The latest episode of Plastic Surgery Untold brings us to Octane 2026 with Eric 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.

Eric 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.