Galderma Leads in Aesthetic Injectables & Weight Loss Research
New research reveals that loose or sagging skin on the face and neck is most commonly observed after medication-driven weight loss, with facial changes typically appearing 3-6 months post-treatment in 45% of patients, and sometimes as early as 1-2 months in 28% of cases.
Moreover, over 60% of individuals undergoing medication-driven weight loss express a strong interest in a dual-expertise service combining medical and aesthetic professionals to support their weight loss journey.
At IMCAS, Galderma will enhance education for healthcare professionals by hosting a masterclass with international aesthetics experts. This session will focus on managing facial changes in patients undergoing medication-driven weight loss in clinical practice.
Additionally, the first international consensus-based guidelines, developed by global experts with support from Galderma, will be introduced. These guidelines aim to address and manage the unique aesthetic needs of this patient group, with a special session dedicated to rapid facial volume loss.
Galderma Leads the Way in Addressing the Impact of Medication-Driven Weight Loss on Aesthetic Outcomes
Galderma, a global leader in dermatology, is at the forefront of pioneering research that explores the impact of medication-driven weight loss on the skin. This research underscores the importance of incorporating aesthetic treatment goals into the patient journey and introduces the first international consensus-based guidelines on how to manage this unique patient population. Galderma’s ongoing commitment to advancing the understanding of medication-induced weight loss and its effects on facial aesthetics is set to have a significant impact on clinical practice worldwide.
Galderma’s Role in Shaping Aesthetic Practices for Weight Loss Patients
At the 2025 International Master Course on Aging Science (IMCAS) annual congress, Galderma will present a groundbreaking masterclass titled “Managing Facial Changes in Patients with Medication-Driven Weight Loss.” This session will feature leading international aesthetic experts and provide healthcare professionals with the strategies and insights they need to manage facial changes in patients undergoing medication-induced weight loss.
As the global adoption of prescription weight loss medications continues to rise, so too does the need for expertise in managing the aesthetic side effects that accompany such treatments. With an estimated $100 billion in global sales forecasted by 2030, the increasing use of weight loss medications, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications, is reshaping the aesthetic landscape. According to recent studies, 62% of patients using GLP-1 medications seek aesthetic treatments upon the recommendation of healthcare professionals. This trend highlights the pressing need for clear guidance on how to manage the facial changes that often accompany medication-driven weight loss.
The Importance of International Consensus-Based Guidelines
Recognizing the wide-reaching implications of prescription weight loss medications, Galderma has sponsored an innovative Delphi study to address the need for high-quality research and establish clear clinical guidelines for managing this patient population. This international, multidisciplinary study brought together insights from patient interviews, market research, literature reviews, and expert input from healthcare professionals around the world.
The findings of this study culminated in the creation of the first international consensus-based guidelines for treating patients experiencing medication-driven weight loss. These guidelines focus on identifying and managing the unique aesthetic needs of this patient group and prioritize treatment approaches based on real-world case studies and expert consensus. Dr. Andreas Nikolis will present these novel guidelines during a special focus session on “Rapid Facial Volume Loss: Causes and Consequences” at IMCAS 2025.
Understanding the Aesthetic Impact of Medication-Driven Weight Loss
Galderma’s research into the effects of medication-driven weight loss on the skin provides critical insights into the anatomical and aesthetic challenges faced by patients. The study surveyed over 1,000 male and female respondents aged 25-65 across the United States, Brazil, Europe, and the Middle East. This comprehensive survey aimed to understand the full range of facial changes that occur due to weight loss treatments and equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge they need to better support their patients throughout their weight loss journeys.
The results of this research paint a clear picture of the challenges faced by patients. Medication-driven weight loss can lead to a variety of facial changes, such as dry or dull skin, sagging, and a hollowed-out or gaunt appearance. Additionally, the structure and balance of the face may alter, creating a less youthful look. Nearly half of the survey respondents (48%) reported significant facial changes due to weight loss treatments, with menopausal women experiencing more pronounced sagging skin, a thinner face, and a lack of radiance.
These changes are primarily attributed to the loss of fat that normally cushions the skin, as well as the depletion of collagen, elastin, and other essential nutrients that contribute to skin quality and facial contouring. As a result, many patients begin to notice visible effects such as sagging skin on the face and neck, which often manifests 3-6 months after beginning weight loss treatments. In some cases, changes may occur as early as 1-2 months after starting treatment.
Patient Demand for Comprehensive Aesthetic Support
Galderma’s research also reveals a growing demand among patients for aesthetic services to address the changes caused by medication-driven weight loss. A significant 60% of patients who have undergone aesthetic treatments as part of their weight loss journey reported that they did so in response to healthcare professional recommendations. Furthermore, one-third of respondents indicated that they would have taken preventive measures had they been aware of the skin changes associated with weight loss medications before starting their weight loss journey.
A key finding from the research was that more than 60% of patients undergoing medication-driven weight loss expressed a strong interest in a dual-expertise service. This service would integrate both medical and aesthetic professionals, ensuring patients receive comprehensive care that addresses both their weight loss and aesthetic goals. This highlights the need for a holistic approach that combines clinical treatment with aesthetic support, especially for patients who may experience significant changes in their appearance during their weight loss journey.
Aesthetic Treatment Options for Weight Loss Patients
The survey also explored patient preferences when it comes to aesthetic treatments aimed at addressing the changes caused by medication-driven weight loss. Among those who had sought aesthetic treatments, 48% expressed interest in using Sculptra® to restore lost facial volume, while 41% indicated they would consider Restylane® treatment. These findings demonstrate the need for aesthetic solutions that specifically target the effects of weight loss on the skin, offering patients the opportunity to address volume loss, sagging, and changes in facial structure.
These treatment options reflect the evolving needs of patients undergoing medication-driven weight loss and emphasize the importance of tailored aesthetic solutions that address the unique challenges of this patient population. Galderma’s research and guidelines are helping healthcare professionals better understand these needs and provide more effective, personalized treatment plans.
The Path Forward: A Holistic Approach to Weight Loss and Aesthetics
As the prevalence of medication-driven weight loss continues to grow, healthcare professionals must adapt to the changing landscape of aesthetic medicine. Galderma’s research, masterclass, and consensus-based guidelines are helping to lead the way in providing the expertise necessary to manage facial changes in this patient population. By integrating medical and aesthetic treatments, healthcare providers can offer a more comprehensive, supportive approach to weight loss, ensuring patients not only achieve their weight loss goals but also maintain a youthful, radiant appearance.
The future of weight loss and aesthetics lies in collaboration between medical and aesthetic professionals, guided by the insights and frameworks developed by Galderma. Through continued education, research, and innovation, Galderma is shaping a new standard of care for patients undergoing medication-driven weight loss, ensuring that their aesthetic goals are met with the same attention and expertise as their medical needs.
