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Fat Mascara: the hidden dangers of the Med Spa Industry

Medspa Mayhem

Release Date: 03/05/2025

John Oliver, Salmon Jizz, and the Science behind Salmon Sperm show art John Oliver, Salmon Jizz, and the Science behind Salmon Sperm

Medspa Mayhem

In this episode of MedSpa Mayhem, host Dr. Kate Dee dives into the controversial yet intriguing world of salmon sperm in aesthetics with guest Dr. Flora Waples. They discuss the science behind using DNA fragments from salmon sperm for skin regeneration, dissecting its safety and efficacy. The conversation also covers distinguishing legitimate treatments from dubious practices in the med spa industry and emphasizes the importance of regulatory standards and scientific inquiry in aesthetic medicine. Why Salmon Jizz? Watch Last Week Tonight with John Oliver:   Reach out to Dr. Dee Email Dr....

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The Wild World of Lasers with Raechel Lowe Jaap show art The Wild World of Lasers with Raechel Lowe Jaap

Medspa Mayhem

Laser Craziness with Dr. Kate Dee and Rachel Lowe Jap   In this episode of MedSpa Mayhem, host Dr. Kate Dee sits down with Rachel Lowe Jap, a laser expert with extensive experience in the medical aesthetics industry. The conversation covers Rachel's journey from aesthetician to laser tech and nurse, delving into her early inspirations and career milestones. They discuss the nuances of laser treatments, the importance of proper training, and the varying legal landscapes surrounding medical aesthetics across different states. Rachel shares some harrowing experiences from her career,...

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Skincare & Peels with Dr. Jennifer Linder show art Skincare & Peels with Dr. Jennifer Linder

Medspa Mayhem

In this conversation, Dr. Kate Dee speaks with Dr. Jennifer Linder, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of PCA Skin and Linder Health, about the importance of skincare, the science behind effective products, and the journey of creating innovative skincare solutions. They discuss the significance of medical-grade skincare, the role of active ingredients, and the necessity of a proper skincare routine. The conversation highlights the ongoing innovations in the skincare industry and the importance of professional treatments for optimal skin health. In this conversation, Dr. Kate Dee and...

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Exosomes and Stem Cells with Dr. Judy Rubin show art Exosomes and Stem Cells with Dr. Judy Rubin

Medspa Mayhem

In this episode of MedSpa Mayhem, hosted by Dr. Kate Dee, the focus is on the use of exosomes and stem cells in medical aesthetics. Dr. Dee talks to Judy Rubin, an internal medicine doctor with extensive experience in aesthetics, about how exosomes can aid in cell-to-cell communication, particularly in joint and systemic treatments. The discussion covers what exosomes are, their applications, and the importance of using high-quality sources. Rubin shares her personal experience with stem cell treatment for her meniscal tear, highlighting the benefits she noticed within five weeks. The...

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Direct Primary Care and Women's Health & Hormones with Dr. Stefie Deeds show art Direct Primary Care and Women's Health & Hormones with Dr. Stefie Deeds

Medspa Mayhem

In this episode of MedSpa Mayhem, Dr. Kate Dee discusses the advantages of direct primary care with guest Dr. Steffie Deeds, an internal medicine physician and founder of her own direct care practice. The conversation covers the broken traditional insurance-based healthcare system, the benefits of direct primary care for both physicians and patients, and the practical implementation of this model. Dr. Deeds explains the difference between having insurance and receiving actual care. The episode also delves into women's health issues, particularly around hormones and menopause, debunking myths...

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Inside the Wild West of Med Spas: Neurotoxins, Lasers, and Legal Chaos with Amanda Lemmage show art Inside the Wild West of Med Spas: Neurotoxins, Lasers, and Legal Chaos with Amanda Lemmage

Medspa Mayhem

In this episode of MedSpa Mayhem, host Dr. Kate Dee interviews Amanda Lemmage, owner of Skingevity Med Spa. They discuss their preferences for different FDA-approved neurotoxins like Dysport and Botox, detailing the pros and cons of each. They then delve into their favorite laser and RF microneedling treatments, highlighting the superior technologies from Korea and the importance of avoiding high-risk treatments like CO2 lasers. Lastly, they touch upon the confusing and inconsistent legal landscape governing med spas, emphasizing the necessity of medical directors and ethical practices. Dr....

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Inside Medspa Marketing: Tactics, Strategies, and Industry Insights with Middle Way Marketing show art Inside Medspa Marketing: Tactics, Strategies, and Industry Insights with Middle Way Marketing

Medspa Mayhem

In this episode, Dr. Kate Dee interviews Brett Chikowski (COO) and Connor O'Rourke (CEO), co-founders of the med spa marketing firm Middle Way Marketing. They discuss their backgrounds, how they met, and the inception of their company. The conversation delves into effective marketing tactics for med spas, including foundational digital strategies, the importance of high-quality content, and the significance of a well-trained staff. They also compare the effectiveness of Google ads versus social media ads, highlight common pitfalls in the industry, such as leased websites, and share their...

