Inside Aesthetics

How do you know if a skincare product actually works?

Dr Geoffrey Heber is a Sydney-based doctor and founder of Ultraceuticals, the Australian cosmeceutical skincare brand. He was one of the early pioneers of cosmetic medicine in Australia, starting with lasers, peels and collagen injections.

He shares why he built a professional-only skincare brand with its own lab and chemists, how a product goes from idea to market, and his views on PDRN, K-beauty, protecting partner clinics from online competition and what skin can add to clinic revenue.

This episode was made in...

Would you spot it if your accountant got your numbers wrong? Do you get FOMO when new toxins, fillers or other products launch?

Get clinical and business education, practical tools and access to all of our WhatsApp chats with a 14-day free trial subscription to our IA Community app: https://www.insideaesthetics.com/app.html?ep=371

Dr Jake Sloane and David Segal tackle some common themes and questions that keep coming up in their work. Hear how a doctor's accounts revealed GST (Australia's goods and services tax) missing from his treatment pricing and accounts left...

Episode 370 showcases our hosts Dr Jake Sloane & David Segal.

In our 'What's trending in Aesthetics?' episodes we discuss popular topics doing the rounds on social media, issues being debated in injector forums or items showcased on the news. We'll cover controversies, big stories and themes that have got injectors and our industry talking.


In Chapter 20 we delve into:

A serious complication following periorbital filler in a 26-year-old woman - rupture of the globe of the eye.

An alleged firebombing at a cosmetic clinic in Bundoora, Melbourne - and the importance of...

Episode 369 hosts Nicky Tzimas (Nurse Practitioner from Melbourne, Australia)

In this episode we learn about Nicky's unprecedented battle towards achieving Nurse Practitioner (NP) endorsement in aesthetic medicine. 

With more than 35 years in nursing and 18 years in aesthetics, Nicky shares the struggles she faced when the Nursing & Midwifery Board refused to accept that an aesthetics background was suitable for a NP endorsement. Nicky challenged this decision at a tribunal and won, seemingly now establishing a pathway for more Nurse Practitioners to graduate within the aesthetics field.

00:00 Introduction
00:41 IA Community App Update
02:09 Meet O...

Episode 368 hosts Rick O'Neill (Digital Marketing Expert from Brighton, UK)

In this episode, we welcome back Rick to unpack how AI is changing the rules of digital marketing and SEO. We discuss Google's AI-driven search, declining website traffic, and why clinics need to think beyond traditional online practices. Rick explains why authoritative, original content, strong reviews, local profiles and third-party mentions still matter when it comes to being recommended by AI.

We also explore what happens when patients start using LLM's like ChatGPT or Claude for healthcare advice - and how wrong this can be...

Episode 367 showcases our hosts Dr Jake Sloane & David Segal.

In this episode, we dive into how clinics can build a strong brand and create lasting patient loyalty in an increasingly competitive aesthetics industry. We discuss why injectors and clinics should move beyond competing on products, units and price, and instead focus on the skills, outcomes and experience that they provide.

We explore the importance of defining your patient avatar, understanding your patients journey, building trust through every touchpoint, and creating education-led content rather than relying on product-focused marketing. We also share practical ways to improve...

Episode 366 hosts Lisa Price (Founder and Director of Jade Cosmetic Clinic)

In 'The Business of Injecting' episodes we host injectors and clinic owners to discuss all aspects of the business side of their clinic. We analyse their financial struggles and challenges, difficult decisions, friction points, staffing, hiring, firing and other topics relevant for aesthetic business owners.

In Chapter 24 we discuss Lisa's 21-year journey building Jade Cosmetic Clinic. We learn how she moved into aesthetics after a career in midwifery to opening her first clinic in Cairns - then eventually expanding to two and then three...

Episode 365 hosts Dr Steven Harris (Cosmetic Physician from London, UK)

In this episode, we discuss the growing use of the term "regenerative aesthetics" and what regeneration actually means from a scientific perspective. Steven challenges the terms "collagen stimulation", "biostimulation" and the claims made about common treatments including polynucleotides and exosomes. 

We also discuss industry hype, conference sponsorship, his concept of "collective drift", the importance of independent research, accurate before-and-after photography and what better research should look like.

00:00 Introduction
01:17 Meet Our Special Guest: Dr Steven Harris
04:56 Conference Sponsorship Debate
08:59 Defining Regenerative M...

Episode 364 showcases our hosts Dr Jake Sloane & David Segal.

In our 'What's trending in Aesthetics?' episodes we discuss popular topics doing the rounds on social media, issues being debated in injector forums or items showcased on the news. We'll cover controversies, big stories and themes that have got injectors and our industry talking.



