GLP-1s Are Raising New Questions in Aesthetics: See How RADIESSE® Can Be Part of the Answer

The ascendancy of GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) weight-loss drugs has created a new challenge for aesthetic practices: the “body-face disconnect.”¹ Patients are reaching their goal weight faster than ever, but they are often left with sagging skin and other visible signs of premature aging.² For providers, the focus is shifting from offering filler injections on an as-needed basis to asking more strategic questions: When is the right time to intervene, and what products are most appropriate for this cohort of patients?<sup>3

Predictability Through a Non-Inflammatory MOA</sup>

Since GLP-1 medications exert systemic anti-inflammatory effects, these patients may require treatment modalities that do not rely on an inflammatory trigger to be effective.⁴ While some biostimulators, such as Sculptra^® (poly-L-lactic acid [PLLA]), rely on a sustained inflammatory response to indirectly activate collagen regeneration,^5,6 RADIESSE utilizes a non-inflammatory mechanism of action (MOA) that goes beyond collagen stimulation⁵—supporting elastin,^5,7-10 proteoglycans,^9,11 and angiogenesis.^5,7,10

Through direct mechanical signaling, calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres come into contact with fibroblasts to activate the skin's natural collagen and elastin production. This process creates new proteins in the extracellular matrix (ECM) without triggering a strong immune response.⁵

This direct activation allows practitioners to tailor treatment plans for patients who require a controlled, predictable approach to addressing visible signs of premature aging.

In a histologic study versus Sculptra^®, RADIESSE demonstrated a higher expression of biomarkers for key skin components^12,13:

*Study design: Subjects (N=10) received lower abdomen injections of calcium hydroxylapatite-carboxymethylcellulose, injectable PLLA (5-mL dilution), and saline control at 6 months, 3 months, and 14 days before abdominoplasty. After abdominoplasty, histomorphometric analyses were performed on 1-cm³ biopsies. Percent difference values reflect 6-month results.¹²
^†Decorin.

Case Study: Bridging the “Volume Gap”

After achieving significant results with medically assisted weight loss, this 58-year-old female patient experienced noticeable facial volume loss. Like many in this cohort, her success on the scale created a need to address visible signs of premature facial aging.

Figures 1 and 2. A patient who experienced facial volume loss with medically assisted weight loss.

To resolve this “body-face disconnect,” her injector utilized a multilayer RADIESSE protocol to provide immediate structural support.

Figures 3 through 6. Treatment Details: Following 30 minutes of topical analgesia and the use of 2% lidocaine with epinephrine for injection site comfort, the injector administered 3 syringes (4.5 mL) of RADIESSE mixed with 0.26 mL of 2% lidocaine to the midface, submalar, and jawline areas. To further define the jawline, the injector added 1 syringe (1.5 mL) of RADIESSE (+). Results pictured are immediately after treatment. Individual results may vary.

Positioning Your Practice for the Weight-Loss Patient 

By choosing a biostimulator that does not rely on an inflammatory response to achieve results,⁵ it may be possible to address the “body-face disconnect” even for patients still actively losing weight. RADIESSE provides both the immediate structural lift^8,14 needed to correct premature aging and the long-term regenerative support of collagen and elastin production.^5,7-11 Providing patients results that keep pace with their success on the scale helps ensure this new patient cohort feels supported during their weight loss journey. 

Please see below for Important Safety Information and visit RADIESSE.com for Instructions for Use and Patient Guides.