Latest news with #MerzAesthetics
National Post
4 days ago
- Business
- National Post
Merz Aesthetics® Receives Approval from Health Canada for RADIESSE® as an Aesthetic Injectable for the Treatment of Moderate Wrinkles in the Décolleté Area
Article content BURLINGTON, Ontario — Merz Aesthetics ® Canada announced today the Health Canada approval for Radiesse ® for the treatment of moderate wrinkles in the décolleté area. Radiesse ® is a regenerative biostimulator 1 capable of regenerating multiple components of the skin tissue, resulting in healthier-looking skin, 1,4,5 and is now approved for use in the décolleté area, adding to the product's versatility. Article content This new regulatory milestone directly answers patient demand, given there is a significant shift toward regenerative biostimulation. Article content 'Despite being one of the most visible areas of our bodies, the décolleté area is often overlooked when it comes to aesthetics,' Article content says Dr. Samantha Kerr, Chief Scientific Officer, Merz Aesthetics Article content ® Article content . Article content 'Radiesse ® presents a unique solution to improving décolleté wrinkles and provides our customers and their patients a non-surgical, effective option to address aging décolleté skin.' Article content According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), non-surgical procedures/minimally invasive treatments between 2018 and 2022 involving calcium hydroxylapatite increased by 171.8% globally between 2018 and 2022. 2 This approval was supported by a large, multicentre clinical trial 3,5,1 which supported the décolleté approval and has provided substantial evidence of the effectiveness of Radiesse ®, demonstrating a significant improvement in the appearance of moderate décolleté wrinkles. 3 ' The décolleté is notoriously difficult to treat. Skin in this area is thin, chronically sun-exposed, low in sebaceous glands, prone to accelerated loss of elasticity, and tends to form more complex scars than other regions. Health Canada's new approval of Radiesse® for this area is therefore exciting and welcome news. It is a true biostimulator that has almost 20 years of safety data for the face, and an agent we turn to regularly in our clinic for this area. So, it is great to be able to officially use this amazing product on the décolleté as well. The biostimulatory effects work by triggering collagen, elastin, and micro-vasculature renewal, thickening the tissue and softening lines. It is a powerful treatment that gives natural-looking radiant results. This new approval now gives us a proven, regenerative tool to rejuvenate the skin on the chest, ' says Dr. Dusan Sajic, a leading Canadian medical and cosmetic dermatologist. Article content This year Radiesse ® celebrates its 20 th anniversary, having sold more than 15 million syringes globally since 2005. 3 Merz Aesthetics demonstrates a longstanding legacy and commitment to scientific innovation in the aesthetics field. 3 After two decades on the market, the new décolleté indication allows practitioners more versatility to expand the treatment spectrum from the face and hands to treatments for the décolleté. Additionally, the 1:2 dilution with 0.9% sterile saline increases the product adaptability allowing for personalized treatment to address patient needs. Article content 'This new indication for Radiesse ® to treat the décolleté area marks a significant milestone for the aesthetics market,' Article content . Article content 'It not only expands the versatility of Radiesse ® but also addresses a growing patient demand for regenerative aesthetic solutions. By offering a proven, effective treatment for décolleté wrinkles, we are enhancing our commitment to innovation and patient care. This approval underscores our dedication to providing advanced, minimally invasive options that cater to the evolving needs of our patients.' Article content Even in the current landscape, findings from Medical Insight's 2024 Global Aesthetic Market Study suggest that Radiesse ® has emerged as a category leader. 6 This success is backed by over two decades of scientific data and clinical experience by Merz Aesthetics ®, 4,2 with 250 publications, 3 and availability in over 85 countries. 3 About Merz Aesthetics ® Merz Aesthetics is a medical aesthetics business with a long history of empowering health care professionals, patients, and employees to live every day with confidence. We aim to help people around the world look, feel and live like the best versions of themselves — however they define it. Clinically proven, its product portfolio includes injectables, devices and skin care treatments designed to meet each patient's needs with high standards of safety and efficacy. Being family owned for more than 115 years, Merz Aesthetics is known for building unique connections with customers who feel like family. Merz Aesthetics' global headquarters is in Raleigh, N.C., USA, with a commercial presence in 90 countries worldwide. It is also a part of Merz Group, which was founded in 1908 and is based in Frankfurt, Germany. Learn more at Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Media Contacts Article content Article content Article content Article content
Forbes
27-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Inside The Global Rise Of Injectables As A Form Of Self-Care