In Chapter 19 we delve into five topics:

Episode 363 showcases our hosts Dr Jake Sloane & David Segal.

In this episode, we dive into the business side of the consultation and why communication, rapport and trust are such a big part of what we do in aesthetic practice.

We talk about some of the practical ways we build rapport with patients, adapting our communication to different personalities, and understanding the different "currencies of trust" that influence how patients make decisions. We get into:

Episode 362 hosts Dr Eunice Park (Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon and founder of AIREM, USA) & Sun Lee (CEO of Vera, USA) 

In this episode we do a deep dive into "K-Beauty". We first unpack the concept of "Gwallee" - the Korean philosophy and priniciple of self-nuturing and learn about the cultural pressures behind Korea's beauty standards. We then try to get to the bottom of what K-Beauty actually is, distinguishing simple skincare trends and contrast these with "clinical K-Beauty" - built around strategic business principles, sequenced in-clinic protocols and continual device innovation.

Episode 361 hosts Dr Alexandra Curran (Aesthetic Medicine Doctor and co-founder of Bespoke Longevity & Aesthetic Medicine, Australia) 

Alex shares her journey from hospital to aesthetic medicine and the launch of her clinic in 2024. We explore what longevity medicine actually means and what services her clinic offers. We discuss the roles of advanced screening, imaging, blood testing, strength, mobility and cognitive assessments for diagnostic purposes and how these are interpreted to create personalised treatment plans for patients. 

We also ask about the evidence for some of the services provided, the impact of finding 'incidentalomas' in patients and de...

Episode 360 hosts Rachel Jarrell ('Ms Glowtox', Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner, co-founder of The Facial Refinery, USA)

Rachel joins us in the 34th 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.

Episode 359 showcases our hosts Dr Jake Sloane & David Segal.

In our 'What's trending in Aesthetics?' episodes we discuss popular topics doing the rounds on social media, issues being debated in injector forums or items showcased on the news. We'll cover controversies, big stories and themes that have got injectors and our industry talking.



In Chapter 18 we delve into four main topics:

Episode 358 hosts Dr Rob Weiss (GP from Melbourne, Australia)

In this episode we explore the trending but highly controversial topic of peptides. 

We discuss the background to these products, the growing demand from the general public and address the significant dangers of black-market peptides.

Our guest explains how he educated himself about this niche speciality and his thoughts about why no significant studies or evidence exists for most commonly used peptides. 

We learn about his approach to using peptides in patients with musculoskeletal injuries and his clear distinction between this approach vs...

Episode 357 showcases our hosts Dr Jake Sloane & David Segal

In our 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 13 we review where we're at in the toxin market and what the implications are of having more choice. In Australia we've quickly moved from only three traditional choices (Botox, Dysport,and Xeomin) to seven...

Episode 356 hosts Angela Winters (Registered Nurse from Mudgee, Australia)

In this podcast we learn how aesthetic clinics in Australia are partnering with Fresh Clinics to introduce new services for their patients - weight loss, menopause and hair loss consultations under the 'Fresh Health' model. This episode builds on what we learnt in episode 353 with Dr John Delaney (Co-Founder of Fresh Clinics) and why Fresh Health was launched.

Angela first shares her own weight-loss journey before we learn about how hybrid nurse & prescriber consultations work in practice. We discuss the typical in clinic approach for these...

Episode 355 hosts Dr Manav Bawa (Cosmetic Physician from London, UK) & Yogeetha Bawa (Practice Manager & Business Consultant from London, UK)

In 'The Business of Injecting' episodes we host injectors and clinic owners to discuss all aspects of the business side of their clinic. We analyse their financial struggles and challenges, difficult decisions, friction points, staffing, hiring, firing and other topics relevant for aesthetic business owners.

In Chapter 23 we discuss how Manav and Yogeetha built a thriving aesthetics business from the ground up. We explore their transition from medicine and corporate careers into founding an aesthetic...

Episode 354 hosts Terri Ross (Aesthetic Consultant & Business Advisor, USA)

In this episode, we welcome Terri Ross (founder of Terri Ross Consulting) for her insights into how clinics can improve their profitability, patient retention, and operational efficiency. We explore common business mistakes, the importance of strong consultation and sales frameworks, financial literacy for clinic owners, and how practices can differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive market. Terri also shares practical advice on treatment planning, team performance, and creating sustainable growth in aesthetics.

00:00 Introduction
01:36 Meet our Special Guest: Terri Ross
03:03 Consulting Services Explained
04:00 Common...

Episode 353 hosts Dr John Delaney (Co-founder of Fresh Clinics)

In this episode we explore the introduction of a new model of services for Australian aesthetic clinics called 'Fresh Health' - and its potential to reshape the landscape of aesthetics and primary care medicine. 

