on IA on episodes 64, 126 &192. The goal of the Aesthetics conference is to disrupt the current way of doing things and to explore innovative ideas on how to improve safety and efficacy for both industry professionals and patients. This year was no different and Dr Jake & David were invited to also do something totally new - a live podcast with a large selection of guests - in only 23 minutes! The brief from Steven was simple, 'Make people think'. Our expert injector panel consisted of: Dr Lee Walker Dr Tapan Patel Dr Rungsima Wanitphakdeedecha Dr Dalvi Humzah Dr Zunaid Alli Dr Beatriz Molina 00:00 Introduction 01:02 Ultrasound Course Discount 02:57 What Is A23 Conference 04:55 Why We Were On Stage 09:10 Panel Format and Time Pressure 10:59 Live Panel Begins 13:31 Fillers and the Idea of Lift 14:52 KOL Meaning and Bias 18:27 Sterility in Live Injecting 21:18 Bulk Buying Ethics Debate 26:25 Threads and Patient Selection 30:08 Do Fillers Really Differ 33:29 Who Should Be Allowed Inject 36:15 Post Panel Debrief 38:45 KOLs and real opinions 40:13 Bias and echo chambers 41:37 Radical transparency on stage 42:46 Multi brand KOL rules 47:06 Tribalism and rep pressure 48:53 Using other products 52:09 Bulk buying ethics 61:45 FOMO and business acumen 64:07 Stock control and expiry 68:49 Wrap up and next year ALL IA LINKS & CONTACT INFORMATION

Episode 222 hosts Marissa Dennis (Nurse Practitioner based in Kelowna, Canada) Marissa has been injecting since 2015 and is the owner of Onyx Beauty Lab. She also founded Medical Aesthetics and Injection Academy (MAIA) that help train new injectors from all over Canada. 'The Business of Injecting' episodes host injectors to discuss all aspects of their business. We analyse their struggles and challenges, difficult decisions, friction points, financials, staffing, hiring, firing and other topics relevant for aesthetic business owners. 00:00 Introduction 01:04 Meet Marissa Dennis 03:03 Patreon Value and Community 06:19 Marissa Career Backstory 09:28 Business Coaching Basics 12:33 KPIs CRM and Metrics 18:16 Retention and Referrals 23:53 Charging for Consults 27:02 Building Patient Rapport 30:22 Consult Style and Sunscreen 30:51 Mirror Positivity Exercise 32:25 Language That Normalizes Aging 33:44 Why Aesthetics Feels Taboo 35:37 Going Solo With a Clinic 37:39 Finding Space and Building Out 38:42 Brand Story and Rebrand 39:40 Hard Lessons of Ownership 41:39 Hiring Help and Business Coach 45:36 Front Desk Turnover and Hiring 54:57 Retention and Profit Sharing 55:46 Exit Plan and Training Pipeline 58:53 Clinic X Factor 59:12 Empowerment Over Confidence 59:49 Holistic Facial Balancing 61:04 Scaling Philosophy 61:37 Preventative Aesthetics Trend 62:57 Why Start MAIA 63:30 Fixing Injector Training Gaps 65:18 Devices and Market Research 67:48 Referral Network Strategy 69:26 Balancing Clinic and Academy 72:19 Course Pricing and Value 74:23 Premium Clinic Pricing 76:00 Explaining Higher Costs 79:56 Area vs Unit Pricing 82:22 Marketing Lessons Learned 85:07 Closing and Discount Code 87:43 Final Sign Off ALL IA LINKS & CONTACT INFORMATION

Episode 221 hosts Dr Askari Townshend (Cosmetic Physician & an entrepreneur from London, UK) Like all cosmetic injectors, Askari needed a clinical management software to run his practice and database. But he couldn't find anything suitable for his needs. And so he embarked on building his own CRM system called 'Collums'. This proved very successful and future developments were planned to take Collums to the USA and other markets. But just three weeks ago out of nowhere, agreed funding for future investment in the software was pulled, leaving the future of Collums on a knife edge. 00:00 Introduction 01:54 Dr Askari Townshend 03:19 Karri's career journey 05:16 Columns funding shock 09:44 What Columns actually is 11:56 Building the software 14:01 Why other CRMs fail 16:30 Pricing and perceived value 26:58 Using software to compete 31:33 Retention over acquisition 37:20 Columns marketing automation 41:23 Onboarding With Discovery 42:39 Prioritizing Real Needs 43:31 Targeted Messaging That Helps 45:28 Avoiding Opt Outs 47:10 Automation Rules Done Right 48:05 SMS Fees And Hidden Costs 50:04 Training Time To Competence 51:43 Data Quality And Setup 54:11 Business Acumen And Metrics 57:32 Consultancy And Planning Gap 61:50 Building Product Without Bloat 64:28 Why Features Take Time 68:53 Funding Pulled New Strategy 73:06 Runway Investors Expansion 76:38 Founder Advice And Humility 80:09 Community Wrap And Outro ALL IA LINKS & CONTACT INFORMATION