Fueled by new data and shifting cultural values, injectables are being redefined—not as vanity, but as a personalized pathway to confidence, wellness, and long-term care. Modern woman receives botulinum toxin injections in a cosmetology clinic, patient is provided with ... More maximum comfort and attention In a cultural climate where beauty and self-care are undergoing radical reevaluation, the aesthetic medicine industry—particularly injectables—is shifting beyond superficial treatments to address deeper themes of identity, confidence and empowerment. At the center of this evolution is Dr. Shannon Humphrey, a Canadian board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, faculty member at the University of British Columbia, and one of the most respected voices in the field of aesthetic dermatology. In a recent conversation supported by Merz Aesthetics, Dr. Humphrey offered a detailed look at how both language and access are reshaping the future of care—particularly for underserved and underrepresented communities. Merz Aesthetics is a global leader in medical aesthetics, driving innovation in injectables and confidence-driven care. 'The benefit we bring our patients is far more than skin deep,' says Dr. Humphrey. 'We're supporting people to live more fulfilled and empowered lives. That impact is emotional, psychological and physical.' The conversation is grounded in findings from Merz Aesthetics' recent Pillars of Confidence study, a global research initiative surveying more than 15,000 adults across 17 countries. Among the most surprising takeaways: only 26% of respondents reported feeling societal pressure to pursue aesthetic treatments. Instead, the majority indicated that their motivation stemmed from a desire to align their outward appearance with how they feel internally. Dr. Shannon Humphrey, a Canadian board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, faculty member at the ... More University of British Columbia. This shift underscores a broader redefinition of beauty—one less rooted in conformity and more grounded in autonomy. A growing number of patients are viewing aesthetic treatments not as vanity projects, but as acts of intentional wellness. The Merz study further amplified this connection between confidence and aesthetics with several key findings: According to Dr. Humphrey, this data is echoed daily in her clinical experience. 'There's a common patient profile we see—women who have spent years giving to others and are only now turning their attention inward,' she says. 'These treatments allow them to prioritize their wellbeing, not from a place of vanity, but from self-worth.' Woman in consultation with a doctor aesthetician This insight holds particular significance for Black and Brown women, who have long been marginalized within the beauty and wellness industries. 'Rest and rejuvenation haven't always been accessible to all groups, particularly women of color,' she explains. 'But self-care should not be seen as a luxury. Aesthetic medicine, when done right, can play a role in restoring agency and honoring one's identity.' Dr. Humphrey also stresses that the language used in the aesthetic space plays a crucial role in how treatments are perceived. In particular, the term filler is one she believes needs to be retired. 'In aesthetic medicine, the terminology used to describe a treatment can shape the way it is perceived by patients and healthcare providers alike,' she says. 'It's time to rethink the use of 'filler,' an antiquated term that grossly undermines the high level of skill and precision required for the safe and effective use of a hyaluronic acid (HA) gel.' Dr. Shannon Humphrey, leading Global insights on aesthetics and self affirmation via Merz Aesthetics In her published case study, Language Matters: Rethinking the Use of 'Filler', Dr. Humphrey writes: 'Although the origin of this terminology reflects the intention of its use when it was first pioneered—to fill a line or a fold—the use of HA gels has evolved to include any number of indications, from revolumizing, refining contours, balancing proportions, improving skin quality, and many more. It is time to re-examine outdated terminology and choose accurate words to better inform new injectors and our patients. HA gels are the cornerstone of facial rejuvenation.' While the Merz study reflects encouraging shifts in patient motivations and attitudes, Dr. Humphrey acknowledges that the industry still faces a major gap in clinical research equity. Despite the growing global demand for aesthetic procedures, 85% of clinical study participants remain white women—limiting the generalizability of data across diverse patient populations. 'Representation in clinical trials is critical,' she says. 'The anatomy, concerns, and goals of patients can differ widely across ethnic backgrounds. Without diverse data, it becomes difficult to confidently tailor treatment plans for all patients.' She applauds Merz for their ongoing commitment to inclusivity—not only in research and data, but in public partnerships with figures such as Salma Hayek and Teyana Taylor, whose openness about their aesthetic journeys is helping to normalize these conversations for broader audiences. NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 20: Teyana Taylor attends the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards at Radio City Music ... More Hall on August 20, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by) For consumers navigating the increasingly transparent world of aesthetics, understanding the treatment landscape is key. Dr. Humphrey outlines the three core categories: While patients are increasingly educated, Dr. Humphrey underscores that the best treatment decisions should always be made collaboratively with a qualified provider. 