Fresh Clinics already support injectors with technology to ensure compliance, training and higher standards. But Fresh Health is their next evolution that allows cosmetic clinics to offer additional medical services including for weight loss, menopause and hair loss consultations. This model is referred to as 'hybrid healthcare', blending in-person nurse-led consultations with t...

Episode 352 hosts Dr Tania Romano (Head of Medical & Education for SkinCeuticals & skinbetter science ANZ)

In this episode we go on a deep dive into what actually works when it comes to skincare - whilst debunking what might just be good marketing. Tania cuts through an oversaturated market to explain why ingredient quality, concentration and pH matter far more than what some labels usually advertise.

She then makes the evidence-based case for the some of the active ingredients that patient should consider using daily: Vitamin C and retinoids Our conversation demystifies antioxidants and free radicals, the...

Episode 351 hosts Sara Lavis (Registered Nurse from Perth, Australia)

In this episode we discuss how to best integrate skin treatments and devices into your aesthetic clinic or medispa - with a focus on NanoFractional RF technology by Venus.

Our conversation highlights some of the key tools to patient conversion when it comes to skin treatments - including a systematic consultation and having tools to examine skin quality objectively. Sara outlines the modalities she uses in her clinic and explains how and why she chose these devices. She then shares her insights about NanoFractional Radiofrequency using...

Episode 350 hosts Max Hayward (Co-Founder at Aesthetic Nurse Software) from England, UK. 

In this podcast we talk about the evolution of an all-in-one clinic management platform for medical aesthetics professionals - Aesthetic Nurse Software. Max explains the origins of ANS and how he and their developer solved his mother's need for a better clinical notes and documentation solution.

We cover why having a proper patient journey mapped out leads to better compliance and how ANS has been adapted for both UK and the Australian requirements. We cover ANS's key features and how it has evolved wi...

Episode 349 (Part 1) hosts Dr Kami Parsa (Oculoplastic & Reconstructive Surgeon) from Beverly Hills, California.

Kami joins us in the 33nd 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

Episode 348 (Part 1) hosts David Moatazedi (President & CEO of Evolus from California, USA).

In this podcast we cover Evolus' global vision and strategy - based on shifting from a traditional pharma model toward "performance beauty".

Our conversation with David discusses market differences by country, rapid trend cycles and the need for continuing clinical evidence. We address the drop in global HA fillers, macroeconomics, pipeline strategy and future modalities.
 
00:00 Aesthetics Industry Shift Ahead
00:52 Show Introduction and Two-Part Format
02:14 Meet David and the Evolus Story
03:35 Evolus' North Star for Growth
05:08 Beauty Lens v...

Episode 347 showcases our hosts Dr Jake Sloane & David Segal

We're proud to finally reveal the launch of our long-awaited project 'IA Community' - the social media app for aesthetic professionals!

This project has been years in the making and we've spent the last 18-months secretly building a platform designed for you guys. In this podcast we discuss the background to IA Community and why aesthetic professionals should download it. We touch on the main features of the app including:

Episode 346 hosts Lucas de Siqueira (Cosmetic Physician from Melbourne, Australia)

We discuss the purpose of cadaver learning for injectors and how these courses are typically run. Lucas explains his background in anatomy and how he became a cadaver course educator. We highlight how this type of learning is usually run, with interactive practical sessions that incorporate practical injectable concepts and techniques.

Importantly we also cover the themes of ethics, the respectful handling of donated human tissue and recognising how special this resource is. We end with details of the upcoming cadaver course linked to the...

Episode 345 showcases our hosts Dr Jake Sloane & David Segal.

In our 'What's trending in Aesthetics?' episodes we discuss popular topics doing the rounds on social media, issues being debated in injector forums or items showcased on the news. We'll cover controversies, big stories and themes that have got injectors and our industry talking.



In Chapter 17 we delve into three topics: 

1) The impact of the Middle East conflict and the major concern about fuel shortages and supply-chain disruption.

2) Australia's law change concerning credit card surcharges.

3) Growing conference fatigue in aesth...

Episode 344 Part 1 hosts Dr David Eccleston (Cosmetic Physician from Birmingham, UK)

In our 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.

Episode 343 (Part 1) hosts Rick O'Neill (Digital Marketing Expert from Brighton, UK)

We discuss the major shifts in aesthetic marketing over the past 12–24 months - driven by AI technology and the changing behavior of patients.

We explore:

Episode 342 hosts Aisling Walsh (Registered Nurse from Sydney, Australia).

