Exploring Facial Aesthetic Trends and Innovations Following Medication-Driven Weight Loss

Galderma recently unveiled promising 3-month interim results from a phase 4 clinical trial at the 43rd Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference. The trial assessed the efficacy and safety of combining Sculptra with Restylane Lyft or Contour for addressing facial volume loss linked to medication-driven weight loss.¹

Findings revealed significant improvements in mid-face shape, contouring, skin quality, and hydration. Patients also reported high satisfaction, with nearly 90% expressing greater confidence in their appearance 3 months post-treatment.¹

In a comprehensive interview with Dermatology Times, Gerry Muhle, head of Global Product Strategy at Galderma, delved into the results and the evolving facial aesthetic landscape.

Muhle highlighted the increasing demand for solutions addressing changes associated with medication-driven weight loss, discussed the growing trends in aesthetic needs, and provided a glimpse into Galderma’s forward-looking innovations

Motivation Behind the Study

As weight-loss medications gain traction globally,² Muhle emphasized their implications on facial aesthetics. "What may be less evident or less reported on is how it can be associated with alterations of variable magnitude of facial aesthetic appearance," Muhle explained.

The underlying factors include loss of facial fat, reduced collagen and elastin, and diminished essential nutrients.

Recognizing these challenges, Galderma initiated a study to explore solutions. Muhle said, "We believe at Galderma, we're really well positioned to address the facial aesthetic alterations that these patients are seeing, given our experience in dermatology."

Trends in Facial Aesthetic Needs

Galderma’s market research, conducted in regions like the US, UK, Middle East, and Brazil, revealed compelling trends among prescription weight-loss medication users. Muhle noted, "23% of prescription weight-loss medicine users, so almost a quarter of them, are either already aesthetic users or considerers of aesthetic treatments."

Further findings highlighted that:

• 10% of prescribers of weight-loss medications also offer aesthetic treatments.
• 49% of current aesthetic users in this demographic plan to undergo procedures aligned with their weight-loss goals.

Patients prioritize firmer skin, improved skin laxity, reduced lines and wrinkles, balanced facial proportions, and enhanced skin hydration. "Physicians focused on aesthetics are really well placed to help these patients not only with their weight goals but also with their aesthetic needs," Muhle said.

Galderma’s Vision for the Future

"We’re always looking at the evolving needs of the aesthetic health care community and what’s happening with patients and consumers," Muhle added.

Muhle also highlighted RelabotulinumtoxinA, a ready-to-use liquid neuromodulator developed with proprietary Pearl technology, as an exciting addition to Galderma’s injectable aesthetic portfolio.

A Message to Clinicians

Muhle concluded with a call to clinicians, emphasizing their integral role in addressing these evolving needs: "Clinicians are uniquely positioned to support patients on their weight and aesthetic journeys, ensuring optimal outcomes with innovative treatments like Sculptra and Restylane."

References

1. Galderma premieres positive interim results demonstrating the efficacy of its Injectable Aesthetics portfolio in addressing facial volume loss as a result of medication-driven weight loss. News release. Galderma. January 14, 2025. Accessed January 24, 2025. https://www.galderma.com/news/galderma-premieres-positive-interim-results-demonstrating-efficacy-its-injectable-aesthetics
2. Komodo Health. Prescriptions for trendy diabetes and weight loss drugs increased over 2000% since 2019. Komodo Health Perspectives. Published February 23, 2023. Accessed January 24, 2025. https://www.komodohealth.com/perspectives/prescriptions-for-trendy-diabetes-and-weight-loss-drugs-increased-over-2000-since-2019/#:~:text=Here's%20what%20we%20found%3A,between%202021%20and%202022%20alone