Breaking Beauty Podcast Episode Summary
Episode: Will Tariffs Make Your Botox More Expensive? Are Micro-Infusions the Real Secret to Glass Skin? Plus More Esthetics News You Can Use
Guest: Gabby Garrettano, Founder of Jacked
Release Date: April 30, 2025

1. Introduction to Gabby Garrettano and Jacked

Gabby Garrettano, a board-certified physician assistant, joins hosts Jill Dunn and Carlene Higgins to discuss the evolving landscape of medical aesthetics. With over 15 years of experience working alongside top plastic surgeons and dermatologists in New York City, Gabby founded Jacked—a reputable medical aesthetics clinic celebrating its sixth anniversary and expanding to new locations in Los Angeles, Brooklyn, and New Jersey.

Key Points:

• Professional Background: Gabby started in aesthetics at 19, inspired by her mother's battle with breast cancer ([09:18]).
• Jacked's Philosophy: Emphasizes safety and expertise, with all practitioners being board-certified PAs or nurse practitioners ([10:44]).

Notable Quote:

Gabby Garrettano [09:26]: "I've been getting Botox for over 10 years... my medical background really allowed me to flourish in my career."

2. Trends in Injectables: The Growing Popularity of Botox and Fillers

The podcast delves into the rising popularity of injectables, highlighting significant increases in procedures such as Botox and dermal fillers. Gabby shares insightful statistics and discusses how the industry continues to expand despite varying headlines.

Key Points:

• Increasing Demand: In 2023, over 4.7 million Botox procedures and nearly 3.5 million dermal filler procedures were performed in the U.S., marking significant year-over-year growth ([00:29]).
• Evolution of Services: Modern injectables are moving beyond traditional areas, incorporating comprehensive facial treatments.

Notable Quote:

Jill Dunn [00:58]: "In spite of the headlines, this is a space that is just growing and growing and growing."

3. Advanced Procedures: Nefertiti Lift and Aqua Gold

Gabby introduces advanced injectable techniques like the Nefertiti Lift and Aqua Gold micro-infusions, explaining their benefits for achieving natural, harmonious facial aesthetics.

Key Points:

• Nefertiti Lift: Targets platysmal bands in the neck and lower face to create a lifted appearance without surgery ([26:20]).
• Aqua Gold Micro-Infusions: Combines neuromodulators with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C for enhanced skin hydration and pore reduction ([22:37]).

Notable Quotes:

Gabby Garrettano [26:20]: "The Nefertiti Lift is named after an ancient Egyptian queen for a very graceful and slim neck... we're using it to inject the platysmal bands."

Gabby Garrettano [23:32]: "Aquagold is actually not an injection. It's a micro infusion... we are depositing some Botox."

4. New Neuromodulators: Letybo and Market Competition

The discussion shifts to emerging neuromodulators like Letybo from South Korea, which promises to be 30% cheaper and longer-lasting than existing options. Gabby expresses cautious optimism, emphasizing the importance of clinical trials and proven efficacy before widespread adoption.

Key Points:

• Letybo's Entry: Recently FDA-approved, positioning it as a cost-effective alternative to established brands.
• Safety and Efficacy: Gabby stresses the need for thorough clinical evaluation before integrating new products into practice ([33:32]).

Notable Quote:

Gabby Garrettano [33:32]: "If any product is leading with, 'I'm cheaper,' I typically raise an eyebrow. No pun intended there."

5. Impact of Tariffs on Botox Pricing

Carlene Higgins brings up concerns about potential tariff-induced price hikes for Botox. Gabby provides clarity based on her direct communication with Allergan, confirming that Botox pricing remains unaffected. However, she notes possible cost increases for medical supplies sourced from China.

Key Points:

• Botox Pricing Stability: No immediate price increases expected for Botox despite tariff discussions ([28:57]).
• Supply Chain Concerns: Potential nominal cost hikes for supplies like gauze and gloves due to international sourcing ([29:16]).

Notable Quote:

Gabby Garrettano [28:57]: "As of this morning, they are saying that it is not going to affect our pricing."

6. Fillers: Current Preferences and Techniques

The conversation turns to dermal fillers, with Gabby highlighting the importance of selecting appropriate fillers based on facial anatomy and desired outcomes. She discusses products like Juvederm, Restylane, and Sculptra, emphasizing customization for natural results.

Key Points:

• Product Selection: Different fillers (e.g., Juvederm for volume, RHA for flexibility) are chosen based on treatment area and patient needs ([31:23]).
• Sculptra Usage: A bio-stimulatory filler that enhances collagen production, offering long-lasting results ([48:26]).

Notable Quotes:

Gabby Garrettano [31:28]: "The dose is tied to duration. If you aren't getting your longevity on a certain drug, you may want to increase your dose."

