Beauty Bytes with Dr. Kay: Secrets of a Plastic Surgeon™

40 Episodes
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By: Kay Durairaj, MD, FACS @beautybydrkay

Hyperpigmentation: Best Practices for Best Skin
#762
Last Saturday at 12:18 AM

Struggling with stubborn dark spots or uneven skin tone? You’re not alone. This week on Five Minute Friday, I’m talking all about hyperpigmentation; what causes it (think sun, hormones, breakouts, or even skin trauma) and what actually works to fade it. 🌞✨ From daily sunscreen and calming treatments to powerhouse ingredients like vitamin C, kojic acid, and niacinamide, I’ll share my favorite ways to brighten and protect your skin. If you’re ready for a smoother, more radiant glow, this episode is for you!


Circadian Secrets: Sunlight, Skin & Longevity with Zaid Dahhaj
#761
09/09/2025

On this episode of Beauty Bytes with Dr. Kay: Secrets of a Plastic Surgeon, I’m joined by Zaid K. Dahhaj, circadian biology coach, writer, and co-founder of The 2AM Podcast. After losing his father to heart disease, Zaid dedicated his work to helping others live healthier and longer by aligning with the body’s natural rhythms. We talk about how to optimize your circadian rhythm for better energy and longevity, why your body needs to modulate with the sun, the importance of sun protection in lowering cancer risk, and Zaid’s hot takes on circadian biology. If you’ve ever won...


Being Fall Forward: Boost Your Immune System, Boost Your Glow
#760
09/05/2025

On Today's Five Minute Friday, listen to why it's key to think of how well you support your immune as part of your beauty plan! A weak immune system works against your treatments- causing more swelling, slower recovery, and less collagen response. A strong immune system works with your treatments meaning it will amplify results, shorten downtime, and keep your skin vibrant and youthful. Your immune system is your best beauty ally so let’s make sure it’s ready to help you glow this season and beyond. 



From OR to On-Screen: Dr. Tiffany Moon’s Journey Through Medicine & Media
#759
09/02/2025

In this episode of Beauty Bytes with Dr. Kay: Secrets of a Plastic Surgeon, I sit down with Dr. Tiffany Moon, an accomplished anesthesiologist, entrepreneur, and TV personality. We talk about her journey from the operating room to the spotlight during COVID, and how she’s grown multiple businesses while balancing motherhood and family life. Tiffany shares her experience navigating media, medicine, and entrepreneurship with honesty and humor, offering insights into resilience, reinvention, and what it takes to thrive in different arenas.


Summer Skin Recovery: Repairing Your Barrier for Fall
#758
08/29/2025

Summer heat takes a toll on your skin. In this week’s podcast, we’re talking dryness, irritation, and the breakdown of your lipid barrier. This natural barrier is your shield against environmental stressors, and when it’s disrupted, inflammation follows. As the season shifts, it’s the perfect time to repair and restore. We’ll cover why ceramide-rich moisturizers matter, how hydrating soaks help replenish, and why it’s smart to ease up on exfoliation. Plus, we share tips on diet, recovery treatments, and why end-of-summer peels set you up for glowing, resilient skin heading into fall.


Best Solutions for Aging Hair & Hair Loss with Jess Hallock
#757
08/29/2025

Hair extensions, thinning, and toppers- what’s the best option when navigating hair aging and hair loss? Jess Hallock is a nationally recognized hair expert and salon owner known for her artistry with extensions, toppers, and advanced hair solutions. As the founder of a premier 6,000 sq. ft. salon in Gilbert, Arizona, she leads a team dedicated to helping women achieve natural, confidence-boosting transformations. With more than a decade of experience, Jess has become a go-to resource for women navigating hair thinning, styling challenges, and the desire for fuller, healthier hair. 


Best Solutions for Aging Hair & Hair Loss with Jess Hallock
#761
08/26/2025

Hair extensions, thinning, and toppers- what's the best option when navigating hair aging and hair loss? Jess Hallock is a nationally recognized hair expert and salon owner known for her artistry with extensions, toppers, and advanced hair solutions. As the founder of a premier 6,000 sq. ft. salon in Gilbert, Arizona, she leads a team dedicated to helping women achieve natural, confidence-boosting transformations. With more than a decade of experience, Jess has become a go-to resource for women navigating hair thinning, styling challenges, and the desire for fuller, healthier hair. 


