Med Spa Confidential - Exposing the Risks, Rewards, and Business of Beauty

Dr. Kate Dee | Medical Spa Founder & Safety Advocate
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Exposing the Good, the Bad and the Ugly secrets of the Medical Aesthetics Industry.Dr. Kate Dee takes you inside the medical spa industry, an unregulated mix of medicine and marketing where the results can be stunning… or dangerous. As a board-certified Physician who left hospital medicine to found GLOW Med Spa, she’s seen both sides: the art, the science, and the shady practices that put patients at risk.You’ll hear insider stories, expert conversations, and practical advice that help you spot who’s qualified, who’s not, and how to stay safe while still looking your best.Subscribe to become a smarter patient and find out what questions to ask and how to figure out who is cutting corners in the wild west of the medspa world

  1. 22H AGO

    The One Thing Missing From Every Med Spa Gut Health Program with Dr. Tina Storage, Board-Certified Gastroenterologist | EP 86

    Med spas are now selling gut healing programs for hundreds of dollars a month. But who's actually qualified to tell you what's wrong with your gut? Gut health is everywhere right now. Walk into almost any wellness clinic and you'll find supplement stacks, IV drips, and probiotic blends all promising to fix your digestion.  But most of them aren't backed by a gastroenterologist.  Dr. Kate Dee sits down with Dr. Tina Storage, a board-certified gastroenterologist who treats real digestive disorders every day, to find out what gut health actually looks like when the science drives the conversation. Dr. Storage explains why so many people are struggling with bloating, constipation, brain fog, and digestive issues, and why the answer is probably simpler and cheaper than what any wellness clinic is selling you.  Chapters: 00:01:19 - The Core Risk: Big Claims Without GI Training 00:04:30 - Dysbiosis: Why Modern Guts Are Getting Worse 00:07:30 - Leaky Gut Explained 00:11:19 - Soluble vs Insoluble Fiber 00:16:41 - Sugar, Processed Foods, Seed Oils 00:20:00 - The Fart Walk Window 00:27:30 - When Stress Becomes Symptoms 00:32:30 - Microplastics and Supplements: What’s Legit vs Wellness Marketing 00:38:30 - Avoiding Supplement Sales Traps 00:41:44 - The Wrap Up: Evidence Based Gut Care and Red Flags to Watch If you've ever spent money on a gut health protocol and wondered whether it was worth it, this episode gives you the framework to know the difference between real care and expensive guesswork. You'll walk away knowing exactly what questions to ask before you hand over your credit card. Dr. Kate Dee closes the episode with four specific questions you need to ask any med spa or wellness clinic before starting a gut health program. Don't skip the end. Those four questions could save you hundreds of dollars and a lot of frustration. Listen and Learn what a board-certified GI doctor actually recommends for a healthier gut, and how to spot a wellness program that's more about profit than your health. Connect with Dr. Storage: https://www.instagram.com/drtinastorage/  FREE Health Tips From 2 of the Best Gut Health Doctors in America https://doctorversus.com Find or Get Your Medspa Certified: https://medspaboard.com/ Want the anti-aging essentials I actually use: Download my FREE Gift Guide MORE FROM DR. KATE DEE Have a question, story, or insight to share? Leave Dr. Dee a Note → https://drkatedee.com Follow Her on Instagram: instagram.com/drkatedee 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 Catch full podcast episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrKateDee GLOW Medspa - 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. Some episodes include anonymous or secondhand accounts; while accuracy is a priority, these stories represent individual experiences. Verify credentials, do ...

