Sculptra, hyaluronic filler regimen corrects facial sagging from GLP-1-induced weight loss
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Key takeaways:
- Three-month interim data showed hyaluronic acid dermal fillers and Sculptra improved skin radiance, thickness and hydration.
- 89% of patients reported feeling more attractive and happier with their appearance.
New data suggest Restylane Lyft or Contour in combination with Sculptra corrects contour deficiencies in patients experiencing facial volume loss following medication-driven weight loss, according to a Galderma press release.
Ozempic (semaglutide, Novo Nordisk), which was approved in 2017 as a treatment for diabetes, ranks as one of the most popular weight loss drugs in the world followed by two more Novo Nordisk drugs, Rybelsus and Wegovy. The combined sales of this trio reached $21.1 billion in 2023 — an 89% increase from 2022 — 71% of which came from the U.S.
“We’ve seen a surge in medication-induced weight loss, driven by the accessibility of treatments like glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists,” Michael Somenek, MD, a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Somenek + Pittman MD and one of the clinical trial investigators, told Healio. “In some patients, medication-induced weight loss can lead to significant changes in the face, like hollowing, sagging and reduced skin radiance, sometimes making people look older than they feel.”
These challenges have prompted Galderma to pursue a phase 4 study to investigate the efficacy, safety and patient satisfaction of its hyaluronic acid dermal filler products, Restylane Lyft and Contour, in combination with Sculptra, its poly-L-lactic acid dermal filler approved for the correction of cheek wrinkles, for the treatment of facial volume loss as a result of rapid medication-driven weight loss.
In the study, patients were first treated with Sculptra and either Restylane Lyft or Contour followed by a second treatment of Sculptra with an optional touch-up of Restylane Lift or Contour at week 4 and an optional third treatment of Sculptra at week 8, according to the release.
For those who received the third treatment, investigators conducted a follow-up visit at week 20, whereas the rest of the patients were seen during a follow-up at week 16.
The interim results showed that subjects exhibited improved mid-face shape, contouring, cheek wrinkles and general facial appearance three months after their final treatment. Skin quality findings demonstrated that the Sculptra/Restylane Lyft regimen improved skin radiance and thickness 3 months post-treatment as well as hydration as early as week 4.
Patients also reported high satisfaction, with 85% stating their face looked refreshed and 80% noticing an improvement in their facial balance by week 4. Additionally, 89% reported feeling more attractive and happier with their appearance 3 months after their final treatment.
According to the press release, safety data were consistent with previous clinical trials with no treatment-related adverse events being reported.
“This first-of-its-kind study shows that the combination of Sculptra and Restylane Lyft or Contour can effectively address facial volume loss and improve skin quality following medication-induced weight loss,” Somenek said. “It’s exciting to see such promising results, with patients not only looking more refreshed but also reporting that they feel more attractive and happier in their appearance.”
Reference:
- As obesity rates rise in the U.S. and worldwide, new weight-loss drugs surge in popularity. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/03/21/as-obesity-rates-rise-in-the-us-and-worldwide-new-weight-loss-drugs-surge-in-popularity/. Published March 21, 2024. Accessed Jan. 16, 2025.