In this powerful follow-up episode, hosts Dr. Chris Croley and Nurse Practitioner Jerry Drinkard welcome back Michelle Langston, founder of Starlight Aesthetics, to share the raw truth about being an aesthetic injector - setting boundaries with patients, and navigating the rise of body dysmorphia in a filter-obsessed world.From managing high-end med spa pricing in La Jolla to embracing her unique journey from trauma nursing to top lip injector, Michelle offers insight and inspiration for both patients and providers. You'll hear her take on:💉 Her most requested treatment (spoiler: it's all about the lips!) 📉 Saying no to patients—and why that's ethical aesthetics 🌎 How medical tourism and border pricing influence business strategy 🧠 Recognizing and addressing body dysmorphia in aesthetics 👨🔬 The subtle art of male lip injections and balancing facial features 🔬 Using PRF, exosomes, and her favorite device: DermaFuse Plus, the trio dives into social media dysmorphia, gendered beauty standards, and what every new injector needs to know to stand out ethically in today’s crowded market.👄 Whether you're a med spa owner, a new injector, or someone curious about injectables, Sculptra, microneedling, this episode is filled with practical gems and real-world wisdom.🔗 Be sure to check the description for links to Michelle’s practice, Starlight Aesthetics, and follow us for more deep dives into cutting-edge treatments and aesthetic medicine education.https://www.instagram.com/michelle_fnp_injector/https://starliteaesthetics.com/📌 Subscribe now and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of Beauty & The Brain!
Welcome to Part 1 of this powerhouse two-part episode featuring the one and only Michelle Langston, NP—top-tier aesthetic injector, Empire Medical Training educator, and solo med spa owner based in La Jolla, California.In this episode of Beauty & The Brain, Dr. Chris Croley and Jerry Drinkard, NP, sit down with Michelle to unpack the real journey behind building a successful aesthetics career. From early days as an RN injector to launching (and relaunching!) her own practice, Michelle shares raw insights into mentorship, burnout, and what it really takes to thrive in the ever-evolving world of medical aesthetics.Whether you're a new injector, med spa owner, or aesthetic nurse practitioner, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways on navigating competition, investing in continuing education, and avoiding the “failure to launch” trap so many providers fall into.🔥 Topics we cover: – How to break into the aesthetics industry the right way – The reality of solo med spa ownership – Building a brand in a saturated market – Creating community vs. competition among injectors – Why mentorship matters now more than ever – Michelle’s journey from burnout to business owner 📌 Stay tuned for Part 2 dropping next Thursday!#BeautyAndTheBrainPodcast #MichelleLangstonNP #MedicalAesthetics #AestheticInjector #MedSpaOwner #EmpireMedicalTraining #NurseInjector #NPinAesthetics #AestheticMedicine #MentorshipMatters #AestheticsBusinessTips #NewInjectorAdvice #SoloMedSpa #BurnoutInHealthcare #HowToStartAMedSpa
Welcome to another episode of Beauty & The Brain with Dr. Chris Croley and NP Jerry Drinkard of Skin & Tonic MedSpa in Pace, Florida! In this episode, we answer your most asked aesthetic questions with real, science-backed insights.🎯 TOPICS COVERED:0:48 – Best Dermal Fillers for Cheeks: Restylane Lift vs RHA4 vs Juvederm Voluma 5:35 – Non-Surgical Eyelid Lifts: Using PLEXR and Neogen PSR Plasma Devices 7:09 – Top Anti-Aging Treatments Without Fillers or Botox11:03 – How Often Should You Get IV Therapy? (For energy, beauty, immunity + NAD) 13:09 – Do Microneedling Patches Really Work? At-Home Collagen Boosters Explained💡 Whether you're an aesthetic provider, beauty professional, or skincare enthusiast, this episode delivers high-value insights on injectables, non-invasive skin tightening, collagen-stimulating treatments, and the truth about at-home microneedling. Plus, learn how IV vitamin therapy can help boost your skin glow, hair growth, and overall wellness.🧪 Featured Devices & Treatments:- PLEXR Plasma Pen - Neogen PSR - Microneedling & Chemical Peels - Galderma Fillers (Restylane Lift, Contour) - Juvederm Voluma - NAD+ Therapy - Vitamin C & Glutathione IV Drips✅ Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more aesthetic education and real conversations on advanced skincare, cosmetic procedures, and wellness innovation.#Aesthetics #DermalFillers #Restylane #Juvederm #RHA4 #CheekFiller #EyelidLift #PlasmaSkinTightening #Microneedling #AntiAgingSkincare #IVTherapy #Glutathione #BeautyPodcast #SkincareTips #SkinTonicMedspa
Welcome to Beauty & The Brain, the podcast where medical aesthetics meets real business strategy. In this episode, Dr. Chris Croley and Nurse Practitioner Jerry Drinkard take you behind the scenes of their journey from humble beginnings—hosting Botox parties in Chicago—to running the successful Skin & Tonic MedSpa in Pace, Florida.💉 What You'll Learn in This Episode:- The biggest mistakes new injectors and medspa owners make (and how to avoid them)- Why strategic planning, profit margins, and overhead awareness are crucial to aesthetic success- The truth about new patient acquisition costs and marketing ROI- How to build your dream team and create lasting patient retention- The power of inclusivity, diversity, and patient trust in brand loyalty- Tips on revenue projections, business operations, and staying ahead of industry trendsWhether you're an aspiring injector, seasoned provider, or a beauty business entrepreneur, this episode is packed with actionable insights to grow and scale your aesthetic practice.🧠 Hot Topics Covered:- MedSpa startup tips - Aesthetic business growth strategies - Cost per acquisition in medical aesthetics - Importance of business education in injectables - How to convert consultations into treatments - The role of team culture and mission alignment - Navigating DEI and inclusivity in the beauty industry - Tools like HR compliance services for small practices👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment below with your questions or business challenges—we might feature them in a future episode!