Episode 220 showcases our hosts Dr Jake Sloane, David Segal & a guest appearance from our new Marketing Manager Kendel Young. In an already congested social media world, Meta has launched a new app called 'Threads'. In just a few days it became the fastest downloaded app ever, even beating ChatGPT and boasting over 100 million users by week one. But is an app that has seemingly been created to take on Twitter also relevant to aesthetic businesses? 00:00 Introduction 01:42 A23 Conference Plans 03:08 Patreon Free Trial 04:06 Threads App Explained 07:03 Twitter vs Threads Debate 08:48 Using Threads for Clinics 15:28 Early Results and Metrics 17:26 Kendall Joins In 18:20 Meet Kendall Marketing 18:52 Threads Strategy Basics 20:00 Where Patients Actually Are 22:31 Referrals Versus Social Media 24:47 Brand Voice On Threads 26:49 Text Versus Visual Content 27:58 Claim Your Threads Handle 30:04 Missing Features And DMs 31:44 Instagram Broadcast Channels 35:48 Threads Engagement Predictions 38:14 Wrap Up And Contact Info ALL IA LINKS & CONTACT INFORMATION

Episode 219 hosts Professor Syed Haq (Cosmetic Physician from London, UK) Syed divides his time between preventative medicine & aesthetics. He has previously been an advisory board member for Ipsen, Allergan Aesthetics and is a Hugel Aesthetics KOL for Letybo. In this mini series 'The Tox Talks', we feature expert injectors who have significant experience in using botulinum toxins. These episodes explore our guests experiences using particular brands, the evolution of their injecting techniques and we get special insights into the subtle nuances of getting the best out of toxins. In chapter 6 we focus on a newly-launched product called Letybo (Letibotulinum Toxin A), a toxin produced by Hugel Aesthetics. Letybo is also known as Botulax and has been used in the Asian market since 2009. 00:00 Introduction 01:04 Tox Talks Chapter Six Introduction 02:15 New Toxin Release Discussion 03:33 Meet Professor Syed Haq 04:55 Professional Background and Research 09:10 Interest in Skin Aging and Inflammation 10:59 Role as Key Opinion Leader Explained 13:31 Evolution of Neurotoxins in Aesthetics 18:27 Manufacturing and Safety Considerations 21:18 Letybo and Botulax Overview 26:25 Clinical Trial Evidence and Comparisons 30:08 Practical Use and Patient Selection 33:29 Injection Techniques and Variability 36:15 Common Causes of Treatment Differences 38:45 Injection Depth and Needle Choice 40:13 Placebo and Nocebo Effects 41:37 Dosing Strategies and Clinical Patterns 42:46 Frontalis and Lower Face Treatment Doses 47:06 Managing Patient Expectations 48:53 Explaining New Toxins to Patients 52:09 Pricing and Business Considerations 61:45 Unit vs Area Pricing Debate 64:07 Clinical Practice Preferences 68:49 Final Thoughts and Wrap Up ALL IA LINKS & CONTACT INFORMATION

Episode 218 showcases our hosts Dr Jake Sloane & David Segal. As injectors and clinic-owners, we don't always get things right. And even when we do, our patients don't always see it that way. Complaints can vary from mild nuisances to full blown medicolegal nightmares. They will always occur in some form and they can cause significant anxiety for businesses and injectors alike. 00:00 Introduction 04:55 Podcast Topic Introduction Complaints 06:19 Why Patients Complain 09:28 Expectation Versus Reality 12:33 Emotional Reactions to Complaints 18:16 Learning From Complaints 23:53 Identifying Red Flag Patients 27:02 Cumulative Stress and Patient Experience 30:22 Reading Body Language and Anxiety 32:25 Experience Versus Technical Skill 35:37 Making Complaints an Opportunity 37:39 Clinical Versus Business Complaints 41:39 Silent Complaints and Lost Patients 45:36 Encouraging Patient Reviews 54:57 Telehealth Versus In Person Reviews 58:53 Policies and Complaint Processes 59:49 The Karen Factor and Difficult Patients 61:04 When to Stop Treating a Patient 65:18 How to Handle Google Reviews 67:48 Fake Reviews and Competitor Risks 69:26 Complaints and Legal Risk 72:19 Refunds and Insurance Considerations 74:23 Using Waivers and Legal Protection 76:00 Preventing Complaints Before They Start 79:56 Asking for Feedback and Reviews 82:22 Turning Complaints Into Growth 85:07 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts 87:43 Wrap Up and Outro ALL IA LINKS & CONTACT INFORMATION

