Medical Spa Insider

Aesthetics is truly a global market. In this episode, we explore how Australia became a bellwether for the aesthetics industry, from the rise of Laser Clinics Australia to the impact of private equity, regulation, and changing patient behavior. Dr. Jake Sloane and David Segal, hosts of the Inside Aesthetics podcast, share hard-earned insights from navigating one of the most influential aesthetics markets in the world. If you’re a clinician, med spa owner, injector, or aesthetics business operator, this conversation offers practical lessons on compliance, business growth, patient trust, and what it takes to survive in a rapidly changing market. We break down how short-term financial pressure, consolidation, and boardroom decision-making can clash with the long-term, relationship-based nature of medical aesthetics. Discussion points include 03:08 — Jake and David's backgrounds and the origin of Inside Aesthetics 07:13 — How Laser Clinics Australia created a model for other med spas10:02 — The impact of private equity on the business18:58 — Why volume-driven models become harder to sustain26:01 — Lessons for the U.S. from Australia’s regulatory experience41:45 — Patient demand, shifting treatment preferences, and market pressure52:39 — The importance of building a community

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how medical spas attract and convert new patients—but most marketing strategies still focus on the very end of the buying journey. In this episode of Medical Spa Insider, AmSpa founder Alex Thiersch speaks with Rick Brown, co-founder and CEO of MarketStorm, and Krista Stevenson, head of business development, about how their company and other AI tools are changing the way businesses identify and influence consumers long before they start searching. The discussion includes: What the “Messy Middle” means for medical spa marketing Why most advertising budgets focus too late in the patient decision journey How AI can identify potential patients before they start searching The role of predictive data in modern marketing strategies Why brand awareness early in the decision process matters How med spas can expand beyond social media marketing

In this episode of Compliance is Cool, AmSpa founder Alex Thiersch and General Counsel Patrick O'Brien dive deep into the legislative "flurry" currently sweeping through the medical spa industry. Focusing on Indiana's Senate Bill 282, the duo explores how a seemingly benign licensing bill evolved into a restrictive piece of legislation targeting both medical spas and compounding pharmacies. They pull back the curtain on the "Big Pharma" influence—specifically Eli Lilly’s presence in Indianapolis—and explain why the sudden push to track compounded GLP-1 medications has created a "death by paperwork" scenario for med spa owners. This episode serves as a wake-up call for the industry as similar legislative language begins to surface in states like Florida, Iowa, and Arizona. Discussion points include: An overview of the path Indiana SB 282 took from draft to law An explanation of the bill's provisions and how they would adversely affect medical providers The connection between SB 282 and big pharma's battle with compounding medications How Alex, Patrick, and their lobbyist worked with legislators to improve the bill and what it still includes The national trends that practitioners should stay aware of, and how AmSpa and its members can be proactive in leading the conversation

With Alex Thiersch on the ground in Indiana lobbying against pivotal new legislation, AmSpa Digital Marketing Supervisor Derek steps in to break down a whirlwind of 2026 legislative moves. From Big Pharma’s influence on GLP-1 regulations to shifting MSO scrutiny and expanding autonomy for practitioners, this episode explores how new bills in states like Indiana, Florida, and Arizona are reshaping the industry. Learn why "information is power" and how these national trends might be coming to your state next. Key points include: The Battle Over GLP-1s Stricter State Oversight MSOs Under the Microscope Expanding Autonomy Rising Professional Standards New Practice Permissions Next Steps for Practitioners and AmSpa

Growing a practice goes far beyond clinical skills; it requires intentional strategy around hiring, retention, operations, and leadership. AmSpa founder Alex Thiersch sits down with Ashley James of DermAesthetic Consulting to discuss why owners often struggle to get their team aligned with their vision — and how they can fix it. Smart recruiting is a practical solution that will strengthen your clinic’s foundation and boost long-term success. Whether you’re onboarding your first hire or preparing for a major growth phase, these insights will help you build a practice that thrives without you being “on the clock” all the time. Discussion points include: Why hiring right saves more money in the long run than hiring cheap The role of your team in establishing your brand and reputation Establishing onboarding procedures and timelines that lead to productivity Hiring with culture in mind How owners benefit from delegating leadership and operations Using strategic people management to boost revenue and patient experience