Episode 67

“Why I Turn Down Patients (Even When They’re Begging for Filler)”

Published on: 24th April, 2025

In this powerful follow-up episode, hosts Dr. Chris Croley and Nurse Practitioner Jerry Drinkard welcome back Michelle Langston, founder of Starlight Aesthetics, to share the raw truth about being an aesthetic injector - setting boundaries with patients, and navigating the rise of body dysmorphia in a filter-obsessed world.

From managing high-end med spa pricing in La Jolla to embracing her unique journey from trauma nursing to top lip injector, Michelle offers insight and inspiration for both patients and providers. You'll hear her take on:

💉 Her most requested treatment (spoiler: it's all about the lips!)

📉 Saying no to patients—and why that's ethical aesthetics

🌎 How medical tourism and border pricing influence business strategy

🧠 Recognizing and addressing body dysmorphia in aesthetics

👨‍🔬 The subtle art of male lip injections and balancing facial features

🔬 Using PRF, exosomes, and her favorite device: DermaFuse

Plus, the trio dives into social media dysmorphia, gendered beauty standards, and what every new injector needs to know to stand out ethically in today’s crowded market.


👄 Whether you're a med spa owner, a new injector, or someone curious about injectables, Sculptra, microneedling, this episode is filled with practical gems and real-world wisdom.


🔗 Be sure to check the description for links to Michelle’s practice, Starlight Aesthetics, and follow us for more deep dives into cutting-edge treatments and aesthetic medicine education.

https://www.instagram.com/michelle_fnp_injector/

https://starliteaesthetics.com/


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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!