The Key to Anti-Aging & Wellness: Glutathione
#756
08/22/2025

When it comes to protecting your body from aging and stress, glutathione deserves the spotlight; in today's Five Minute Friday- we breakdown exactly why we love glutathione! This antioxidant is produced naturally from amino acids and acts as your internal shield against free radicals and toxins. It doesn’t just fight oxidative stress—it also helps recycle other antioxidants, keeping your defense system running smoothly.

Levels of glutathione drop with age, stress, and illness, which is why it’s smart to support production every day. You can do this with simple changes: load up on cruciferous vegetables, add garlic...


The Future of Skin: Sophie Bai on Making Aging Optional
#755
08/20/2025

What if aging wasn’t inevitable? In this episode, I sit down with Sophie Bai, a visionary scientist and entrepreneur at the cutting edge of skin longevity. We dive into the latest breakthroughs in skin science, molecular biology, and biohacking beauty—and ask the bold question: is aging optional? From targeting the root causes of cellular decline to rethinking how we define beauty over time, Sophie shares her mission to develop science-backed solutions that slow, and even reverse, visible signs of aging. If you’ve ever wondered about the future of skin health and how innovation is reshaping the way we age...


Sunburn Summer Secrets
#754
08/16/2025

Peeling skin, redness, and pain - are you experiencing these symptoms after your relaxing summer vacay? You probably have sunburn! Sunburns develop as a result of being exposed to the ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted by the sun or artificial UV light sources. It's important to note that sunburns can contribute to premature aging of the skin and increase the risk of developing skin cancer. Taking proactive measures to protect your skin can help reduce the chances of getting sunburnt. Aloe Vera, for instance, is a great way to alleviate a sunburn. Tune into my Five Minutes Friday to learn some...


Beauty at Any Age: Confidence Secrets with Sonia Ramos
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08/12/2025

In this episode, I sit down with the inspiring Sonia Ramos- makeup artist, content creator, and advocate for ageless beauty — to talk about confidence, self-expression, and breaking outdated beauty standards. We dive into her journey as a creator, how she empowers women to embrace their natural features, and her go-to tips for enhancing beauty at any age. It’s an uplifting conversation that reminds us all that confidence is the most beautiful thing you can wear.


Hair Loss Awareness Month: Expert Guide to Hair Wellness with Dr. Bauman
#752
08/08/2025

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!


Retinol Alternatives Your Skin Will Love
#752
08/08/2025

Wrinkles, fine lines, and gentle anti-aging-This Five Minute Friday, we're discussing one of my favorite products, Retinol! We know the magical abilities Retinol has by minimizing and improving texture lines, but sometimes Retinol can be a little harsh on the skin. I'm here to bring you up to speed on some less irritating alternatives. Stay tuned to learn more.


Long COVID, Gut Health, and Longevity with Dr. Robin Rose
#751
08/05/2025

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...


Facial Balancing & Collagen Stimulators: Build Beauty That Lasts
#750
08/01/2025

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.


Ozempic Face: What It Is, Why It Happens, and What You Can Do About It
#749
07/26/2025

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 fe


Building Your Unicorn Team & Mastering Leadership Energy with Jen Kim
#748
07/22/2025

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 po...


Protein Power: Animal vs Plant-Based
#747
07/18/2025

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 yo...


Navigating Perimenopause & Menopause with Midi Health Experts
#746
07/15/2025

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 is...


Khloé Kardashian, Cosmetic Work & The Beauty Standard
#745
07/12/2025

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 y...


Consciousness, Energy Healing, and the Biofield with Dr. Jason Yuan
#744
07/09/2025

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...


Five Minute Friday: Simplify Your Summer Beauty Routine!
#743
07/04/2025

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...


Demystifying EMFs and Protecting Your Health with The EMF Guy
#742
07/01/2025

This episode of Beauty Bytes with Dr. K features Nicholas Pineault, also known as "The EMF Guy," a best-selling author and investigative health journalist. Nicholas dives deep into the often-controversial topic of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and their impact on our health, from smartphones and Wi-Fi routers to Bluetooth devices.

Learn about the science behind wireless radiation and its potential links to various health concerns, including certain tumors, hormonal disruption, impaired fertility, and disrupted sleep. Nicholas highlights why current safety limits, especially in North America, may not adequately protect us and offers practical, actionable solutions to mitigate your daily...


The Science Behind Sweating
#741
06/27/2025

In this episode, we dive into the science of sweating and how it supports longevity. From detoxification to improved cardiovascular health, we'll explore its powerful benefits. You'll learn how sweating stimulates heat shock proteins, boosts circulation, and enhances cellular repair. Tune in to learn more!


