Episodios

  • Exposing Bait and Switch Tactics Inside a Popular Med Spa Aesthetics Clinic | EP 68
    Oct 8 2025

    Ever wonder who's really overseeing your Botox, your laser treatment, or that facial you booked online? What if the answer is... nobody?

    Dr. Kate Dee shares a firsthand account from a master esthetician who left a successful, well-known med spa after just a few months.

    What "Sarah" witnessed behind the scenes reveals troubling practices that put patients at risk every day: procedures performed without proper medical oversight, broken equipment passed off as fully functional, and clients charged premium prices for treatments they never actually received.

    Discover how some med spas operate when there's no real medical director on site. You'll hear about substituted products, half-working lasers, and why some facilities will do anything to get you in the door, including something that may even shock you.

    Dr. Dee, a board-certified physician and founder of GLOW Med Spa, breaks down the specific red flags that could save you from wasting money or worse, risking serious injury.

    You’ll learn exactly what questions to ask before booking your next appointment. Dr. Dee provides a practical guide for identifying whether a med spa is operating legally and safely, starting with one critical question about the medical director that most patients never think to ask.

    This is a must-listen if you care about your skin, your health, or your wallet.

    If you're considering any aesthetic treatment, from facials to laser procedures, this could be the difference between a great result and a dangerous mistake.

    MORE FROM DR. KATE DEE

    Have a question, story, or insight to share?

    Leave Dr. Dee a Note → drkatedee.com/contact

    Follow Her on Instagram: instagram.com/drkatedee

    Catch full podcast episodes on YouTube: youtube.com/@MedspaMayhem/podcasts

    Be the first to know about upcoming appearances, live Q&As, and new investigations → MedSpaMayhem.com

    Learn about The MedSpa Board — the national registry that verifies legally compliant, doctor-led med spas.

    Find a certified provider near you → MedspaBoard.com

    Please leave us a review on Apple Podcast: HERE

    Details about GLOW Medispa in Seattle, WA: https://glowspaseattle.com/

    Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before any aesthetic procedure.

    Views shared by Dr. Kate Dee and her guests reflect their professional opinions and experiences, every patient is unique, and no doctor-patient relationship is created.

    Some episodes include anonymous or secondhand accounts; while accuracy is a priority, these stories represent individual experiences. Verify credentials, do your research, and always prioritize your safety.

    Más Menos
    12 m
  • Secrets to a Healthy and Vital Long Life with Dr. Flora Waples
    Oct 1 2025

    In this episode of MedSpa Mayhem, host Dr. Kate Dee welcomes back Dr. Flora Waples from Restor Medspa to discuss the importance of hormones and other groundbreaking approaches for improving wellness, longevity, and energy levels. They dive into the complex world of HRT, including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, and its critical role in optimizing health as we age. Dr. Waples shares her personal journey with HRT and metabolism management, discusses the science behind treatments like GLP-1 agonists, NAD, and rapamycin, and explores how these therapies can help stave off the 'four horsemen' of aging: cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurodegeneration, and metabolic dysfunction. Learn about the tangible benefits, the myths, the science, and the future of longevity medicine in this insightful conversation.

    Connect with Dr. Dee

    Email Dr. Kate Dee at info@drkatedee.com

    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

    Find out about the Medspa Board

    Contact Dr. Flora Waples

    Restor Medical Spa

    LinkedIn

    Takeaways

    • Hormone replacement therapy is crucial for maintaining health and vitality as we age.

    • Testosterone and thyroid hormones play significant roles in women's health, affecting energy, metabolism, and overall well-being.

    • Metabolic health, including managing blood sugar and visceral fat, is foundational to preventing age-related diseases.

    • Dr. Flora Waples emphasizes the importance of addressing health issues before they develop into full-blown diseases.

    • Exercise and proper nutrition are essential components of a healthy lifestyle and can significantly impact longevity.

    • Dr. Waples shares her personal journey of overcoming pre-diabetes and improving her health through hormone therapy and lifestyle changes.

    • The podcast highlights the need for a shift from disease-centric to health-optimizing medical practices.

