Medical Spa Insider

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 [https://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 [http://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 [https://americanmedspa.org/state-chapters] today. --- Music by Ghost Score