'You don't need to walk in with all the answers,' she says. 'You need to walk in with a provider you trust—someone who understands your goals and identity and who can design a plan that evolves with you over time.' Shot of a beautiful young woman having a botox session against a grey background As the industry continues to evolve, supported by data like Merz Aesthetics' Pillars of Confidence and thought leaders like Dr. Humphrey, aesthetic medicine—especially injectables—is steadily moving toward a future where beauty is personal, purposeful and truly inclusive. Dr. Humphrey's 360 model of care reflects a growing shift in aesthetic medicine—from short-term fixes to long-term, relationship-based planning that prioritizes psychological and emotional wellness alongside physical enhancements. 'When patients are treated with intention,' she says, 'they don't just leave looking refreshed—they leave feeling seen.'
Business Journals
19-05-2025
- Health
- Business Journals
New findings on the connection between confidence and aesthetics
In the Triangle's competitive professional landscape, confidence isn't just a feeling — it's a catalyst for success. Raleigh-based Merz Aesthetics, a global medical aesthetics business, recently unveiled the results of their ground breaking study, Pillars of Confidence: Global Insights on Aesthetics and Self-Affirmation revealing how aesthetic treatments can help align our inner selves with our outward appearance to support self-confidence. Inspired by a purpose to fuel confidence worldwide, Merz Aesthetics undertook this research to spark a new conversation around confidence and the higher-order benefits of aesthetic treatments, grounded in data from 15,000 adults across 15 countries (approximately 1,000 participants per country including the United States). The impact on self-perception Merz Aesthetics' research delves into a key question: How do aesthetic treatments impact confidence and self-perception? The findings are illuminating: 74% of U.S. respondents agreed with the statement, "I am confident in who I am." 64% said they use aesthetic treatments to create a look inspired by how they feel inside. 68% reported that treatments impacted how they view themselves. The research shows what many may have already intuited — aesthetic treatments seem to do more than just enhance appearance; they can help people feel empowered as they embark on their self-confidence journey. Regional relevance and broader implications In a region that's frequently ranked among the best places to live and work, businesses could certainly benefit from gaining a better understanding of the role confidence plays in daily life. The Pillars of Confidence study shows that people who feel confident are more likely to embrace new experiences, pursue opportunities and create relationships. Imagine what that could mean for the Triangle's workforce, where attracting top talent, making professional connections and fostering creativity are already top priorities. These broader benefits are validated by the study's findings. Seventy-five percent of U.S. respondents believe that developing self-confidence is important to one's well-being. When it comes to individual benefits, 69% of U.S. respondents said aesthetic treatments impact their confidence in social situations and 53% agreed that treatments affect their overall outlook on life. Navigating age perception in the workplace The research also explores evolving sentiments around aging, making it particularly relevant in our multi-generational workplaces. The Pillars of Confidence study found that, while there are many factors that contribute to people's confidence levels in the workplace, age perception holds a notable amount of influence. In fact, 48 percent of U.S. respondents don't want to be perceived as older than they are and a majority (71%) seek treatments to manage the signs of aging. A cultural shift toward openness One of the key insights from the study is an increasing openness around aesthetics. Fifty-five percent of U.S. respondents said they were comfortable discussing treatments, while fewer than 38% feared judgment. This represents a cultural shift toward authenticity that businesses can embrace by creating spaces — both physical and digital — where people feel comfortable and supported in their unique self-confidence journeys. Transformative effects on personal empowerment The higher-order impact of aesthetic treatments is striking. After receiving them: 68% of U.S. respondents felt more empowered. 62% said they felt more alive. 54% felt ready to embrace new experiences. For Triangle employers, these findings suggest that supporting employee confidence — however they choose to cultivate it — may yield benefits in workplace engagement and innovation. Read more about the Pillars of Confidence Study and get access to the global and regional reports at
Forbes
28-04-2025
- Health
- Forbes
How To Be Practical About Aesthetic Treatments On A Budget