Episode 217 hosts Deborah Farnworth-Ward (Entrepreneur from the Gold Coast, Australia) Deb is the founder of Australian Skin Clinics (ASC) franchise, growing from 1 to 60 locations in just five years. She is an MBA graduate, a Certified Franchise Executive and a serial entrepreneur. She has an incredible vision and passion for the aesthetics industry where she has immersed herself for 15 years. We learn how her career prior to aesthetics helped her vision, managing large multi-disciplinary healthcare organizations including pharmacies, GP services, surgical facilities, dietetics and counseling services. 00:00 Introduction 01:03 Meet Deborah Farnworth-Ward 03:08 Founding Australian Skin Clinics 06:51 Early Career in Retail and Healthcare 09:18 Moving to Australia and Buying the First Clinic 11:53 State of the Aesthetics Industry in 2007 15:35 Surviving the GFC and Preparing for Growth 17:40 Simplifying Services and Business Model 28:42 From One Clinic to Franchise Expansion 32:44 Choosing the Right Franchisees 37:24 Building Clinics in Shopping Centres 40:28 Recruiting and Training Injectors 43:41 Salary vs Commission Models 45:38 Developing Staff and Education Programs 47:42 Managing Risk and Treatment Scope 49:49 Revenue Shifts in Skin, Laser, and Injectables 51:50 Competition and Market Saturation 55:22 Opportunities for New Clinic Owners 57:36 Why Many Solo Clinics Struggle 70:30 Handling Staff Leaving and Database Risks 79:09 Consultation Style and Patient Communication 86:34 Future of Chain Clinics and Corporate Ownership 95:25 Final Business Advice and Industry Outlook ALL IA LINKS & CONTACT INFORMATION

Episode 216 hosts Audrey Rose (Nurse practitioner based in Boston, USA) Audrey joins us in the 14th Chapter of our series called 'The Injector Diaries'. These episodes feature in depth conversations, stories and experiences from injectors around the globe. Each injector brings their own unique take on things and we showcase every level of type of injector, from newbies to masters. We'll explore how and why they chose to inject, why they favour using certain products, look under the hoods of their clinics and aim to inspire our injector listeners. 00:00 Introduction 01:03 Meet Audrey Rose 04:55 From ICU Nursing to Aesthetics 10:59 Early Training and Confidence 18:27 Investing in Education and Skills 26:25 Business and Marketing Lessons 33:29 Building and Retaining a Strong Team 41:37 Training Programs and Career Growth 48:53 Improving Training Standards 52:09 Treating Diverse Patient Populations 64:07 Working With Different Products and Brands 68:49 Trends Toward Natural Results 73:06 Rise of Weight Loss Treatments 80:09 Marketing Strategies That Work 90:37 Rapid Fire Questions 99:25 Final Thoughts and Wrap Up ALL IA LINKS & CONTACT INFORMATION

Episode 215 showcases our hosts Dr Jake Sloane & David Segal David was recently invited to talk at the Merz Nurse Academy in Sydney. In this episode he and Dr Jake discuss an overview of his presentation, covering some of the key trends that he sees in the Australian industry. 00:00 Introduction 01:03 Business Talk 04:55 Why Business Skills Matter for Injectors 10:59 Trends in Filler and Toxin Demand 18:27 Focus on Safety and Compliance Changes 26:25 Opportunities in Body Treatments 33:29 Rising Competition and Market Changes 41:37 Impact of the Economy on Clinics 48:53 Understanding Your Business Numbers 52:09 Improving Patient Experience and Value 61:45 Defining Your Unique X Factor 68:49 Personal Development and Continuous Learning 76:38 Building Community and Support Networks 80:09 Managing Patient Expectations 86:34 Rebooking and Long Term Patient Planning 90:43 Key Business Tips for the Current Market 95:25 Wrap Up and Final Thoughts ALL IA LINKS & CONTACT INFORMATION

Episode 214 hosts Kelly George (Registered Nurse based in Tamworth, Australia) Kelly is based in regional New South Wales. Originally working in the marketing department for Allergan Aesthetics, Kelly became a nurse injector and has since become a respected speaker & business coach. 'The Business of Injecting' episodes host injectors to discuss all aspects of their business. We analyse their struggles and challenges, difficult decisions, friction points that aren't yet solved, financial concerns, staffing, hiring, firing and other relevant topics for aesthetic business owners. 00:00 Introduction 01:03 Meet Kelly George 04:55 From Pharma to Nursing 10:59 Starting a Clinic in a Regional Town 18:27 Building a Business From Scratch 26:25 Creating a Premium Patient Experience 33:29 Selling Without Selling 41:37 Hiring and Retaining the Right Team 48:53 Staff Culture and Leadership Style 52:09 Planning Growth and a Second Clinic 61:45 Challenges With Staff and Trust 68:49 Hiring Strategy and Team Fit 76:38 Pay Models and Staff Incentives 80:09 Compliance and Clinical Standards 86:34 Choosing Devices and Services 90:43 Expanding Into Body Treatments 95:25 Final Advice and Wrap Up ALL IA LINKS & CONTACT INFORMATION