In this special Q&A-style episode, Dr. Chris Croley and Nurse Practitioner Jerry Drinkard take your top aesthetic questions live on camera! From under-eye dark circles to turkey neck treatments, lip filler tips, and NAD therapy for depression, this episode is packed with expert insights and real solutions from seasoned professionals.💉 In this episode, we cover:Best treatments for under-eye bags and dark circles – including PRP, dermal fillers, and plasma energy devices like PLEXR and Neogen PSRSurgical and non-surgical options for turkey neck including PDO threads, Radiesse, CO₂ laser, and UltherapyThe difference between Sculptra vs. Radiesse for facial and body volume loss and collagen stimulationHow much lip filler is right for first-time patientsThe science behind NAD+ IV therapy and its benefits for depression, anti-aging, brain health, and mitochondrial supportWhether you're a provider looking for clinical pearls or a patient exploring cutting-edge aesthetic treatments, you’ll love the honest, informative, and engaging approach of this episode.Featured technologies & treatments:Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)PLEXR Plasma PenNeogen PSRNAD+ IV Drip TherapyDermal Fillers (Juvederm, Restylane, Radiesse, Sculptra)PDO ThreadsUltherapyCO₂ Laser📍Filmed at Skin & Tonic Medical Aesthetics in Pace, Florida🧠 Don’t forget to subscribe for weekly episodes on the science behind beauty, wellness, and medical aesthetics.#UnderEyeBags #LipFillerFirstTime #PRP #Radiesse #Sculptra #NADTherapy #AestheticMedicine #NeckLiftAlternatives #PLEXR #PlasmaPen #MedicalAesthetics #BeautyPodcast #SkinAndTonic #DrChrisCroley #JerryDrinkard #NeogenPSR #AntiAging #FacialRejuvenation #AestheticTraining
Welcome to the 100th episode of Beauty & The Brain – your go-to aesthetics and wellness podcast hosted by Dr. Chris Croley and NP Jerry Drinkard. In this milestone episode, we celebrate our journey to 100 episodes and take you behind the scenes of what it really takes to run a top med spa, film a successful podcast, and grow multiple businesses in the beauty and wellness industry.✨ Whether you're an aesthetic provider, medical spa owner, or a beauty enthusiast, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and real-talk on:✅ Building a successful aesthetic practice ✅ The business of beauty: growth strategies, hiring, scaling services ✅ Upcoming aesthetic trends: combination therapies, smooth PDO threads, sexual wellness treatments, and Sculptra for weight loss transformation ✅ Personal & professional growth goals in the aesthetics space ✅ Real-life lessons from 2024 and how we’re leveling up in 2025🎙️ Featuring: - Allie Ballew – Skin & Tonic injector & educator - Sierra – Producer & content queen - Danny – The man behind the camera - And a shoutout to Ruby, our overseas editing powerhouse!💡 Thinking about starting a med spa? Already in the game and want to grow? This is the podcast for you. 🧠 Empowering providers. Educating patients. Elevating aesthetics. 👉 Subscribe and hit the bell so you don’t miss the next 100 episodes!---🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES🌐 Learn more about Skin & Tonic: skinandtonic.pro ---#AestheticsPodcast #MedSpaBusiness #SkinAndTonic #BeautyAndTheBrain #MedicalAesthetics #Sculptra #SexualWellness #PDOThreads #AestheticInjector #EmpireMedicalTraining #WomenInAesthetics #NPJerryDrinkard #DrChrisCroley
Ever wondered how forehead filler, temple filler, and Botox can completely transform your look? In this episode of Beauty & The Brain, Dr. Chris Croley, NP Jerry Drinkard, and NP Allie Ballew dive deep into forehead aesthetics, masculinization vs. feminization, and the latest innovations in injectable treatments.🔍 Topics Covered:✔️ Why forehead and temple fillers are gaining popularity✔️ Differences between male vs. female forehead structures✔️ Risks and safety concerns of forehead injections (including blindness risk!)✔️ How Botox, fillers, Sculptra, and energy-based devices can enhance the forehead✔️ The role of PDO threads, ultrasound, and Neogen PSR in forehead rejuvenation✔️ How the biggest aesthetic brands influence treatment trends👀 Watch Now to see exclusive before-and-after images that highlight how small changes to the forehead and temples can create dramatic results!💬 What do YOU think? Have you considered forehead filler or temple enhancement? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!📌 Follow Us:📺 Subscribe to Beauty & The Brain Podcast for more aesthetic industry insights🔔 Don’t forget to hit the LIKE & SUBSCRIBE button for more cutting-edge beauty & wellness content!