    Chapters

    00:15 Introduction and Welcoming Dr. Flora Waples

    02:47 Journey into Longevity Medicine

    04:04 The Importance of Hormones in Aging

    06:12 Hormone Replacement Therapy and Its Benefits

    13:18 The Role of Testosterone and Thyroid in Women's Health

    17:59 Optimizing Hormone Levels for Better Health

    25:45 Personal Struggles with Anxiety

    26:49 The Importance of Progesterone

    27:12 Shifting Focus to Longevity

    28:23 The Four Horsemen of Aging

    29:29 Addressing Metabolism and Visceral Fat

    31:00 Hormone Replacement and Weight Management

    40:49 Exploring Rapamycin and Longevity

    44:36 The Role of NAD and Peptides

    51:16 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

    Más Menos
    53 m
  • Real-Life Medspa Stories with Mandy Ward
    Sep 17 2025

    In this episode of MedSpa Mayhem, Dr. Kate Dee hosts Mandy Ward, a nurse practitioner with extensive experience in the chaotic world of medical aesthetics. Mandy shares her journey from working in trauma ICU to becoming an expert in cosmetic treatments like Botox and fillers. The discussion covers vital industry issues, such as the importance of good faith exams, the risks of subpar practices, and the legal and ethical concerns in states like Texas. Listeners gain insights on how to choose safe and legitimate med spa providers, the significance of having proper medical oversight, and the necessity for regulations to ensure patient safety.

    Connect with Dr. Dee

    Email Dr. Kate Dee at info@drkatedee.com

    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

    Find out about the Medspa Board

    Connect with Mandy Ward

    Instagram: @LadyWardAesthetics

    Takeaways

    • The importance of good faith exams and compliance in aesthetic practices is crucial for patient safety.

    • Mentorship and continuous education are essential for success in the aesthetic industry.

    • Understanding the regulatory landscape is vital for ethical and compliant practice.

    • Consumers should be aware and carefully select their aesthetic providers to ensure safety and quality.

    • Industry certification and elevating standards are necessary to improve the overall quality of aesthetic services.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to MedSpa Mayhem

    01:05 Meet Mandy Ward: A Journey in Nursing

    03:20 Breaking into the Aesthetics Industry

    06:29 First Job Horrors: Unsafe Practices

    13:04 Finding a Better Fit: Mentorship and Legal Battles

    16:08 Industry Insights: Ethics and Practices

    20:07 Exploring New Treatments and Techniques

    25:49 Compliance and Business Growth

    27:27 Understanding Good Faith Exams

    29:00 Legal Requirements and Compliance

    30:13 Challenges in Medical Practices

    33:43 Handling Vascular Occlusions

    37:57 Weight Loss Clinics and Ethical Concerns

    50:38 Navigating the Med Spa Industry

    54:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Más Menos
    57 m
  • Introducing The Medspa Board with Nicole Gregory
    Sep 3 2025

    In this episode of MedSpa Mayhem, Dr. Kate Dee is joined by Nicole Gregory, an MBA and business owner of Med Spas in Michigan, to discuss the challenges of discerning legitimate med spas from illegal operations. They delve into the inception and goals of the Medspa Board, a credentialing organization aimed at elevating safety and standards in the aesthetics industry. The conversation covers the complexities of the sector, including the prevalence of absentee medical directors and the importance of having certified med spas for consumer reassurance and safety. They also highlight the upcoming launch of a certification process and the importance of consumer education.

    Connect with Dr. Dee

    Email Dr. Kate Dee at info@drkatedee.com

    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

    Find out about the Medspa Board

    Reach out to Nicole Gregory

    Urban You

    LinkedIn

    Interview on Medium

    Instagram Nicole Gregory @passportmoments

    Instagram MISPA @themimedspa

    Takeaways

    • The Med Spa Board aims to provide certification for legitimate med spas.

    • Consumer safety is a primary concern in the med spa industry.

    • There is a significant amount of misinformation regarding med spa practices.

    • Medical directors play a crucial role in ensuring safe practices in med spas.

    • Legislation is evolving to address issues within the med spa industry.

    • The industry has seen an increase in unethical practices due to rapid growth.

    • Consumers need to be educated about what to expect from med spas.

    • The Medspa Board seeks to empower consumers with knowledge and resources.

    • Ethical practices are essential for the credibility of the med spa industry.