    43 min

  2. FEB 4

    Med Spa Apocalypse Happening Right Now Forcing Hundreds to Close in This State | EP 85

    What happens when an emergency order becomes the foundation of an entire business and then suddenly disappears? New Jersey has reverted to pre-COVID regulations, ending temporary pandemic-era rules that allowed nurse practitioners to operate independently. As a result, many med spas opened over the last six years are now scrambling to secure collaborating physicians or shut down within 30 days. Dr. Kate Dee breaks down what happened, why it matters, and what it means if you're getting treatments in states with similar regulations. Chapters: 01:07 - Why New Jersey changed the rules back 02:17 - How COVID laws reshaped med spas 03:30 - The risk of building on temporary permission 04:25 - Florida as the warning example 06:00 - When emergency orders expire and reality hits 09:30 - Why physician oversight exists at all 12:18 - Training gaps and where things go wrong 15:25 - Why aesthetics should be held to a higher standard 17:10 - What consumers and owners must check now This issue reaches far beyond New Jersey. Dr. Dee connects the dots between emergency orders, compounded GLP-1 medications, and the broader question of nurse practitioner independence. She explains the training gaps, regulatory turf wars, and real-world risks that emerge when businesses cut costs by replacing physicians with mid-level providers in high-risk settings. Whether you're a patient trying to confirm your injector is operating legally or a provider navigating state-by-state regulatory chaos, this episode explains how to verify licenses, recognize red flags, and understand what “scope of practice” actually means in today’s shifting landscape. Press play and learn how to protect yourself in a system that's constantly shifting. Clip from: https://www.instagram.com/ivsbytheseas/ Find or Get Your Medspa Certified: https://medspaboard.com/ Want the anti-aging essentials I actually use: Download my FREE Gift Guide MORE FROM DR. KATE DEE Have a question, story, or insight to share? Leave Dr. Dee a Note → https://drkatedee.com Follow Her on Instagram: instagram.com/drkatedee 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 Catch full podcast episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrKateDee GLOW Medspa - 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. Some episodes include anonymous or secondhand accounts; while accuracy is a priority, these stories represent individual experiences. Verify credentials, do ...

    19 min
  3. Complete Guide to RF Microneedling: Doctor Films Entire Treatment (Unfiltered) | EP 84

    JAN 28

    Complete Guide to RF Microneedling: Doctor Films Entire Treatment (Unfiltered) | EP 84

    What if looking like a swollen pumpkin for three days meant better skin for the next year?  Host Dr. Kate Dee takes you behind the scenes of her own RF microneedling and laser resurfacing treatment, showing you exactly what happens from the moment numbing cream goes on to the final recovery stages.  No filters, no editing out the swelling, just the real experience. You'll see how powerful topical anesthetics work, what the procedure actually feels like, and why some medspas can't legally offer the same level of numbing that makes this treatment tolerable.  Chapters: 01:15 – Why Real Numbing Protocols Can Matter More Than the Device 04:00 – What RF Microneedling and Laser Actually Feel Like 06:00 – Swelling Redness and the First 24 Hours After Treatment 08:10 – Real Costs What This Treatment Actually Runs 11:10 – Choosing the Right Device and Avoiding Fat Loss Risks 15:40 – Who This Is Safe For and the Questions You Must Ask Before Booking Dr. Dee breaks down the difference between insulated and uninsulated needles, explains why not all RF microneedling devices are created equal, and shares the exact protocols that prevent complications like fat loss and scarring. You’ll understand what questions to ask before booking RF microneedling anywhere. You'll learn how to spot red flags in pricing, why proper licensing matters for this procedure, and what realistic results look like over time. Dr. Dee also covers maintenance schedules, cost ranges in major cities, and why some patients end up with hyperpigmentation while others don't. Stay until the end to hear the three essential questions you must ask any provider before letting them perform this treatment on your skin. Dr. Dee explains exactly what answers should make you walk away and what responses signal you've found a safe, qualified practice. Press play and learn how to make smarter, safer decisions about RF microneedling.  Find or Get Your Medspa Certified: https://medspaboard.com/ Grab Your Copy of Medspa Mayhem the Book Today: HERE Want the anti-aging essentials I actually use: Download my FREE Gift Guide MORE FROM DR. KATE DEE Have a question, story, or insight to share? Leave Dr. Dee a Note → https://drkatedee.com Follow Her on Instagram: instagram.com/drkatedee 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 Catch full podcast episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrKateDee GLOW Medspa - 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. Some episodes include anonymous or secondhand accounts; while accuracy is a priority, these stories represent individual experiences. Verify credentials, do ...