Gabby Garrettano [48:26]: "Sculptra is plla, so it's different from HA filler. It is a bio-similar filler... it's almost like a fertilizer that we're injecting into the skin."

7. Polynucleotides and Regenerative Medicine in Aesthetics

Gabby explores the burgeoning field of regenerative medicine within aesthetics, focusing on polynucleotides and their benefits for skin rejuvenation. While not yet FDA-approved for injections, she acknowledges their potential based on international use.

Key Points:

• Regenerative Treatments: Products like polynucleotides aid in wound healing and collagen stimulation, enhancing skin texture and elasticity ([50:42]).
• Future Prospects: Anticipation of more advanced regenerative products entering the U.S. market in the coming years ([52:19]).

Notable Quotes:

Gabby Garrettano [50:42]: "We're doing some of these products out internally... improved wound healing and improvements of the benefits of the skin."

Gabby Garrettano [52:19]: "Regenerative medicine is just super hot right now... no one has downtime anymore."

8. Skincare vs. Injectables: A Holistic Approach

The importance of combining medical-grade skincare with injectables is emphasized. Gabby advocates for a comprehensive skincare regimen that complements injectable treatments to maintain and enhance aesthetic results.

Key Points:

• Complementary Care: Combining injectables with skincare products like retinoids, vitamin C, and sunscreen for optimal results ([53:27]).
• Medical-Grade Skincare: Investing in scientifically-backed skincare enhances the longevity and effectiveness of injectable treatments.

Notable Quote:

Gabby Garrettano [53:27]: "We really should be using at home medical-grade skincare products. Investing in these products is extremely important."

9. Choosing the Right Practitioner: Essential Questions and Red Flags

Gabby provides valuable advice on selecting qualified practitioners for aesthetic treatments. She outlines key questions to ask and highlights red flags to watch out for to ensure safety and satisfactory outcomes.

Key Points:

• Questions to Ask: Credentials, before-and-after photos, FDA approval of products, pre and post-care protocols ([37:24]).
• Red Flags: Unusually low pricing, non-FDA-approved products, lack of transparency, and poor communication skills ([37:31]).

Notable Quotes:

Gabby Garrettano [37:24]: "If the pricing is too good to be true, it's probably a red flag... asking for credentials from the injectors."

Gabby Garrettano [37:31]: "Are there any products that they're using that aren't FDA approved? If they're injecting something not FDA approved, I would have concerns."

10. Aftercare and Maintenance for Injectables

The episode covers best practices for aftercare following injectable treatments, ensuring patients maximize their results while minimizing potential side effects.

Key Points:

• Dos and Don'ts: Avoid blood thinners like aspirin and alcohol before treatments, refrain from intense exercise on the day of injection, and wait to use at-home skin devices post-treatment ([38:53]).
• Maintenance Schedule: Regular treatments every six weeks help sustain results, with the flexibility to adjust dosages based on individual responses ([25:39]).

Notable Quotes:

Gabby Garrettano [38:53]: "Avoid exercise the day of. Ask your specific provider because everyone has different preferences here."

Gabby Garrettano [43:13]: "Once we start seeing those wrinkles reappear at rest, this typically when you know you're due for your next treatment."

11. Future Trends in Medical Aesthetics

Looking ahead, Gabby expresses excitement about regenerative medicine and its integration into aesthetic practices. She anticipates advancements that offer longer-lasting, more natural results with minimal downtime.

Key Points:

• Regenerative Innovations: Continued development of products like exosomes and biosimilar fillers that not only fill but also stimulate the body's own collagen production ([56:02]).
• Holistic Treatments: Emphasis on treatments that provide both immediate and long-term skin health benefits without the need for extensive downtime ([56:02]).

Notable Quote:

Gabby Garrettano [56:02]: "Regenerative medicine is just super hot right now. Everything from polynucleotides... it's really exciting."

Conclusion

Throughout the episode, Gabby Garrettano provides an in-depth look into the current state and future of medical aesthetics. From innovative injectable techniques to the integration of regenerative medicine, listeners gain valuable insights into achieving natural, lasting beauty enhancements. Gabby's expertise underscores the importance of safety, customization, and a holistic approach in aesthetic treatments.

Notable Additional Quotes:

Gabby Garrettano [22:37]: "We're able to achieve that with our Aquagold treatment... decreasing sebum production in the skin."

Gabby Garrettano [44:17]: "Most of our patients coming in to Ject are getting a combination of wrinkle reducer treatments and their fillers."

Gabby Garrettano [47:14]: "We have Hyalinex. We can dissolve it usually immediately after."

For more information on the products and services mentioned in this episode, visit breakingbeautypodcast.com.