Episode 97

Why Everyone’s Flying to Korea for Procedures — The Truth Behind the Trend

Published on: 20th November, 2025

Why does beauty look different in Miami than in the Midwest? Why is Korea the global leader in skincare, injectables, and advanced esthetic innovation? And are some beauty preferences universal—wired into the brain—regardless of where you’re born?

In this week’s episode of Beauty & The Brain, Dr. Chris Croley, NP Jerry Drinkard, and NP Allie Ballew unpack how culture, environment, and neuroscience influence global beauty ideals.

Inside this episode, the hosts explore:

  • The rise of Korean esthetics, glass-skin standards, and advanced injectables
  • How the U.S. regions (Miami, Midwest, California) each shape their own beauty aesthetic
  • Differences in body & intimate wellness preferences globally
  • Why facial symmetry and proportion are universally attractive
  • The surprising neuroscience behind how children learn what is “beautiful”
  • What the team hopes to discover during their upcoming Asia esthetics tour (Hong Kong → Singapore)
  • How international conferences are changing the future of U.S. injectables and skin treatments

This conversation blends education, humor, and clinical insight—perfect for injectors, estheticians, skincare experts, med spa owners, and beauty lovers curious about worldwide trends.

If you enjoy learning about culture-driven aesthetics and the science behind beauty, make sure to:

✔️ Follow the show

✔️ Leave a review

✔️ Share this episode with a fellow esthetic provider or beauty enthusiast

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About the Podcast

Beauty & The Brain®
A Deep Dive into Medical Aesthetics
Welcome to Beauty & The Brain, the podcast where we take a deep dive into the fascinating world of medical aesthetics! I'm Dr. Chris Croley, and I'm joined by my co-host Jerry Drinkard, a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. Together, we co-own Skin & Tonic, a medical spa that's passionate about providing the latest and greatest treatments to help our clients look and feel their best.

We started this podcast out of our love for medical aesthetics and our desire to share our knowledge and insights with others. Every week, we'll be discussing new trends, sharing our thoughts on controversial topics, and keeping you up to date on the latest technology in the industry. But we won't just be talking to ourselves! We're excited to bring in experts and industry leaders to share their perspectives and insights with our listeners.

Our goal is to provide a podcast that's authentic, informative, and genuinely helpful for anyone who's interested in beauty and wellness. Whether you're a beauty enthusiast or a medical professional, we hope you'll tune in every week to learn something new and join us on this journey of discovery.

So, if you're ready to dive into the world of medical aesthetics, join us on Beauty & The Brain, and let's explore this fascinating industry together!