
Hosted by Johnny Franco · EN

Busting the "fake news" head-on, this episode of Plastic Surgery Untold dives into preservation breast augmentation. Dr. Franco is joined by Dr. Reis and Dr. Weinfeld to unpack why this technique is anything but the "brutal blunt dissection" critics claim, and how placing the implant where the breast actually lives is changing the game for natural, lifted results. Far from a step backward, preservation is precision surgery, using fine cannulas, ultrasound guidance, and balloon dissection to spare ligaments, vessels, and muscle. The result is a cleaner pocket, an easier recovery, and an implant that works with the breast instead of underneath it. In this episode, we cover: Why the "brutal blunt dissection" criticism of preservation breast augmentation is a myth How preserving the ligaments allows the implant to lift the breast for a more natural result Busting the myths around rippling, implant size limits, and incision options Who's a great candidate for the transaxillary (armpit) approach, from keloid-prone patients to underboob fans Restoration preservation: switching patients from under-the-muscle implants to a preserved approach Why combining preservation augmentation with a breast lift delivers better results with less downtime The big takeaway: if you're going to augment the breast, augment it where the breast lives. Preservation isn't a knock on traditional techniques, but in the right hands, it solves problems surgeons have worked around for decades, and this is only the beginning of where it's headed.

Busting one of the biggest myths in body contouring, this episode of Plastic Surgery Untold dives into the modern mommy makeover. Dr. Franco is joined by Dr. Reis and Dr. Weinfeld to unpack why liposuction and tummy tucks aren't an either/or decision, and how a truly modern abdominoplasty is about sculpting a natural, three-dimensional shape rather than just a flat abdomen. Far from being unsafe, combining the two has been refined over more than a decade of technique and training. Done properly, it protects blood supply, reduces complications, and takes results from good to exceptional. In this episode, we cover: Why the belief that you can't combine liposuction with a tummy tuck is a myth How liposculpting creates natural contours and definition instead of a flat, "operated" look The biggest telltale signs of a tummy tuck and how to avoid them How power-assisted and ultrasound-assisted liposuction have elevated modern results The role of post-operative care, from lymphatic massage to compression garments The big takeaway: a modern tummy tuck almost always involves liposuction. The two go hand in hand, like peanut butter and jelly, and in the right hands, that combination is what separates a great result from an excellent one.
Kicking off another forward-thinking conversation at Octane, this episode dives into how AI is reshaping the patient journey long before someone ever steps into the office. Sugam Aurora, founder of Ponce AI, breaks down how smarter, on-demand patient education is tackling one of the biggest challenges in aesthetics today: misaligned expectations, limited time, and inefficient consults. Instead of replacing the provider relationship, this approach strengthens it. By educating patients ahead of time, AI helps remove confusion, hesitation, and guesswork so consultations can focus on strategy, personalization, and expertise rather than basic explanations. In this episode, we cover: How AI can prepare patients before their consult without removing the human connection Why informed patients lead to better conversations, better trust, and better outcomes Turning consultations into focused, high-value discussions instead of feeling transactional How AI helps demystify aesthetics and lowers the barrier for patients who are curious but unsure Why patient engagement happens outside traditional office hours and how technology needs to meet them there How providers can reclaim time without sacrificing quality or care The big takeaway is simple but powerful: AI is not here to replace doctors, it is here to support them. When patients arrive already educated on their options, providers can spend their time doing what they do best: guiding, refining, and delivering results. This is what smarter efficiency looks like, and it is quickly becoming the new standard for how aesthetic practices operate moving forward.
