Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kay Durairaj. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kay, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

A major risk I took was putting myself out there on social media. As a facial plastic surgeon, the idea of sharing my work and personal insights with such a vast and often unpredictable audience felt incredibly daunting. When I first started posting on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, there was always that fear of judgment or backlash. Would people take me seriously as a surgeon? Would I be able to balance sharing my knowledge while also being authentic and engaging?

Despite those concerns, I decided to go all in. I wanted to use social media not only to showcase my expertise but to educate people about aesthetics, skincare, and the latest anti-aging treatments in a fun, approachable way. It was a huge shift from the traditional, more private life most doctors lead, but I knew the potential to reach and connect with a wider audience was worth the risk.

It wasn’t always easy—there were moments of vulnerability, and yes, some negative feedback along the way. But putting myself out there paid off in ways I never expected. My platforms grew, and so did my ability to influence and educate people globally. I even launched my Beauty Bytes with Dr. Kay podcast, which helped me connect with my audience on a deeper level. Social media turned out to be a game-changer for my practice and allowed me to share my passion for natural, beautiful results with millions.

Taking that risk taught me the importance of embracing new opportunities, even when they feel uncomfortable, and being true to my message. It helped me grow both personally and professionally, and I’ve never looked back.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Dr. Kay Durairaj, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who trained at UCLA. I’m a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. I focus on all things face, from eyelid surgery and rhinoplasty to facelifts and neck lifts. On the non-surgical side, I’m passionate about Botox, neurotoxins, and facial fillers, and I’m honored to be named one of the top 100 injectors for the last years in the country.

What sets me apart is my natural approach to facial rejuvenation—I love helping people highlight their best features in a way that looks effortless and beautiful. I’m also a leader in Sculptra butt injections, using this method to add volume, smooth out cellulite dimples, and improve the look of stretch marks for hundreds of patients.

I also serve as Vice Chairman of the Department of Ear, Nose, and Throat Surgery at Huntington Memorial Hospital and work closely with industry leaders like Merz, Allergan, Evolus, Prollenium, and Galderma as an advisor. My mission is to make anti-aging feel approachable and effective, and I’m here to help you learn how to best care for your face with cutting-edge technology.

Beyond my practice, I’m super active on social media, with 350K followers on Instagram and 390K followers on TikTok. You can find me on both platforms @beautybydrkay, where I share beauty tips, behind-the-scenes moments, and educational content about the latest in aesthetics

My podcast, Beauty Bytes With Dr. Kay: Secrets of a Plastic Surgeon, which debuted at #2 in Fashion and Beauty, is another passion project where I connect with listeners on all things beauty, wellness, and self-care. With over 600 episodes and 1.75 million listens, the podcast covers a wide range of topics, from facial aesthetics and beauty to wellness and biohacking. I engage a diverse audience, all of whom are passionate about leading a healthier, fuller life through a holistic approach to beauty and well-being. With over 500 five-star reviews, we believe our guests’ insights add incredible value and depth to the conversation.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think my reputation in the aesthetics world really comes down to a few key things. First off, my training at UCLA gave me a rock-solid foundation in facial anatomy and plastic surgery techniques-, which is crucial when you’re working on such delicate, detailed areas of the face. Being a part of professional organizations like the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery has definitely added to that credibility, showing that I’m committed to staying on top of my game.

I’ve also carved out a niche by focusing on facial procedures like eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, facelifts, and neck lifts—basically, all things face-related. And when it comes to injectables like Botox and fillers, I’ve been lucky to be recognized by my peers as one of the top 100 injectors in the country for 5 years in a row. That’s been a huge honor and a great boost to my reputation.

Another thing that’s really set me apart is being at the forefront of Sculptra butt injections. I’ve treated hundreds of patients, helping improve volume, smooth out cellulite dimples, and soften stretch marks. It’s exciting to be on the cutting edge and offer something that really works for people.

On top of that, being Vice Chairman of the Department of Ear, Nose, and Throat Surgery at Huntington Memorial Hospital and working as an advisor for big names like Merz, Allergan, and Galderma has kept me deeply involved in the industry. It’s all about staying plugged into the latest trends and tech so I can offer my patients the very best.

But at the heart of it, my reputation is all about my approach: keeping things natural and helping each person bring out their best features. I want my patients to feel great and learn how to take care of their skin using the best anti-aging tools we have today. It’s a combination of science, artistry, and a genuine love for what I do.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been a blend of delivering exceptional results and building genuine connections with people. I’m all about helping patients look naturally refreshed—enhancing their best features without creating an overdone look. When clients leave feeling confident and beautiful, they share their experiences, and in the aesthetics industry, word of mouth is everything.

Staying at the forefront of treatments, like my signature Tinkerbell Tip Lift technique for non-surgical rhinoplasty, has also drawn many clients to my practice. This technique uses tiny needles to precisely place microdroplets of dermal filler in the nose tip, adding projection and refining the nose shape without swelling. The entire procedure takes less than 20 minutes, requires minimal downtime, and consistently achieves elegant, natural-looking results, with patients expressing a high satisfaction rate. Offering innovative techniques like this, along with advanced facial injectables, keeps my work exciting and keeps clients coming back.

Additionally, a significant part of my reach is thanks to social media. On Instagram (@beautybydrkay) and TikTok (also @beautybydrkay), I share everything from skincare tips to behind-the-scenes glimpses of procedures, making aesthetics approachable and fun. My podcast, Beauty Bytes with Dr. Kay, is another way I connect with audiences, sharing insider secrets and expert advice on beauty and anti-aging.

My KD Skin line has also been instrumental in expanding my client base. This physician-grade skincare collection is designed to deliver real, effective results. From anti-aging serums to everyday essentials, KD Skin helps clients maintain and enhance their results at home. I’m passionate about educating people on proper skincare, and having my own line allows me to offer solutions I truly believe in. Seeing clients love and trust these products has been incredibly rewarding.

At the end of the day, it’s all about blending trust, innovation, and an engaging online presence to reach and retain a loyal client base.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.beautybydrkay.com
• Instagram: @beautybydrkay
• Facebook: @beautybydrkay
• Linkedin: Kay Durairaj, MD
• Twitter: @beautybydrkay
• Youtube: Beauty By Dr. Kay
• Yelp: Kay Durairaj, MD
• Other: TikTok: @beautybydrkay
  Pinterest: @beautybydrkay
  Snapchat: @dr_kay
  Podcasts: Beauty Bytes with Dr. Kay: Secrets of a Plastic Surgeon