Welcome back to Beauty & the Brain! Join Dr. Chris Croley and Nurse Practitioner Jerry Drinkard as they explore the growing trend of male aesthetics and what men are really looking for in med spas today.From facial enhancements like defined jawlines and chins to sexual wellness procedures, we're diving deep into the world of Brotox, Grotox, and more! Learn how aesthetic treatments are evolving to cater to men's unique needs, helping them achieve a masculine and natural look.In this episode, we discuss:The increasing demand for male aesthetic treatmentsPopular procedures like Botox for men (Brotox), dermal fillers, and laser hair removalNon-surgical options for facial contouring and achieving a stronger jawlineSexual health and sexual aesthetics for men:Performance P-Wave: Our signature treatment for improved functionGrotox: Relaxing the penis for a more relaxed hangP-Shot: Using PRP injections for enhanced performanceHoletoxPenis Filler: Increasing girth and correcting deviationsBody sculpting options like PCDC (Kybella) for spot fat reduction and pec enhancements with fillersPlus, we'll share our experiences from Skin & Tonic Med Spa, comparing trends from Chicago to Florida and discussing how male aesthetics is becoming more destigmatized.Whether you're a consumer or a provider, this episode is packed with insights into the exciting world of male beauty and wellness.Don't forget to:Subscribe to Beauty and the Brain for more cutting-edge insights!Like this video if you found it informative!Comment below with your thoughts on male aesthetics!Find us at Skin & Tonic Med Spa in North Florida!
In this episode of Beauty & the Brain, Dr. Chris Croley and Nurse Practitioners Jerry Drinkard & Allie Ballew tackle an important topic: Transgender Care in Medical Aesthetics.Learn about gender-affirming treatments like injectables (Botox, fillers), laser hair removal, and more, and how they can help individuals achieve their aesthetic goals. We discuss facial feminization, facial masculinization, and the importance of understanding individual needs.Discover how Skin & Tonic provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for all!#TransgenderCare #MedicalAesthetics #GenderAffirmingCare #FacialFeminization #FacialMasculinization #Injectables #LaserHairRemoval #MedSpa #Inclusivity #BeautyPodcast #Skinatonic #LGBTQ+Healthcare #NonSurgicalBodyContouring
Join Dr. Chris Croley and Nurse Practitioner Jerry Drinkard on as they welcome June Gordon from Plasmatology Group in Canada! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of plasma technology and explore the amazing benefits of the PLEXR and NeoGen devices for non-surgical skin tightening and facial rejuvenation.Discover:The key differences between Plexr and Neogen and how they target different layers of the skin.How Plexr effectively addresses epidermal laxity and loose skin, offering a non-surgical blepharoplasty alternative.The power of Neogen in creating "building blocks" for skin, stimulating collagen III production for volumizing and anti-aging effects.Collagen III vs. Collagen I: Understand the science behind volumizing collagen and its impact on skin texture.How to combine Plexr and Neogen treatments for optimal results, addressing both superficial laxity and deeper dermal concerns.June's expert insights on using Plexr for non-surgical eye lift procedures and treating delicate areas.The versatility of Neogen for full-body skin resurfacing, sun damage correction, and acne scar treatment.A comparison of plasma devices vs lasers and why plasma is becoming the go-to for many practitioners.Real experiences and insights from the hosts on integrating plasma devices into their daily practice.Whether you're a seasoned aesthetic provider or a curious consumer, this episode is packed with valuable information on the latest advancements in skincare technology. Learn how to achieve natural-looking results with minimal downtime using plasma skin tightening techniques.Plus:Hear about the innovative gel protocol for Neogen treatments, offering a virtually painless experience with zero numbing!Discover the underestimated power of the Plexr shower for overall skin rejuvenation.Learn how plasma treatments can enhance the results of injectables like fillers and Sculptra.Don't miss this in-depth discussion on plasma skin resurfacing and how to choose the right device for your specific needs!