Can you actually get rid of cellulite? Are some stretch marks easier to treat than others? And when it comes to loose, crepey skin, which treatments are worth your time?

This week on Beauty & The Brain, Dr. Chris Croley and Jerry Drinkard, NP, welcome fellow Skin & Tonic nurse practitioner Allie Ballew for an honest, informative and entertaining conversation about cellulite, stretch marks and skin laxity.

They explain why cellulite isn't simply a sign of excess body fat, why genetics can play a major role in stretch marks, and why even people who eat well and exercise regularly experience these common skin concerns.

Drawing on their clinical experience, the team discusses everything from the discontinued cellulite injectable QWO to subcision, Radiesse, Sculptra and shockwave therapy. They also explore options for stubborn stretch marks, including Plexr, lasers and microneedling, and explain why combining treatments can sometimes be more effective than using a single approach.

You'll also hear practical tips for supporting your skin through different stages of life, along with a few unexpected detours into beef tallow, tanning beds and Chris's memorable tanning history.

Whether you're considering an aesthetic treatment or simply curious about what's happening beneath your skin, this episode offers a refreshingly candid look at what's possible, what's challenging and why realistic expectations matter.

Follow Beauty & The Brain wherever you listen, and join us each week as we make aesthetic medicine a little easier to understand—and a lot more fun to talk about.