    • The Med Spa Board will help set standards and regulations for the industry.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to MedSpa Mayhem

    01:06 Meet Nicole Gregory: Med Spa Innovator

    01:49 The Med Spa Board: Elevating Standards

    02:56 Challenges in the Med Spa Industry

    04:49 Certification and Consumer Awareness

    08:51 Legislative Changes and Ethical Practices

    12:38 The Importance of Real Medical Directors

    17:57 The Role of the Med Spa Board in Regulation

    27:29 Conclusion and Call to Action

    Más Menos
    30 m
  • DIY Skincare: Insights from Bramble Berry's Anne-Marie Faiola
    Aug 20 2025

    Dive into the fascinating world of DIY skincare with Dr. Kate Dee and her guest, Anne-Marie Faiola, the visionary CEO of Bramble Berry Handcraft Provisions. Anne-Marie shares her journey from criminology to becoming a soap-making entrepreneur, the science behind safe skincare practices, and the importance of preservatives and safe ingredients in skin care. They discuss the regulations for selling homemade skincare products, the challenges of ensuring ingredient quality, and the benefits of creating your own skincare. Anne-Marie also highlights inspiring success stories from Bramble Berry customers who turned their DIY passion into thriving businesses.

    Reach out to Dr. Dee

    Email Dr. Kate Dee at info@drkatedee.com

    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

    Find out about the Medspa Board

    Connect with Anne-Marie Faiola

    Bramble Berry website

    Soap Queen TV on youtube

    Follow Anne-Marie on Instagram

    Takeaways

    • Anne-Marie Faiola transitioned from a career in criminology to founding Bramble Berry, driven by her passion for creativity and change.

    • DIY skincare allows individuals to control their ingredients, ensuring product safety and customization for personal needs.

    • The cosmetic industry is highly regulated, but small businesses can thrive by adhering to good manufacturing practices.

    • Creativity can lead to personal empowerment and even successful business ventures, as seen in Bramble Berry's community stories.

    • Anne-Marie emphasizes the importance of authenticity and passion in building a successful and fulfilling career.



    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Mold and Bacteria in Skincare

    00:27 Welcome to MedSpa Mayhem

    01:21 Meet Anne-Marie Ola: From Criminology to Soap Making

    02:30 The Journey from Prisons to Soap Business

    05:01 Ensuring Ingredient Safety in DIY Skincare

    12:26 The Importance of Preservatives in Skincare

    24:18 The Benefits of Homemade Products

    26:54 Success Stories in the Handmade Industry

    28:38 Regulations and Legalities of Selling Handmade Products

    35:53 Ensuring Product Quality and Authenticity

    41:44 Connecting with Bramble Berry and Final Thoughts

    Más Menos
    44 m
  • Longevity Medicine: how to live healthier longer with Dr. Richard Baxter
    Aug 6 2025

    In this episode of MedSpa Mayhem, Dr. Kate Dee delves into the exciting developments in anti-aging and longevity medicine with Dr. Richard Baxter, a board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Baxter shares his journey from traditional plastic surgery to aesthetics and ultimately to longevity medicine. The discussion covers groundbreaking treatments such as the use of growth hormone releasing peptides, metformin, and therapeutic plasma exchange. They also explore regenerative medicine techniques like PRP, exosomes, PDGF and delve into how measuring biological age through epigenetic markers is transforming the approach to aging. Listeners will gain insights into effective anti-aging strategies and learn about cutting-edge treatments that promise to extend healthspan and improve quality of life.

    Reach out to Dr. Dee

    Email Dr. Kate Dee at info@drkatedee.com

    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

    Find out about the Medspa Board

    Connect with Dr. Richard Baxter

    Phase Plastic Surgery Website: drbaxter.com

    Read Biohacking Longevity (PDF)

    Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, youtube

    Takeaways

    • Regenerative medicine is a growing field in aesthetics, focusing on restoring tissue.

    • Longevity medicine aims to extend healthspan, not just lifespan.

    • Biological age can be measured through epigenetics and biomarkers.

    • Interventions like metformin and peptides show promise in reversing aging.

    • Lifestyle factors, including diet and exercise, play a crucial role in longevity.

    • Intermittent fasting can mimic the effects of caloric restriction.

    • Therapeutic plasma exchange has shown potential in reversing aging markers.

    • Skin health reflects overall internal health and wellness.

    • Staying educated about longevity treatments is essential for informed choices.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to MedSpa Mayhem

    01:04 Meet Dr. Richard Baxter

    02:21 The Evolution of Plastic Surgery

    02:59 Innovations in Breast Surgery

    04:26 Non-Invasive Cosmetic Procedures

    05:26 Exploring Regenerative Medicine

    12:17 Introduction to Longevity Medicine

    13:29 Measuring and Reversing Aging

    16:35 The Role of Metformin in Longevity

    21:31 Peptides and Other Longevity Treatments

    22:35 Patient Success Stories and Compliance Challenges

    23:32 Prolonging Life vs. Prolonging Misery

    26:15 Intermittent Fasting and Caloric Restriction

    31:35 Therapeutic Plasma Exchange: A New Frontier

    38:33 Final Thoughts and Advice on Longevity

    Más Menos
    41 m
  • Understanding and Treating Melasma: Insights from Dermatologist Dr. Jennifer Linder
    Jul 23 2025

