From Molecule to Market: Reflections about Regenerative Medicine from MAAI 2025

drglowup
Aug 29
3 min read

This year at MAAI 2025, I had the immense privilege of not only speaking—but learning, absorbing, expanding. My presentation, “From Molecule to Market: Navigating the Peptide Frontier,” was a milestone moment. But it was the clinical deep dives, the soul-nourishing mentorship, and the conversations in between that truly left a mark.

At [ Skin + Tonic ], we always say: it’s more than just skin deep. And this weekend reaffirmed that—on every level.

✧ Peptides: Clarity in the Gray Zone

In my session, I wanted to demystify peptides—those small but mighty chains of amino acids that play outsized roles in healing, aging, inflammation, and neuroregeneration.

What attendees walked away with:

A clear framework on how and where peptides are effective.
An understanding of the “gray zone” of FDA approval—why most peptides aren’t approved, not because they’re ineffective, but because the cost of large-scale human trials is often prohibitive without patent exclusivity.
Insight into the peptides most worth knowing:
BPC-157, TB-500, TA-1, KPV, Cu-GHK, Dihexa, Selank, Semax, and cerebrolysin.

Many practitioners told me they finally got it—why this powerful category is surrounded by so much confusion. There’s growing curiosity. But also frustration. The desire to explore meets the legal and educational bottlenecks. That’s why part of our mission at [ Skin + Tonic ] is education first—so that patients and providers alike can make empowered, informed choices.

✧ Ultrasound-Guided Aesthetics: Safety Meets Precision

Some of the most powerful moments happened in the hands-on learning labs. I had the opportunity to work directly with the Mindray and Clarius ultrasound devices—scanning in real time and watching the entire landscape of the face open up with new clarity.

Under the expert guidance of Candice Derry, we explored advanced ultrasound facial mapping, particularly around:

Chin
Temple
Facial artery territory
Pyriform space

It wasn’t just about “where not to inject”—it was about how to visualize layers, fascia, and vessels to improve outcomes and minimize risk. We’re bringing the Mindray ultrasound to [ Skin + Tonic ] so we can continue to push safety and precision forward in every injectable treatment.

✧ Anatomy Comes Alive: Cadaver Lab with Julie Bass Kaplan

There’s something profound about seeing the human face—not just in textbooks or diagrams—but directly. The cadaver anatomy lab led by Julie Bass Kaplan was a masterclass in perspective. Superficial placement techniques, vascular vectors, danger zones—it all became tactile, embodied.

This is the kind of training that reshapes your hands. Your eye. Your respect for the art.

At [ Skin + Tonic ], we’ll be refining protocols to reflect the real-world nuances I gained from that room.

✧ Connection, Leadership & Legacy

One of the unexpected joys of the weekend? Meeting Dr. Saltz and his wife Flavia. Beyond his clinical brilliance, their mutual warmth, humility, and legacy mindset were deeply inspiring. It reminded me that aesthetics, at its best, is about both transformation and stewardship—carrying forward wisdom, while continuously evolving.

I was also incredibly moved by Yvonne Dellos, who shared her personal story of growing up without a female role model—and how that shaped her commitment to building a supportive community. The space she’s created within MAAI is like no other.

✧ Imposter Syndrome, Metamorphosis, and the Dr. Glow Up Within

I’ll admit it: I walked into MAAI a little quiet. A little unsure. That old whisper—“Am I expert enough to speak on this?”—crept in.

But by the end of the weekend, I wasn’t just grounded—I was expanded. As a woman. A leader. A clinician. A visionary. This weekend cracked open the next level—not just for [ Skin + Tonic ], but for Dr. Glow Up, too.

✧ What’s Next

MAAI 2025 was the convergence of molecule, medicine, mentorship, and meaning.

We’re bringing back:

Ultrasound-guided injectables for higher safety and precision
New cadaver-informed techniques for refined artistry
More patient education around regenerative medicine, including peptides and PRF
A deeper focus on mentorship, embodiment, and elevating aesthetics into something transformative