    19 min

  4. JAN 21

    Inside New York's Med Spa Crackdown: Life-Threatening Infections, Unsanitary Clinics and Illegal Injectors | EP 83

    What happens when state investigators walk into over 200 med spas?  Host Dr. Kate Dee walks you through the shocking results of New York's investigation, where inspectors found cosmetologists injecting mystery substances and estheticians causing dangerous MRSA infections.  Now dermatology groups and lawmakers want to crack down hard, but their solution might accidentally target the good med spas along with the bad ones. Chapters: 02:30 - When Nurses Cross the Legal Line 03:30 - How the Med Spa Industry Exploded to 20,000 Locations 03:47 - Unknown Injections and Fake Botox Exposed 07:30 - Dermatologists Push for New Laws After the Findings 10:30 - Why Not All Medical Spas Are the Same 12:30 - The Real Difference Between Legal and Illegal Med Spas 15:00 - How Even Doctors Can Operate Out of Compliance 18:30 - Why Over Half of Med Spas May Still Be Illegal 19:10 - What Changes Are Coming and Who Will Survive 20:30 - How Certification Protects Patients and Ethical Providers Illegal practices aren't just happening in sketchy salons. Dr. Dee explains why even some board-certified doctors end up on the wrong side of the law, what makes a nurse-owned med spa legally risky, and how to spot the difference between a real medical practice and a business that's just pretending to be one. If you're trying to find a safe place for your treatments or you own a med spa and want to stay ahead of what's coming, this episode gives you what you need to know. You'll walk away understanding how the best med spas can not only survive this but actually thrive. Press play and Learn how to protect yourself by knowing the real difference between licensed medical care and unlicensed aesthetic services. Want the anti-aging essentials I actually use: Download my FREE Gift Guide MORE FROM DR. KATE DEE Have a question, story, or insight to share? Leave Dr. Dee a Note → https://drkatedee.com Follow Her on Instagram: instagram.com/drkatedee 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 Catch full podcast episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrKateDee GLOW Medspa - 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. Some episodes include anonymous or secondhand accounts; while accuracy is a priority, these stories represent individual experiences. Verify credentials, do ...

    22 min

  5. JAN 14

    SNL's Chloe Fineman's Med Spa DISASTER Photos Are Actually Genius - IPL, Fraxel, Fillers and More | EP 82

    What do celebrities actually look like right after their aesthetic treatments, and what can we learn from seeing the real recovery process? SNL star Chloe Fineman recently shared something most celebrities never would: honest photos of herself immediately after various med spa procedures, complete with swelling, redness, and those tell-tale recovery signs.  Dr. Kate Dee breaks down exactly what treatments Chloe likely had done based on these revealing images and explains what each recovery process tells us about the procedure itself. From overfilled lips to laser-induced pigmentation patterns, you'll learn to recognize what's normal downtime versus what's a red flag. Helping you understand what recovery should actually look like helps you know what to expect when you book your own treatments. Dr. Dee walks through the difference between aggressive procedures that require weeks of hiding at home versus gentler options with minimal downtime.  You'll also learn why certain treatments carry more risk depending on your skin tone and why filler complications remain the most dangerous issue in aesthetic medicine. By the end, you'll understand how to choose treatments that fit your lifestyle, what questions to ask about recovery time, and how to spot when something's gone wrong.  Listen and learn why Chloe's honesty about the "ugly" phase of aesthetic treatments actually does more for patient safety than a thousand filtered Instagram posts ever could. Find or Get Your Medspa Certified: https://medspaboard.com/ Want the anti-aging essentials I actually use: Download my FREE Gift Guide MORE FROM DR. KATE DEE Have a question, story, or insight to share? Leave Dr. Dee a Note → https://drkatedee.com Follow Her on Instagram: instagram.com/drkatedee 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 Catch full podcast episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrKateDee GLOW Medspa - 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. Some episodes include anonymous or secondhand accounts; while accuracy is a priority, these stories represent individual experiences. Verify credentials, do ...