The latest episode of Plastic Surgery Untold brings us to Octane 2026 with Erik Haines of QSight, one of the clearest voices in aesthetic industry data and trend intelligence. This conversation zooms out from individual practices and looks at what's actually happening nationwide, using real transaction-level data to track patient behavior, spending, and where aesthetics, wellness, and weight loss are headed next. Erik breaks down how GLP usage has shifted from explosive growth to a steadier plateau inside aesthetic practices, and why that doesn't mean opportunity is shrinking. Instead, access points are changing, and aesthetic care is becoming more integrated with weight loss, body contouring, and long-term wellness. The data shows that while patients may not always be purchasing GLPs directly through practices anymore, they are still investing heavily in complementary treatments that help them look as good as they feel. Key takeaways from this episode: GLP spend within aesthetic practices has stabilized, but patient demand has not declined Weight loss is now fully embedded in modern body contouring conversations Post-weight-loss concerns like skin laxity and volume loss are driving aesthetic treatments Wellness, longevity, and aesthetics are merging into a single patient journey 2026 will continue pushing practices toward a "look good, feel good" model backed by real data This episode is a must-listen for anyone trying to understand where aesthetics is actually going, not just where the hype says it's headed. Real numbers, real trends, and a grounded look at how practices can adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.
At Octane, we sat down with Dr. Roy Kim, one of the leading voices in artificial intelligence within aesthetics, to talk about where AI is actually headed in 2026 and beyond. What's changing right now is not hype, it's usability. AI is moving from novelty tools into systems that genuinely improve how surgeons run practices, communicate with patients, and make better decisions faster, without losing the human element that matters most. Dr. Kim breaks down how personalization is becoming the real game changer. Not personalization as a buzzword, but AI that understands your business, your patients, your outcomes, and even your communication style. From vibe coding and custom apps to AI-assisted consultations and education, this shift has the potential to reduce miscommunication, align expectations, and ultimately create happier patients and better outcomes. Key takeaways from this episode include: AI as a business equalizer, helping independent practices compete without private equity Smarter patient education tools that improve consultations and informed consent AI-driven visualization that aligns surgical planning with a patient's aesthetic goals The rise of AI avatars, chatbots, and personalized patient materials A future where efficiency improves without sacrificing emotional connection or trust This conversation sets the tone for how artificial intelligence will shape aesthetics in 2026, not by replacing surgeons, but by amplifying expertise, clarity, and patient experience. Catch the full episode of Plastic Surgery Untold at Octanewherever you get your podcasts, or watch on YouTube for the full discussion.
Season 5 continues at Octane 2026 with Dr. Kamakshi Zeidler. Breast enhancement is no longer just about augmentation. At Octane 2026, we sat down with Dr. Kamakshi Zeidler, one of the leaders redefining what modern breast enhancement looks like, and why 2026 is shaping up to be a major turning point. This conversation dives into how preservation-based techniques and injectable technologies are changing everything from recovery time to long term results, especially for patients who want natural outcomes without aggressive surgery. Key takeaways from this episode: Breast enhancement is shifting toward preservation, not destruction of anatomy Preserve techniques allow implants to be placed while maintaining ligaments and natural support Faster recovery, minimal anesthesia, and more stable long term results The growing role of AlloClae in sculpting cleavage and refinement, especially in thinner patients Why over-the-muscle implants are becoming safer and more predictable with newer implant technology How GLP-related body changes are influencing who benefits most from combination approaches The biggest trend heading into 2026: breast enhancement without general anesthesia and back to the gym in under a week This episode highlights how combining preservation techniques with next-generation injectable options is creating a completely new category of breast enhancement. Less trauma. More precision. Better longevity.