    In this episode of MedSpa Mayhem, host Dr. Kate Dee chats with Dr. Jennifer Linder, a board-certified dermatologist, about the complex issue of melasma. They discuss what melasma is, its triggers, and why traditional treatments like lasers can sometimes make it worse. Instead, Dr. Linder recommends a series of chemical peels featuring specific ingredients like salicylic acid, mandelic acid, and trans-examic acid. They also cover important skincare routines, the role of diet and lifestyle changes, and more advanced treatments like oral tranexamic acid for resistant cases. This comprehensive conversation aims to equip sufferers and clinicians with effective strategies to manage this chronic skin condition.

    Reach out to Dr. Dee

    Email Dr. Kate Dee at info@drkatedee.com

    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

    Find out about the Medspa Board

    Contact Dr. Jennifer Linder:

    Professionals: www.linderhealthpro.com and for any

    Consumers: www.linderhealth.com

    Instagram @linderhealth and @jenniferlindermd

    Takeaways

    • Melasma is a chronic inflammatory problem that can be difficult to treat.

    • Avoid Laser! Laser treatments for melasma can lead to rebound effects, worsening the condition.

    • Chemical peels are a gentler and more effective treatment for melasma.

    • Skin care for melasma includes Vitamin C, Tyrosinase Inhibitors, moisturizer and sun block

    • Understanding the triggers of melasma, such as sun exposure and heat, is important for prevention.

    • People often feel psychologically impacted by melasma, affecting their quality of life.

    • An anti-inflammatory diet can help with melasma and other conditions.

    • Oral tranexamic acid should be a last resort due to clotting risks.

    • Patience is crucial in treating melasma effectively.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to MedSpa Mayhem

    01:10 Meet Dr. Jennifer Linder

    01:59 Understanding Melasma

    03:34 Triggers and Challenges of Melasma

    08:43 Treatment Options for Melasma

    14:20 The Role of Chemical Peels

    19:21 Skincare for Melasma

    20:51 Alternatives to Steroids for Melasma

    21:08 The Power of Antioxidants

    22:27 Exploring Tyrosinase Inhibitors

    23:52 Product Development Insights

    26:47 Oral Tranexamic Acid: A Last Resort

    27:24 Risks and Precautions with Tranexamic Acid

    32:04 Diet and Lifestyle for Melasma

    32:12 The Importance of Sunscreen

    37:39 Consulting a Dermatologist

    39:27 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

    Más Menos
    41 m
  • John Oliver, Salmon Jizz, and the Science behind Salmon Sperm
    Jul 9 2025

    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: Medspa Episode

    Reach out to Dr. Dee

    Email Dr. Kate Dee at info@drkatedee.com

    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

    Find out about the Medspa Board

    Contact Dr. Flora Waples

    Restor Medical Spa

    LinkedIn

    Takeaways

    • PDRNs, derived from salmon sperm, are used for skin regeneration by mimicking a wound signal.

    • PDRNs are not yet FDA approved for injection in the US, but are used topically and in Europe for injections.

    • Safety and efficacy of PDRNs have been established in Europe, with a good track record of use.

    • The aesthetic industry lacks standardization, making it crucial for patients to seek reputable providers.

    • Patients should inquire about the source and purity of PDRNs used in treatments.

    • The future of aesthetic medicine is promising, with ongoing research and development in regenerative therapies.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to MedSpa Mayhem

    01:11 Meet Dr. Flora Waples

    01:50 The Journey from Emergency Medicine to Aesthetics

    03:45 The Science Behind Salmon Sperm in Aesthetics

    05:19 Understanding Skin Regeneration

    07:21 The Role of DNA in Skin Healing

    09:01 Why Salmon Sperm?

    13:46 Application and Effectiveness of PDRNs

    20:56 Regenerative Medicine: The Future of Aesthetics

    22:50 Understanding Exosomes: The Basics

    23:02 The Complexity of Growth Factors

    23:34 Challenges in Exosome Science

    23:57 Exosome Sources and Quality Concerns

    26:06 Application and Efficacy of Exosomes

    31:06 The Role of DNA in Healing

    33:56 Safety and Regulation in Aesthetic Treatments

    39:15 Ensuring Quality in Med Spa Treatments

    43:11 Conclusion and Contact Information

    Más Menos
    46 m