Beautiful woman is about to be injected with dermal filler in her cheeks Who can forget the 'Botox parties' of the 2010s? As a true indicator of simpler times, an organizer would join forces with an injector to offer neurotoxin aesthetic treatments on a budget for a wide group of attendees. It was a win for guests looking to save a buck, and a win for the injector who could collect a large sum of money in one sitting. Guests would receive their treatment (for better or worse) at someone's house, and be on their way. In 2025, however, with endless technology and commonplace plastic surgery, Botox and dermal fillers are just a tip of the iceberg. As board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gregory Mueller puts it, the 'crazy' Groupon codes of the early aughts just aren't cutting it anymore. Today's beauty consumer is 'much more savvy,' he says, thanks to Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. But consumers still aren't past cutting corners where they can. 'I just saw a patient the other day who went to a provider who charged one fee for an infinite amount of filler or Botox,' the Beverly Hills-based doctor says. 'This person didn't even know what had been injected, and they had an over-filling of the area underneath the eye, where the patient didn't even need to have filler. The patient needed to have a lower blepharoplasty or lower eyelid lift.' The desire to stop at nothing to achieve an ideal look comes as no surprise, based on a global Pillars of Confidence study recently conducted by Merz Aesthetics. Among the 15,000 adults surveyed, 72% said aesthetic treatments impact how they view themselves. Aging is unsurprisingly a critical factor in the decision to receive said treatments, as 47% in the study said they don't want to be perceived as someone older, and 35% are worried the beauty they had when they were younger will fade as they get older. Only 18% said they were excited about getting older. The first step to assessing aesthetic treatments on a budget is taking the time to meet with a qualified practitioner. Their job is to guide based on an individual's specific needs, age and work they've already had done. Detailed research is key, and a quick fix option may require even more treatments down the line to make up for error. 'A lot of these treatments are happening in a really transactional environment,' explains Dr. Shannon Humphrey, a Canadian cosmetic dermatologist and Merz Aesthetics global key opinion leader. 'Maybe it's the med spa in the corner, where someone's calling up and saying, I want filler, how much does it cost? Or, is X how much it costs? Will you do the filler? It's a pervasive strategy of care that's called transactional. It's important to understand that a medical aesthetic procedure is sold as a commodity, like retail, when really it's a type of medicine. It should happen after a thorough consultation, a discussion and deeper understandings of risks, benefits and alternatives.' Jennifer Gerace, a paramedical licensed esthetician in Beverly Hills, says, 'Everyone these days is on a budget—and I truly believe that looking and feeling your best shouldn't be a luxury reserved for a few. My approach begins with really listening to my client's concerns, goals and financial boundaries. From there, we co-create a treatment plan that's both effective and economically sustainable. I'm a firm believer in transparency and education. Instead of pushing unnecessary add-ons, I guide clients toward what's truly beneficial for their skin, and skip what they don't need. Budgeting isn't about doing less, it's about doing smarter.' Where a med spa, for example, may encourage 'filler after filler after filler,' Dr. Mueller says, 'Eventually that adds up and a patient may want to consider coming in for a surgical procedure, where we use fat grafting, which lasts a lifetime.' Some argue that aesthetics are all or nothing, and if a patient chooses to care about their skin, there must be a dedicated budget. 'People can really think about the value of looking young,' Dr. Mueller says. 'I think aesthetics should be part of everyone's budget. It should be part of what people consider when they look at their finances to take care of their skin. I mean that's the largest organ of the body. It's the most exposed to the elements, and it's important for us to allocate some resources to take care of that.' According to Netherlands-based aesthetics physician Dr. Daria Voropai, a beauty budget should be set aside in the same way as any other budget. 'You need to have a beauty budget like you have a budget for travel,' the Merz Aesthetics global key opinion leader says. 'If you have a beauty budget, in the year we can plan out your treatments. If you have a big budget, you can go all the way. If you have a small budget, we pick and choose. But for every budget, there's aesthetics. If you have a little budget, please take care of your skin, because that's your outer version. Sunscreen, hat, that's already 50 to 80%. Light lasers, good skincare routine, exfoliators, antioxidants.' Part of determining how that aesthetics budget should be spent is figuring out how you will age. 'We have a lot of women who need treatments to calm down their muscles,' she says. 'Are you prone to swelling? Then you have to shrink a little bit of your anatomical layers in order for it not to pop out. How you're going to age is something that you need to educate yourself on. How does my mother look? You pick out those points and you work on them.' Confident woman smiling under a beautiful sky While aesthetic treatments can amplify preexisting confidence, they can't create it. They also can't serve as a one-and-done solution to appearance goals. So before considering aesthetic treatments on a budget, it's crucial for a patient to think longterm. 