    13 min

  6. JAN 7

    How AI Is Quietly Deciding Which Med Spas Win and Lose with Aesthetics Marketing Expert Michael Antosy | EP 81

    What if finding a trustworthy med spa was as simple as asking ChatGPT or Gemini?  AI search is flipping the entire medical aesthetics industry upside down, and what it's exposing might make you rethink where you're getting your next treatment. The clinics showing up first aren't always the safest ones. Host Dr. Kate Dee sits down with Michael Antosy, a marketing expert with 15 years in aesthetics, to spill the secrets the industry doesn't want you to know.  They dive straight into the messy stuff: champagne-fueled Botox parties that violate consent laws, fake board certifications plastered on websites, and HIPAA violations happening in plain sight on Google reviews. Chapters: 00:04:47 - Did Google Just Rewrite the Rules for Med Spa Search? 00:09:36 - Why Doctor-Written Content Wins in AI Search 00:11:37 - What Patients Are Really Asking AI Before Booking 00:15:55 - How AI Decides Who Is Trustworthy 00:17:21 - Why Provider Bios Matter More Than Ever 00:20:14 - Reviews as Trust Signals 00:24:44 - HIPAA Review Mistakes That Can Get You in Trouble 00:29:14 - The Legal Risks of Botox Parties 00:34:54 - ADA Compliance 00:39:28 - How AI Could Make Med Spas Safer for Patients You'll discover why some clinics dominate AI searches while legitimate doctors get buried. Michael breaks down Google's "helpful content update" and the EEAT framework in words you'll actually understand, so you can spot the difference between a licensed professional and someone running an illegal operation. If you've ever felt uneasy about a med spa that looked perfect online but something felt wrong, they help you connect the dots. By the end, you'll know exactly what to ask AI to find a safe, qualified provider near you.  Listen and Learn how to use AI search as your safety net and avoid the med spas putting profit over patients. Connect with guest: @michael.myadvice Find or Get Your Medspa Certified: https://medspaboard.com/ Grab Your Copy of Medspa Mayhem the Book Today: HERE Want the anti-aging essentials I actually use: Download my FREE Gift Guide MORE FROM DR. KATE DEE Have a question, story, or insight to share? Leave Dr. Dee a Note → https://drkatedee.com Follow Her on Instagram: instagram.com/drkatedee 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 Catch full podcast episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrKateDee GLOW Medspa - 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. Some episodes include anonymous or secondhand accounts; while accuracy is a priority, these stories represent individual experiences. Verify credentials, do ...

    47 min

  7. 12/31/2025

    Why New York City Just Shut Down Multiple Med Spas and the Violations Are Worse Than You Think | EP 80

    What if the med spa you trust doesn't have a license displayed, carries no insurance, or relies on unlicensed staff?  A new NYC report investigated 15 med spas and found violations in every single one. Dr. Kate Dee breaks down the findings that should concern anyone considering aesthetic treatments. Dr. Dee walks through the "Moving the Needle" report that uncovered illegal practices across New York City's med spa landscape. From expired licenses to fake devices and nurses injecting without oversight, she explains what each violation means for your safety. You'll learn which red flags showed up most often and why some of these problems could leave you with no legal recourse if something goes wrong. This helps you understand the difference between a legitimate medical facility and a place that's just taking your money.  Whether you're booking Botox, considering a laser treatment, or exploring any aesthetic procedure, Dr. Dee gives you the information you need before you walk through the door.  Plus, she shares why this report matters beyond New York and what it reveals about the industry nationwide. Listen and learn how to protect yourself before your next appointment. Read the “Moving the Needle,” to learn how some of these businesses are illegally blurring the line between spa and medical facility Find or Get Your Medspa Certified: https://medspaboard.com/ Want the anti-aging essentials I actually use: Download my FREE Gift Guide MORE FROM DR. KATE DEE Have a question, story, or insight to share? Leave Dr. Dee a Note → https://drkatedee.com Follow Her on Instagram: instagram.com/drkatedee 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 Catch full podcast episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrKateDee GLOW Medspa - 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. Some episodes include anonymous or secondhand accounts; while accuracy is a priority, these stories represent individual experiences. Verify credentials, do ...