In 'The Business of Injecting' episodes we host injectors and clinic owners to discuss all aspects of the business side of their clinic. We analyse their financial struggles and challenges, difficult decisions, friction points, staffing, hiring, firing and other topics relevant for aesthetic business owners.

In Chapter 22 we discuss Aisling's story where she become the business owner of the clinic where she first started injecting. All whilst balancing motherhood and the new responsibilites that come with being a business owner. 

00:00 Introduction 
00:41 Special Guest: Ai...

Episode 341 hosts Dr John Leonardo (Anaesthesiologist from Toronto, Canada)

John join us in Chapter 13 of our Masterclass series of episodes. Here we host global experts with significant experience to teach us about fillers, bio-stimulators, bio-remodellers, polynucleotides, other injectable products and techniques. (For toxin insights, check out our other mini-series, 'The Tox Talks')

In Chapter 13 we discuss a sub-niche of aesthetics that John has developed - male sexual aesthetics. We first explore the taboo and stereotypes behind these sorts of male concerns as well as unpacking some of the functional issues that may also need addressing. 

Episode 340 hosts Dr John Leonardo (Anaesthesiologist from Toronto, Canada)

John joins us in the 32nd 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
01:27 IA Community App...

Episode 339 hosts Jessica Ferris (Registered Nurse & CEO of Australian Aesthetic Symposium)

In this episode we explore the logistics and motivations behind launching a new aesthetic conference. Australia Aesthetic Symposium (AAS) was held for the first time last years in Perth, Western Australia and is hosted and founded by Jessica.

Jessica shares her background in event management, teaching, nursing and most recently into cosmetic injecting. She explains her reasoning to create a new and independent educational event, designed specifically for aesthetic professionals in her home state.

We learn about the logistics and costs to...

Episode 338 hosts Chloe McGrath (Founder & Director of The Aesthetic Collective from Sydney, Australia)⁠

In this episode we explore how cosmetic clinics should market and brand themselves in 2026. Chloe shares her background in aesthetics and explains why her agency works exclusively within the sector, prioritising compliance and close alignment with the regulators.

We discuss common misconceptions including the belief that clinical skills alone can build a successful clinic and the serious risk of regulatory breaches when using a non-aesthetic marketing agency.

Our conversation covers key growth drivers including the limitations of word-of-mouth referrals, the im...

Episode 337 hosts Dr Abishek Settipalli (aka 'Dr Abs', Dentist from London, UK) & Dr Ben Coyle (General Practitioner from Leicester, UK) 

Abs and Ben join us in Chapter 12 of our Masterclass series of episodes. Here we host global experts with significant experience to teach us about fillers, bio-stimulators, bio-remodellers, polynucleotides, exosomes and other injectable products. (For toxin insights, check out our other mini-series, 'The Tox Talks')

In Chapter 12 we discuss Sunekos, a new product in Australia and distributed by Xytide. Our discussion begins with a discussion about regenerative aesthetics and what this term really means. We t...

Episode 336 showcases our hosts Dr Jake Sloane & David Segal

In this episode we go through our list of strategies and ideas for clinics to thrive and grow in 2026. We discuss the concept of examining and diagnosing your 'financial health' with a detailed explanation of profit margins, balance sheets and the importance of analyzing your costs vs prices. 

We also cover team management, tips to improve patient retention, rebooking strategies as well as the importance of committing to a social media and marketing strategy.

00:00 Introduction
00:41 Starting the New Year: Business Reflections
02:28 Analysing B...

Episode 335 showcases our hosts Dr Jake Sloane & David Segal.

In our 'What's trending in Aesthetics?' episodes we discuss popular topics doing the rounds on social media, issues being debated in injector forums or items showcased on the news. We'll cover controversies, big stories and themes that have got injectors and our industry talking.



In Chapter 16 we delve into the key overall trends that we predict will influence the year ahead. We discuss:

Episode 334 hosts Dr Kourosh Tavakoli (Plastic Surgeon from Sydney, Australia)

In this episode we discuss the latest trends and innovations in plastic surgery. We cover the rising popularity of GLP-1 weight loss drugs and the significant impact they are having on surgical trends and procedures.

We then do a deep dive into the current preferences in breast aesthetics and the continuing evolution in techniques including as implant technology, lipo filling and the use of mesh for 'internal bra' support. We also cover the rare complications of breast implants known colloquially as 'breast implant illness' and...

Episode 333 hosts Mike Clague (Nurse Injector from Melbourne, Australia)

In 'The Tox Talks' episodes 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 11 we talk about Relfydess, a new Botulinum Toxin A manufactured by Galderma.

We first re-introduce Mike (previously on episode 276) and his clinical background. We then cover his involvement in the pre-launch trials using Relfydess an...