'When I'm sitting in front of a patient, I assess them and make sure they're mentally ready to have an aesthetic procedure,' Dr. Mueller says. 'I want to make sure that they're motivated for the right reasons, and that they also have realistic expectations about what we're going to do.' Lifestyle plays a major role in the aftermath of any treatment, and Dr. Mueller ensures his patients are aware a treatment will not fix their problems. 'We talk to our patients about how it is important to live a healthy life, a balanced life,' he says. 'We ask if they're experiencing any major life events, and how important it is to hold off on doing a procedure until those events have reached a steady state. Certainly, things like meditation and a healthy work-life balance are all very important, and I think it's all tied into the holistic approach.' Even when it comes to cutting-edge body contouring technology like BodyFX, Emsculpt Neo, and Pure Impact by Sofwave, the machines will only do so much. 'Regular exercise, a balanced diet and staying well-hydrated will maximize fat reduction and skin tightening,' explains Limor Dawoody, PA-C MPAP, of Le Jolie Medi Spa in West Hollywood. And even then, you may still need to combine multiple modalities to 'take results to the next level,' she says. 'I've seen clients who commit to combinations like BodyFX and Emsculpt Neo walk away with jaw-dropping transformations. They look more toned, lean and sculpted than they ever thought possible.' Once a patient achieves the look they set out to achieve, the actual aesthetics are half the battle, according to Dr. Humphrey. 'Treatments can only deliver a positive psychological benefit for patients who are already confident,' she says. 'Patients must have good self-esteem. They must have a strong sense of self. And they have to be able to articulate what subtle changes will improve their confidence. They don't work for people who are very self-conscious. They don't work for people who have a deeper issue around self-esteem or psychological or mental health. Patients who basically don't like themselves will not like themselves more if you change a subtle physical appearance.' If a person is unhappy to begin with, they can easily be subject to the perception shift paradigm. 'The perception of patients receiving aesthetic care can drift from one negative feature to another,' Dr. Humphrey explains. 'They have a bump on the nose, they get that fixed, and then they see the upper lip is too small, and then they get the upper lip fixed, and they notice they have chin retrusion, and they get the chin retrusion fixed, and then they notice their eyebrows are too big, and then they get that fixed. It's scary and sad.' Limor Dawoody, PA-C MPAP, performs an Emsculpt body sculpting treatment on a client The harsh reality of aesthetic treatments on a budget (of any size) is the process is a lifelong commitment. 'Even when patients ditch the treatments and say, should I just get surgery and then be done with it?, they're not done with it,' Dr. Humphrey says. 'You just have a new baseline, right? And then you still need all these other things to age well.' And for patients who opt for next-gen body technology, they aren't one-and-done treatments. 'While noticeable results can begin after just one or two sessions, we always emphasize that these technologies are most effective when performed as part of a series,' explains Dawoody. 'Consistency amplifies results and helps them last longer. Think of it like going to the gym—you'll feel a difference after one session, but the transformation happens over time.' In the days of Groupon and Botox parties, aesthetic treatments on a budget may have done a patient dirty. But in 2025, these options aren't the only way out. Utilizing social media to find a highly certified practitioner is the best first step. Even if a patient doesn't have the budget to meet their aesthetic treatment goals, an expert can at least guide them to best at-home skincare and practices. 'On a limited budget, people should go to the basics,' Dr. Mueller says. 'Don't go to the department store to buy your skincare. Go to a physician. Go to a person who has vetted out skincare and who is really interested in taking good care of you, not taking your money. Sunscreen and things like Retin-A are inexpensive and very effective. Proper hydration, staying out of the sun, living a healthy life, minimizing alcohol intake, not smoking—all those sorts of things are going to help a person with a limited budget, and also help them maintain a stable weight.' Easy skincare practices can also include everyday tools and routines, with occasional trips to professionals. 'Sometimes the most affordable thing you can do is invest in treatments that support the skin's ability to regenerate over time,' Gerace says. 'This includes modalities like facial acupuncture, lymphatic drainage techniques or even face yoga. These are holistic, effective and empowering for the client. At the end of the day, aesthetics on a budget is about value, not just price. It's about creating a plan that delivers visible results, supports skin health and respects the client's wallet.' Above all else, it's important to remember that aesthetic treatments on a budget of any kind don't make a difference if a patient is unhappy inside. Treatments can act as a Band-Aid, they don't fix the heart of the problem. They also aren't a one-and-done thing, so it's key to keep a budget ongoing.