    11 min

  8. 12/24/2025

    Med Spa Sales Rep Explains Pressure To Sell To Any Clinics Who Will Buy, Even When Patients Could Get Hurt | EP 79

    What has a med spa sales rep with 20 years of experience seen that keeps them up at night? Host Dr. Kate Dee sits down with Rachel Phillips who’s been selling to med spas for over 20 years, and she's seen things that will shock you!  From doctors panic-calling her to train unqualified staff because their licensed person just quit to practices going out of business before patients can finish the treatment packages paid in full upfront.  Rachel spills everything about what really goes on behind closed doors in an industry that has exploded in growth over the past decade, now numbering in the tens of thousands nationwide. Chapters: 02:25 - When Sales Pressure Conflicts With Patient Safety 05:10 - Why Trust Matters More Than Closing The Deal 07:45 - Untrained Hands And The Real Risk Of Devices 10:30 - The Hidden Cost Of Buying Used Lasers 13:20 - Financing Mistakes That Destroy Med Spas 16:05 - How Illegal Shortcuts Put Patients At Risk 19:10 - Why Most Consumers Cannot Spot Unsafe Clinics 22:15 - When Marketing Promises Outpace Medical Reality 26:00 - What Actually Works Versus Industry Hype 30:45 - How To Choose The Right Provider With Confidence 34:30 - Raising Standards And Protecting The Future Of Aesthetics As a sales rep, Rachel has had to choose between making the sale and doing what's right, and not every rep makes the same choice. She breaks down why some practices spend money on treatments that will never work for their patients, and how aggressive marketing creates the complications that end up in lawsuits. For medspa owners, Rachel shares truths about buying equipment you can't afford and marketing to deal shoppers when you're trying to build a luxury practice. Learn the real reason why so many med spas fail, why patients get hurt, and what needs to change. Listen and learn what could save you thousands of dollars or prevent a serious medical complication. Connect with guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelmichaels/ Find or Get Your Medspa Certified: https://medspaboard.com/ Grab Your Copy of Medspa Mayhem the Book Today: HERE Want the anti-aging essentials I actually use: Download my FREE Gift Guide MORE FROM DR. KATE DEE Have a question, story, or insight to share? Leave Dr. Dee a Note → https://drkatedee.com Follow Her on Instagram: instagram.com/drkatedee 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 Catch full podcast episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrKateDee GLOW Medspa - 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. Some episodes include anonymous or secondhand accounts; while accuracy is a priority, these stories represent individual experiences. Verify credentials, do ...

    50 min
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About

Exposing the Good, the Bad and the Ugly secrets of the Medical Aesthetics Industry.Dr. Kate Dee takes you inside the medical spa industry, an unregulated mix of medicine and marketing where the results can be stunning… or dangerous. As a board-certified Physician who left hospital medicine to found GLOW Med Spa, she’s seen both sides: the art, the science, and the shady practices that put patients at risk.You’ll hear insider stories, expert conversations, and practical advice that help you spot who’s qualified, who’s not, and how to stay safe while still looking your best.Subscribe to become a smarter patient and find out what questions to ask and how to figure out who is cutting corners in the wild west of the medspa world

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