The rise of GLP-1 medications and other weight management therapies has created a new category of aesthetic patients. While these treatments are transforming lives and improving health outcomes, they also leave behind a familiar challenge: rapid facial volume loss that can make patients appear older, tired, or gaunt.
As GLP-1 treatments continue to expand, the opportunity is clear for medical aesthetic professionals. The latest Phase IV trial results from Galderma’s SHAPE Up Holistic Individualized Treatment (HIT) protocol highlight the effectiveness of combining Sculptra with Restylane Lyft or Restylane Contour to restore volume, improve skin quality, and help patients reclaim confidence after significant weight reduction.
“We were able to show within this study, after nine months, that not only were we able to safely restore the volume and improve the skin quality, but create a proportionate and balanced appearance to their faces where they felt comfortable in their skin,” said clinical trial investigator, Michael Somenek, MD.
The trial collected data through nine months, highlighting both the aesthetic and emotional benefits of the treatment regimen. The outcomes were impressive. According to the data, 85.7% of patients reported looking less “gaunt,” while 88.6% reported they felt their facial structure was better preserved. Overall, the trials appear to be a booming success with 91.4% of patients saying they would recommend the treatment to others.
"I always go back to the subject satisfaction scores, because for me, those speak volumes over any basic before and after that I can show you," Dr. Somenek said.
Patients also reported improved hydration and radiance, with no treatment-related side effects. The findings reinforce what many in the field already recognize: combining collagen-stimulating injectables with hyaluronic acid fillers can deliver both immediate correction and long-term structural support.
For years, biostimulators like Sculptra and fillers like Restylane have been used independently to address facial aging. What this study confirms is the power of a multimodal, protocol-based approach to meet the needs of today’s evolving patient base.
Patients who undergo rapid weight loss often find themselves with the following: flattening of the midface, hollowed temples and cheeks, and skin laxity and textural changes.
By customizing treatment plans that combine products and techniques, providers can achieve results that extend beyond aesthetics, restoring a sense of balance, vitality, and confidence in patients.
With the popularity of GLP-1 therapies and other medical weight-loss programs continuing to grow, more patients are seeking expert guidance. These patients are not seeking quick fixes; they desire sustainable, natural-looking results.
During consultations, it is beneficial to:
"Really look at them from a whole…touch base with them in two to three months and see how the weight loss is impacting them both physically and clinically, and give your recommendations based on that," Dr. Somenek said.
Providing thorough education and tailored recommendations positions medical aesthetic professionals as trusted partners in their patients’ aesthetic journeys, rather than simply providers of procedures.
The results of the SHAPE Up trial also reinforce the value of holistic aesthetic strategies in building long-term patient relationships. Patients who see sustained improvements over nine months are more likely to return for maintenance, consider complementary treatments, and recommend these services to others.
For medical aesthetic practices, this represents:
As weight management treatments reshape patient needs, aesthetic professionals are uniquely positioned to offer solutions that address both appearance and confidence.
The combination of Sculptra and Restylane represents a clinical advancement and a powerful opportunity to establish medical practices as leaders in personalized, holistic aesthetic care.