Galderma Unveils New Interim Trial Data on Menopause and Weight Loss-Driven Skin Changes

Last week, Galderma announced new interim findings from 2 investigator-initiated trials that provide emerging clinical and biologic insights into aesthetic changes associated with menopause and medication-driven weight loss.¹ The data highlights the potential complementary roles of Sculptra and the Restylane portfolio in addressing evolving patient needs across both facial and body indications.

Skin Quality Improvements in Menopausal Patients

The first study, led by Andreas Nikolis, MD, PhD, FRCSC, evaluated treatment sequencing strategies in menopausal women, a population often underrepresented in aesthetic research despite well-documented changes in skin physiology.² In this nine-month clinical sequencing trial, investigators assessed the effects of combining Restylane Skinboosters and Sculptra on the face and décolletage, with a particular focus on optimizing treatment order.

Interim results demonstrated that both treatment sequences produced progressive and meaningful improvements in skin quality, including hydration, elasticity, and overall barrier function. However, the most pronounced early improvements in hydration were observed when Restylane Skinboosters were administered first.

Mechanistically, the results support a complementary approach: hyaluronic acid–based Skinboosters provide rapid improvements in extracellular matrix hydration and skin smoothness, while Sculptra, a poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA)-based biostimulator, induces gradual collagen and elastin remodeling across all skin layers. Together, these modalities appear to offer both immediate and sustained benefits. Improvements in objective skin measures were paralleled by patient-reported outcomes, with satisfaction scores increasing steadily over the study period and reaching high levels by month 6.

“The interim findings are highly encouraging, demonstrating meaningful improvements in skin hydration and collagen-related skin quality over time. Equally important, these measurable clinical benefits are mirrored by rising patient satisfaction throughout the study,” Nikolis said. “For clinicians, these early results offer valuable evidence-based insight into how we can better support aging menopausal patients with treatment strategies that are tailored to the biologic changes of this stage of life.”

Cellular Changes in Patients with Medication-Driven Weight Loss

The second trial, led by Sabrina Fabi, MD, focused on patients experiencing aesthetic changes following medication-driven weight loss, an increasingly common clinical scenario with the widespread use of GLP-1 receptor agonists.³ While volume loss has traditionally been attributed to fat reduction alone, this study sought to better understand underlying tissue-level changes.

In this analysis of 20 female patients with mild-to-moderate abdominal skin laxity, investigators identified a statistically significant four-fold reduction in adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) in individuals who had undergone medication-driven weight loss, compared with those who had not. ADSCs are critical for maintaining adipose tissue homeostasis and regenerative capacity. Notably, fibroblast populations were preserved, suggesting a selective alteration in adipose biology rather than generalized tissue degradation.

“Many people experiencing medication-driven weight loss report aesthetic changes that seem disproportionate to weight loss alone, and until now, we haven’t fully understood why. The findings suggest shifts in the skin and adipose‑tissue profile that may help explain the volume‑related changes clinicians are seeing,” Fabi said. “By clarifying the biological underpinnings, we can better guide treatment planning, and the available science indicates that regenerative and adipose tissue‑stimulating treatments such as Sculptra, can play a critical role in supporting healthy‑looking volume and appearance. This insight gives clinicians a stronger, evidence‑based foundation for thoughtful, individualized treatment discussions with their patients across their weight loss journey.”

Final Thoughts

Taken together, the results support the integration of regenerative aesthetic approaches, such as Sculptra, which has demonstrated the ability to stimulate collagen, elastin, and adipose tissue remodeling. Rather than applying uniform approaches, clinicians are increasingly called to consider the distinct pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying different patient populations; such therapies may offer more durable and physiologically aligned outcomes. These indications for Restylane Skinboosters and Sculptra are not currently FDA approved in the US.

Although these findings from Galderma are interim and derived from relatively small cohorts, they provide valuable early evidence to inform clinical decision-making and future research. Larger, controlled studies will be necessary to confirm these observations and further refine treatment protocols.

“These studies deliver highly relevant insights for dermatologists on two of the most pressing needs in aesthetics today,” Bill Andriopoulos, PhD, Head of Global Medical Affairs at Galderma, told Dermatology Times. “Dr. Fabi’s research advances understanding of the biological underpinnings behind aesthetic changes associated with medication-driven weight loss, highlighting the importance of regenerative and adipose tissue‑stimulating treatments like Sculptra. At the same time, Dr. Nikolis’ study addresses a critical gap in evidence around how best to use injectable aesthetic treatments to support women during menopause. This study also highlights the unique properties and synergistic effects of Sculptra, as the first proven regenerative biostimulator, and Restylane Skinboosters, as the only hyaluronic acid skin quality injectable clinically proven to provide six skin quality benefits, such as hydration, smoothing wrinkles, and a brighter skin tone. Our proud support of these investigator-initiated trials shows our commitment to advancing science and solutions in line with real-world needs.”

References

1. Interim data from two ongoing investigator-initiated trials highlight the role of Sculptra® and Restylane® in addressing aesthetic changes associated with weight loss medications and menopause. News release. Galderma. Published April 9, 2026. Published April 17, 2026. https://www.galderma.com/news/interim-data-two-ongoing-investigator-initiated-trials-highlight-role-sculptra-and-restylane

2. Nikolis A, et al. A comprehensive interim analysis of skin hydration, barrier function (TEWL), elasticity, and patient satisfaction across two treatment arms. Interim Data on File. Galderma. April 2026

3. Fabi S, et al. Investigating the Impact of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists on Adipose-Derived Stem Cells. Interim Data on File. Galderma. April 2026