The latest episode of Plastic Surgery Untold kicks off Octane 2026 with an in depth conversation on the rapidly evolving world of weight loss, wellness, GLP medications, and peptides featuring Dr. Jonathan Kaplan, founder of DrWell. As demand for medical weight loss continues to grow, this episode breaks down what providers and patients actually need to understand to stay safe, compliant, and effective. Dr. Kaplan shares how DrWell helps physicians navigate the increasingly complex wellness landscape, from pharmacy sourcing and regulatory compliance to advertising restrictions and medication access. With new GLP formulations, oral options, and peptides entering the market quickly, this discussion focuses on separating what is legitimate from what puts licenses and patient safety at risk. Key takeaways from this episode include How GLP medications, oral options, and injectables differ in real world effectiveness Why LegitScript certification matters for advertising and compliance The risks of research grade and veterinary use medications What providers should know about 503A pharmacies and compounded formulations Why peptides are expected to grow significantly in 2026 How wellness programs fit into surgical planning and long term patient outcomes This episode offers a clear look at where weight loss and wellness are headed in 2026, what innovations are coming next, and how responsible oversight protects both patients and providers. If you are navigating GLPs, peptides, or wellness integration in aesthetics, this conversation provides critical context for what is changing and what to watch closely. Listen to the latest episode of Plastic Surgery Untold from Octane 2026 anywhere you get your podcasts, or watch the full conversation on YouTube.
Season Five of Plastic Surgery Untold launches at Octane 2026 with an in depth conversation on where facial rejuvenation is headed next, featuring Dr. Daniel Gould, MD, PhD. As facelift surgery continues to evolve, this episode focuses on how modern techniques are moving beyond simple skin tightening and into precise, anatomy driven restoration designed to create natural, long lasting results. In this episode, the conversation covers: How facelift surgery has shifted from tension based techniques to deep plane and preservation focused approaches The role of detailed anatomic mapping, including facial ligaments and internal support structures Why repositioning tissue to its natural location creates softer, more authentic outcomes How regenerative strategies and refined fat transfer are improving skin quality and longevity The discussion also explores the bigger picture of patient care, including pre operative optimization, long term planning, and the growing role of technology. With insights into how AI and improved communication tools are shaping the future of plastic surgery, this episode sets the tone for what 2026 and beyond will look like in aesthetic medicine. Season Five begins with a clear message: better anatomy, better planning, and better education lead to better results.
The latest episode of Plastic Surgery Untold breaks down what surgeons really mean by the term gummy bear implant.These are highly cohesive gel implants designed to reduce rippling, hold their shape, and still feel soft and natural—earning their nickname because the gel sticks together like a gummy bear candy. What sets them apart is the balance of structure and softness. Today's implants offer projection and fullness while staying flexible, making them an especially valuable option for patients who've lost breast volume after major weight changes, including those experiencing "Ozempic breast." • Highly cohesive gel minimizes rippling • Form-stable design adds shape and projection • Softer feel for a natural look and touch Every manufacturer has slightly different versions, so the right choice depends on each patient's anatomy and goals. These advances give surgeons more freedom to tailor breast enhancement for truly natural results. Catch the full conversation now on Plastic Surgery Untold, streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, Pandora, and YouTube.
For years, the largest silicone or gummy bear implant available capped at 800cc. We break that down in this episode of Plastic Surgery Untold. It left patients who wanted, or needed, more fullness with only one option — saline implants, which often sacrificed softness for size. Now, with the arrival of Mentor Enhanced breast implants, patients have the option to go beyond 800cc — all the way up to 1450cc — while still enjoying the benefits of a gel implant. Originally developed for breast reconstruction, these implants are FDA-approved for that use and can also be used off-label in cosmetic surgery. This opens the door for both reconstruction and aesthetic patients who have limited natural breast tissue or who simply want a fuller look. Key things to know: Mentor Enhanced implants expand size options past 800cc, up to 1450cc. They were first designed for reconstruction, where larger volumes are often needed. Softer than overfilled saline implants, they keep the benefits of a gel implant. Not every patient is a candidate — safety, tissue limits, and support options like internal bras must be considered. This episode of Plastic Surgery Untold breaks down what these new implants mean for patients, the pros and cons of going larger, and how to know if this option might be right for you. 🎧 Catch the full episode of Plastic Surgery Untold anywhere you get your favorite podcasts — Spotify, Apple, iHeart, Pandora — or watch on YouTube to see implant comparisons in action.