Daily Mail
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Salma Hayek, 58, makes rare comments about mini-me daughter Valentina's, 17, secret talent
Salma Hayek made rare comments about her teenage daughter Valentina recently. While chatting up her partnership with Merz Aesthetics, the 58-year-old actress mentioned the 17-year-old child she shares with longtime husband François-Henri Pinault, 62. When it comes to beauty and skincare, the House of Gucci star said about Valentina, 'That one knows everything.' 'She knows products that you cannot even imagine that it exists. I'm like, "What is that?" And she's like, "Oh, it's a this for So I can't teach her anything. She's the expert,' Hayek told People. Giving an example, the Mexican-bred beauty added, 'Sometimes she says, "I'm going to go to Koreatown to get some beauty products." 'And I'm like, "Get me some." But then I say, "Get me some again," and she brings something different. She goes, "No, this is the latest now. Try this." I don't even know the names of the brands. But she's obsessed.' Last September the proud mother marked her daughter's 17th birthday with a social media tribute, sharing a series of throwback photos of her mini-me. She used the opportunity to reflect on Valentina's 'last birthday at home' in an emotional Instagram post. It featured a collection of videos and photos showing Valentina throughout her adolescence. 'My [baby's] last birthday at home (for now) I'm already having separation anxiety. She makes me laugh all day, teaches me so many things, keeps me motivated, inspires in so many ways, makes me want to dance sing and cook and makes life so exciting,' she gushed in a heartfelt caption. 'I love you sooooooooo much mi Vale,' the silver screen siren added. Valentina has expressed a desire to follow in her Oscar-nominated mother's footsteps. 'I would like to be an actress and then a director because that is what makes sense in my head,' she told Vogue Mexico in a joint interview with her mom in 2022. She astutely noted: 'I think it must be more difficult to be a director if you don't have experience on the other side of the screen.' Hayek was active on Instagram Sunday, sharing a collection of photos she captioned 'spring break' with her nearly 30 million followers. In several snapshots, the busty bombshell posed up in swimsuits while soaking up the sun makeup-free. She and husband François-Henri tied the knot in 2009. Salma is stepmom to his three children — François, 27, and Mathilde, 24, whom he shares with ex-wife Dorothée Lepère, plus son son, Augustin, 18, his child with ex-girlfriend Linda Evangelista. Earlier in April Salma plugged anti-aging device Ultherapy PRIME. Along with an advert, she wrote in a social media caption, 'Self-care is essential. Years on screen have taught me to embrace my journey and seek treatments that enhance my natural beauty. 'Ultherapy PRIME boosts my production of collagen and elastin exactly where I need it, giving me a long-lasting, natural-looking lift that can last up to a year or more. It's noninvasive, takes only one session, and has zero downtime. 1-4 'It is the future of beauty, and that's why I can't stop talking about it. 'Ultherapy PRIME is the only FDA-cleared micro-focused ultrasound with real-time visualization technology to lift the skin on the neck, under the chin, and the eyebrows, as well as to smooth lines and wrinkles on the décolleté.'