Midlife Power: Reclaiming Your Vitality & Body with Natalie Jill
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06/24/2025

Join Dr. Kay on this inspiring episode as she sits down with Natalie Jill, a renowned midlife fat loss expert and host of "Midlife Conversations." Natalie revolutionizes how women approach health optimization and aging, challenging the cultural stigmas around midlife. She shares empowering strategies to shift your mindset, overcome "aging sucks" beliefs, and become your own health detective.

Discover Natalie's non-negotiables for nutrition, her unique approach to fat loss versus weight loss, and why building muscle is crucial at every age. She also touches on the role of hormones and shares simple, free biohacks for daily well-being. This...


Filtered Reality: Kris Jenner’s Facelift and the Truth Behind the Screen
#739
06/21/2025

We’re diving into Kris Jenner’s recent facelift reveal, and why her transparency is both refreshing and complicated. While we applaud her openness about getting work done, we also need to talk about the ongoing use of filters, Facetune, and digital tweaks that still distort what we see online. It’s a reminder that even when celebrities are honest about procedures, what they post is still far from unfiltered reality. In this episode, we open up the conversation about comparison culture, digital beauty standards, and the impact this has on everyday women. Are we chasing real results or filtered fantas...


Unlocking the Science of Gray Hair with Arey
#738
06/17/2025

This episode of Beauty Bytes with Dr. Kay dives into the groundbreaking science behind aging hair with Alison Conrad and Jay Small, co-founders of Arey. Discover their proactive approach to combating gray hair, which goes beyond genetics to address nutritional deficiencies, oxidative stress, and lifestyle factors.

Allison and Jay unveil Arey's unique "inside-out and outside-in" system, featuring supplements and topical solutions designed to promote hair longevity and repigmentation. Learn about their impressive clinical study results showing significant reduction in gray hair. The founders also debunk common hair myths, discuss the impact of hair dye, and share their vision...


The Truth About Testosterone for Women
#737
06/14/2025

We’re diving into the powerful yet often overlooked role of testosterone in women’s health. While commonly associated with men, testosterone is essential for women too, impacting energy, mood, libido, muscle tone, and even cognitive function. Dr. Kay unpacks how testosterone levels shift with age, stress, and hormonal changes, and why optimizing it can be a game-changer for longevity and vitality. Tune in for a fresh perspective on this misunderstood hormone.


The Science of Light & Your Health with Matt Maruca
#736
06/10/2025

This episode of Beauty Bytes with Dr. K, Secrets of a Plastic Surgeon, explores the profound impact of light on your health. Dr. Kay welcomes her good friend, Matt Maruca, founder and CEO of Ra Optics, a company dedicated to the essential role light plays in well-being.

In this episode, Matt shares his groundbreaking philosophy on light, challenging conventional wisdom and revealing how strategically timed exposure to natural light can profoundly impact your well-being. Discover the core principles of his "light diet," and how optimizing your circadian rhythm through morning, midday, and evening sunlight can boost mitochondrial health...


Boosting NAD for Energy & Longevity
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06/06/2025

 In this Five-Minute Friday, Dr. Kay dives into the trending world of NAD (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) and its powerful role in boosting your energy, metabolism, and overall cellular longevity. Learn about the various forms of NAD supplementation, from oral precursors like niacinamide for daily support and sublingual for quick boosts, to IV infusions for deep repletion. Dr. Kay also explores targeted delivery methods like intranasal NAD for brain support and intramuscular injections for accelerated recovery. Discover how optimizing your NAD levels can combat age-related fatigue and support healthy aging from within. 


Exosome Revolution: Understanding Quality, Bioactivity, and Red Flags
#734
06/03/2025

In this insightful episode of Beauty Bytes with Dr. Kay, we cut through the exosome hype! Join Dr. Kay as she interviews experts Erin Crowley, a global leader in regenerative Biotherapeutics and Co-chair of the Exosome Exact Oversight Bureau, and Dr. Michael Heke, a seasoned stem cell researcher. Together, they expose the critical red flags and safety issues surrounding exosomes in the aesthetics market, empowering you to discern true science from misleading claims.

Discover what exosomes really are – tiny nano-bubbles secreted by stem cells, packed with rejuvenating ingredients. Learn why the source of these stem cells, particularly age-zero Wh...