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What’s next after weight Loss with GLP-1’s? show art What’s next after weight Loss with GLP-1’s?

Medspa Mayhem

In this episode of MedSpa Mayhem, Dr. Kate Dee discusses the intricacies of weight loss using GLP-1 agonists with naturopathic doctor Ashley Millhiser. They delve into the importance of complete body optimization, the benefits and pitfalls of GLP-1 drugs, and strategies for sustainable weight loss. Key topics include the significance of monitoring fat loss over weight loss, individualized patient care, and supplemental treatments such as strength training and advanced muscle-building devices like Emsculpt Neo. Both experts emphasize the necessity of working with knowledgeable providers to...

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Liposuction and Weight Loss with Dr. Giselle Prado-Wright show art Liposuction and Weight Loss with Dr. Giselle Prado-Wright

Medspa Mayhem

In this episode of MedSpa Mayhem, Dr. Kate Dee interviews Dr. Giselle Prado Wright, founder of Exert Body Sculpt in Florida, to discuss the intricacies of liposuction and weight loss. Dr. Wright shares her unique journey from aspiring dermatologist to liposuction specialist, emphasizing the importance of resilience and mentorship in the medical field. The conversation covers various aspects of liposuction, including patient candidacy, procedural details, post-operative care, and the impact of weight loss medications like GLP-1 agonists. Dr. Wright also highlights the common complications...

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Fat Mascara: the hidden dangers of the Med Spa Industry show art Fat Mascara: the hidden dangers of the Med Spa Industry

Medspa Mayhem

In this special bonus episode of Med Spa Mayhem on the Fat Mascara Podcast, Dr. Kate Dee discusses her journey from diagnostic radiology to owning a med spa after a successful career in breast cancer imaging. Co-hosted with Jen Sullivan, the episode dives deep into the legal and safety challenges within the med spa industry, including the frequent headline-making abuses like counterfeit Botox and illegal practices. Dr. Dee provides critical advice on how to find reputable and legal med spas, the importance of good faith exams, red flags to watch out for, and the potential dangers of common...

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More Episodes

In this special bonus episode of Med Spa Mayhem on the Fat Mascara Podcast, Dr. Kate Dee discusses her journey from diagnostic radiology to owning a med spa after a successful career in breast cancer imaging. Co-hosted with Jen Sullivan, the episode dives deep into the legal and safety challenges within the med spa industry, including the frequent headline-making abuses like counterfeit Botox and illegal practices. Dr. Dee provides critical advice on how to find reputable and legal med spas, the importance of good faith exams, red flags to watch out for, and the potential dangers of common procedures like fillers and laser hair removal. Listeners also get a sneak peek into Dr. Dee's vision for a national nonprofit organization to certify med spas for legality and safety, aiming to protect consumers better.

 

Reach out to Dr. Dee

Email Dr. Kate Dee at [email protected]

Check out the Medspa Mayhem website for

  • More about Dr. Dee

  • Upcoming appearances

  • Links to buy the book on Bookshop, B&N, Amazon

  • Press and Podcast info

Glow Medispa in Seattle, WA

Purchase Medspa Mayhem on Amazon

 

Visit the Fat Mascara Podcast

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Lack of Med Spa Regulations: Unlike salons, med spas are not routinely inspected or licensed by a governing body, creating a gray area in oversight.

  • Legal Gray Areas & Violations: Many med spas operate illegally, with nurses practicing independently without a doctor’s supervision, despite laws prohibiting this in most states.

  • Minimal Consequences for Violators: Even when caught ordering counterfeit products or practicing without a license, offenders often face little to no legal repercussions.

  • No National Accreditation: There is no national organization certifying med spas for safety and legality, but Dr. Dee is working to create one.

  • Consumer Responsibility: Patients must research providers, verify credentials, and ensure they receive a proper medical evaluation before undergoing treatments.

  • Rise of Counterfeit Products: Fake Botox and fillers are widely used due to lax enforcement, leading to serious health risks.

  • Turf Battles in the Industry: Dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and non-core doctors often dispute who should be allowed to practice aesthetic medicine.

  • The “Good Faith Exam” Requirement: Before treatment, a patient should be examined by a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant, but this often doesn’t happen in med spas.

  • Dr. Dee’s Mission: Through her book Med Spa Mayhem and efforts with the American Med Spa Association, she aims to raise awareness and push for better regulation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Announcement

00:43 Med Spa Industry Issues

01:36 Meet Dr. Kate Dee

03:40 Dr. Dee's Journey to Aesthetic Medicine

07:44 Legal and Regulatory Challenges in Med Spas

15:28 Finding a Reputable Aesthetic Provider

36:14 Choosing the Right Med Spa

36:44 Identifying Red Flags

38:51 The Importance of a Good Faith Exam

45:46 The Role of Reviews and Ratings

48:04 Avoiding Counterfeit Products

54:32 The Med Spa Certification Initiative

59:45 Fun and Personal Insights with Dr. Dee

01:02:44 Conclusion and Listener Engagement