Episode 4: Medical Director Dr. Akash Chandawarkar on Plastic Surgery, AI, & What Patients Need to Know

What does a medical director actually do at a medical spa—and why should every patient care? In this episode of Needles & Nonsense, Tristan and Erin sit down with Dr. Akash Chandawarkar, Harvard-educated board-certified plastic surgeon at Mirror Plastic Surgery and Medical Director of Elevate Medical Spa, to discuss the aesthetic world from his unique perspective.Dr. Chandawarkar shares his journey into plastic surgery, why he transitioned from hospital medicine to aesthetics, and how reconstructive surgery shaped his philosophy of helping patients look and feel like the best version of themselves. The conversation also explores what patients should look for when choosing a provider, how to navigate the overwhelming amount of aesthetic misinformation on social media, and why understanding a patient's goals is one of the most important parts of any consultation. You'll also hear their thoughts on:-How AI may improve the patient experience without replacing human care-The impact of private equity on the aesthetics industry-Managing complications and prioritizing patient safety-Common misconceptions about Botox, fillers, and aesthetic treatments-The future of regenerative aesthetics and emerging technologyWhether you're researching cosmetic injectables, considering plastic surgery, or simply interested in the future of aesthetic medicine, this episode offers expert insight into how safe, ethical, and patient-centered care should look.