Advancing Aesthetics: Innovations, Trends, and Patient-Centric Strategies in the Era of Weight Loss Medications

Dermatology Times recently interviewed Gerry Muhle, head of Global Product Strategy at Galderma, and Michael Somenek, MD, a facial plastic surgeon practicing in Washington, DC, to discuss pearls and highlights from Galderma's phase 4 study assessing the safety and efficacy of combining Sculptra with Restylane Lyft or Contour for facial volume restoration following medication-induced weight loss.

Muhle discussed the study's motivation and broader implications for facial aesthetics, emphasizing the growing demand for treatments targeting the aesthetic changes associated with weight-loss medications. These changes include reduced facial fat, diminished collagen and elastin, and changes in skin laxity, which are becoming more apparent as weight-loss treatments gain popularity.

Highlighting emerging trends, such as the intersection of weight-loss goals and aesthetic desires, Muhle urged clinicians to play a pivotal role in supporting patients with holistic, customized care. He noted that as weight-loss medications like GLP-1 agonists become increasingly prevalent, more patients are seeking treatments to combat the aesthetic changes they experience.

Muhle shared additional insights into the company’s injectable aesthetics portfolio and its role in addressing facial volume loss tied to medication-driven weight loss. He highlighted the phase 4 study’s findings, explaining how the treatments delivered regenerative and restorative benefits for patients. Muhle emphasized Sculptra’s ability to stimulate elastin and collagen production across all 3 layers of the skin, which over time, improves skin quality and appearance. Meanwhile, Restylane Lyft and Contour offer tailored solutions for mid-face volume restoration and precise facial contouring, meeting patient-specific needs with natural-looking results.

Central to Galderma’s strategy is the HIT (Holistic, Individualized Treatments) methodology, which ensures personalized care based on unique patient goals. Muhle discussed the Shape-Up HIT approach utilized in the recent clinical study, which considers each patient’s specific stage of weight loss and desired outcome. This personalized approach is crucial in achieving the best results for patients who may have differing needs depending on their medication regimen or facial concerns.

Muhle also pointed to the growing trend of regenerative aesthetics, where treatments not only restore volume but also enhance the health and vibrancy of skin, which is increasingly important to today’s aesthetic consumers.

Somenek, a study investigator, highlighted the growing demand for effective solutions as more patients turn to GLP-1 agonists for weight management. He noted that while these medications offer significant weight loss benefits, they often lead to facial volume loss, creating an unmet need in aesthetic care. The study ensured a stable body mass index throughout, allowing practitioners to focus on restoring mid-face volume, improving skin quality, and achieving natural, confidence-boosting results.

Somenek also discussed how the combination treatment not only addressed volume loss but also improved skin hydration and thickness, as confirmed by ultrasound measurements. Nearly 90% of participants reported enhanced confidence and satisfaction with their appearance, highlighting the effectiveness of this combined approach in achieving visible results.

He underscored the importance of individualized treatment approaches, stressing that every patient’s unique needs and stage of weight loss must be considered. As medication-driven weight loss becomes increasingly prevalent, Somenek sees this study as a foundation for future innovations in restoring facial aesthetics and improving skin health.

Future Directions in Aesthetic Care

Both Muhle and Somenek emphasized that the phase 4 study is just the beginning of a broader movement toward regenerative aesthetics.

Muhle shared Galderma’s vision for expanding its portfolio to address emerging needs, with the development of products like RelabotulinumtoxinA, a ready-to-use liquid neuromodulator, showcasing the company’s commitment to innovation. The company is also exploring additional treatment options aimed at providing long-term, sustainable results for patients.

Somenek added that the study’s results underscore the importance of collaboration between researchers and clinicians to refine techniques and improve patient outcomes.