Top 5 Ways to Prevent Bloating this Summer
#733
05/30/2025

Bloating, GI Tract, Mindful Eating, FODMAP Diet - Join us in this week's Five Minute Friday where I address the common issue of summer bloating and how it can interfere with achieving your ideal summer body. We'll talk about how bloating is more than just a feeling of fullness, but a feeling that can lead to discomfort, pain, and even some embarrassing symptoms. Tune in to learn more!


The Power of the Pink Pill: Cindy Eckert on Creating Addyi
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05/28/2025

In this episode, we sit down with Cindy Eckert — the trailblazing founder behind Addyi, the first FDA-approved pill for women’s low sexual desire. Cindy shares the raw, behind-the-scenes story of what it took to bring female sexual wellness to the forefront of medicine and culture. From navigating regulatory roadblocks to challenging deep-rooted stigmas, she opens up about the fight to get women’s desire taken seriously. We dive into the gender gap in healthcare, why sex is still a taboo topic for women, and how Addyi became more than just a pill — it became a movement. Stay tuned to learn mo...


Ketones: Balancing Hormones, Brainpower & Beauty
#731
05/24/2025

We’re diving deep into a misunderstood molecule: ketones. Often associated with strict keto diets, ketones are actually a powerful ally for women’s health at every stage of life. From stabilizing mood swings during PMS to enhancing mental clarity through perimenopause, learn how ketones can support hormonal balance, energy, and brain function. We break down the science, bust common myths, and share practical ways to incorporate ketones into your wellness routine without overhauling your diet. Stay tuned for more!


Unlock Financial Freedom & Leverage: The 18 Laws of Passive Income with Nate Hambrick
#730
05/20/2025

On this episode of Beauty Bites with Dr. Kay, we explore a different kind of beauty: financial freedom and leverage for working women and entrepreneurs. Dr. Kay interviews Nate Hambrick, author of "The 18 Laws of Leverage" and "Crush Your Kryptonite," on how to master building passive income.

Nate shares powerful strategies to stop trading time for money, including using other people's time through outsourcing and automating tasks to free up bandwidth. Learn how to identify and crush personal "kryptonites" like decision fatigue and procrastination. Discover how to invest in passive income streams like syndicated real estate to achieve...


The Science Behind Creatine for Longevity
#729
05/16/2025

We dive into the science-backed benefits of creatine beyond muscle growth. Learn how this naturally occurring compound supports brain health, boosts energy, and may even slow age-related muscle loss. Tune in to hear why creatine deserves a spot in your wellness routine and how just 3–5 grams a day could make a big difference.


Exosomes, Longevity & The XPRIZE: With Kimera CEO Duncan Ross
#728
05/13/2025

Join Dr. Kay for an exciting discussion with Duncan Ross, CEO and founder of Kimera! We're exploring the cutting edge of regenerative medicine and the science behind high-quality exosomes. Duncan shares insights on Kimera's focus on purity and safety, setting them apart in the field. Plus, get the exclusive news: Kimera is a semi-finalist in the prestigious Longevity XPRIZE! Tune in to learn how exosomes are poised to revolutionize not just aesthetics, but the future of aging and regeneration.

Discover more about Kimera at https://www.kimeralabs.com

Don't miss this look into the future of...


Hot Moms Have Me Time
#727
05/09/2025

Being a mom doesn’t mean putting your self-care on pause. In this episode, we’re diving into the best beauty and wellness treatments tailored for every kind of mom—from first-timers to boss babes. Learn how Skinvive, baby Botox, microneedling, IV therapy, and more can help busy moms look refreshed, radiant, and confident without missing a beat. Whether you’re running a household or a company, there’s a perfect self-care moment just for you. 


Red Light, Real Results with Revian
#726
05/07/2025

In this episode, we’re joined by Amy Keish and John Oakley from Revian, a groundbreaking company transforming hair restoration through science-backed, LED light therapy. We dive into how their wearable hair cap device is helping patients combat hair loss and those experiencing androgenetic alopecia with clinically proven results. Amy and John also break down what consumers should look for when choosing red light therapy, sharing insights on the clinical research behind their innovation, and what sets it apart in a crowded market. Whether you're experiencing thinning hair or just curious about the future of regenerative treatments, this episode is a...


Travel Smarter: The Science Behind Beating Jet Lag
#725
05/03/2025

In this episode, we’re diving into the science—and strategy—of avoiding jet lag so you can feel your best no matter where you land. From pre-flight prep to in-flight routines and post-landing recovery, we’re sharing practical tips that actually work. Whether you're a frequent flyer or planning a big trip, learn how to sync your circadian rhythm and stay energized across time zones. Stay tuned to learn more!