Galderma reports interim data from two investigator-initiated trials showing Sculptra and Restylane improved menopausal skin quality and revealed adipose tissue changes linked to medication-driven weight loss.
Written By: Chikkula Pavan Kumar, PharmD
Reviewed By: Pharmacally Editorial Team
Galderma has shared interim findings from two investigator-initiated trials evaluating how Sculptra and the Restylane hyaluronic acid injectable range may help address aesthetic changes linked to menopause and medication-driven weight loss. The studies explored treatment sequencing in menopausal skin and examined biological changes in abdominal fat tissue after weight loss associated with prescription therapies.
Both trials were led by Dr. Andreas Nikolis and Dr. Sabrina Fabi, with Galderma supporting the research to better understand evolving patient needs in injectable aesthetics for the face and body.
Menopause Trial: Sequential Treatment Improves Hydration and Skin Quality
In a nine-month sequencing study, researchers evaluated the combined use of Restylane Skinboosters and Sculptra in women undergoing menopause, treating both the face and décolletage. Interim results showed progressive improvements in overall skin quality. The most notable hydration gains were observed when treatment began with Restylane Skinboosters followed by Sculptra. Improvements were also reported in skin barrier function, roughness, and fine lines. Patient satisfaction increased steadily, reaching high levels by month six.
The data suggest complementary roles for the two treatments. Restylane Skinboosters provided earlier hydration and extracellular matrix-related effects, while Sculptra delivered gradual regenerative benefits across skin layers, contributing to improved firmness, radiance, and restoration of volume over time.
Dr. Andreas Nikolis explained that menopause is associated with dryness, barrier dysfunction, and progressive declines in skin quality. He noted that the interim findings demonstrate measurable improvements in hydration and collagen-related skin quality, along with increasing patient satisfaction, offering clinicians evidence-based guidance for managing menopausal skin changes.
Weight-Loss Trial: Changes in Fat Tissue May Explain Volume Loss
The second investigator-initiated trial evaluated 20 female patients experiencing mild-to-moderate abdominal skin laxity following medication-driven weight loss. Interim analysis revealed a statistically significant four-fold reduction in adipose-derived stem cells compared with individuals not using prescription weight-loss medications, while fibroblast levels remained preserved. These findings may help explain the volume-related aesthetic changes reported after medication-associated weight loss.
Researchers suggested that treatment strategies supporting tissue regeneration, in addition to volume replacement, may be relevant for these patients. Sculptra, a poly-L-lactic acid biostimulator, works by stimulating collagen, elastin, and adipose tissue activity to gradually improve skin quality and restore volume.
Dr. Sabrina Fabi noted that individuals undergoing medication-driven weight loss often report aesthetic changes that appear disproportionate to the amount of weight lost. She said the findings indicate shifts in skin and adipose-tissue composition that may explain these observations and support the use of regenerative treatment approaches during weight-loss management.
Reference
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, 09 April 2026, 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 | Galderma
FAQ
What were these trials evaluating?
Ever wonder how menopause or weight-loss meds change your skin? These studies explored how Sculptra and Restylane injectables could tackle skin quality shifts in menopause and aesthetic volume loss after prescription weight-loss treatments.
What did the menopause study show?
Starting with Restylane Skinboosters then adding Sculptra delivered big wins: better hydration, stronger skin barrier, smoother texture overall, and steadily rising patient satisfaction—peaking by month six.
Why is hydration important in menopausal skin?
Menopause often brings dryness, barrier breakdowns, and signs like roughness or fine lines. Boosting hydration helps restore that healthy glow and resilience, as the trial results confirm.
What did the weight-loss study find?
In women post-weight-loss meds, adipose-derived stem cells dropped four-fold (statistically significant) versus non-users while fibroblasts stayed steady explaining why belly laxity and volume loss hit harder than expected.
How does Sculptra work?
This poly-L-lactic acid biostimulator kickstarts collagen, elastin, and adipose activity, gradually firming skin quality and restoring volume where meds left gaps.
Who may benefit from these findings?
Clinicians treating menopausal women or patients facing post-weight-loss skin changes—think smarter sequencing with Restylane for quick hydration and Sculptra for lasting regeneration.