Why the GLP-1 Boom Demands a New Aesthetic Playbook – Miles Harrison

Following two recent industry events this month at Octane’s Aesthetics Tech Forum and the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, it was hard to miss how central GLP-1s have become to nearly every healthcare conversation. Topics ranged from manufacturing capacity and access to new formulations, and what “chronic care” looks like at population scale. 

As we prepare to attend IMCAS World Congress this week, one storyline feels especially clear: GLP-1s are central to the obesity care landscape, whilst in aesthetics they are creating new demand for regenerative approaches that address soft-tissue changes associated with rapid weight loss. What is most compelling is the “knock-on” effect within the aesthetics practice as patients see unexpected skin laxity and facial volume changes that were typically attributed to aging and sun damage but now importantly after significant weight loss. Initially described on social media as “Ozempic face,” the underlying dynamic is familiar: less subcutaneous soft-tissue support combined with adverse changes in the skin composition can reveal laxity, deepen folds, and shift facial contours ¹, resulting in a change in facial structure in ways that can affect the patient’s confidence and quality of life.

In a McKinsey’s survey of 174 aesthetics providers, they found that most GLP-1 patients seeking facial aesthetic treatments were new to the category, and that skin laxity and facial volume loss are among the most common concerns reported in practice ². 

Aesthetic manufacturers have responded, from non-invasive approaches including bio-stimulatory/HA injectables and energy-based devices, to a renewed interest in fat grafting and surgical options that depend on the patient’s goals and the degree of change required ³.

This gives rise to a few takeaways: 

  • This isn’t “aesthetics vs. health.” GLP-1s deliver meaningful cardiometabolic benefits for many patients, and the future pipeline, including new oral options suggests the category’s impact will only broaden. 
  • Downstream effects are real and addressable. If we are serious about patient outcomes, we should be serious about the full patient journey, including appearance-related concerns that can emerge after medication-driven weight loss. 
  • Regeneration matters. As this new patient cohort enters aesthetics, approaches that improve the structure and biology of tissue may become increasingly important alongside traditional volumization tools. 

Having worked in the field for over 10 years, my understanding is that treating structure results in better outcomes than treating symptoms alone. That is why I am focused on regenerative aesthetics where the opportunity is to find solutions that aim to restore or support tissue “architecture,” and not just replace volume. 

At Conexeu Sciences, we are developing a thermosensitive extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold, initially as an injectable, that is designed to provide the temporary structural support the body needs while it remodels tissue. We are excited by the science, and it is our belief that solutions addressing tissue architecture and regeneration (vs. volume replacement alone) will undoubtedly become an important part of how the field helps patients navigate medication-driven weight loss. 

I am curious to know how others are thinking about this: how has the patient’s narrative shifted your focus on GLP-1-driven aesthetic needs in your clinic, portfolio, or product roadmap? What do you think will define the next wave of “regenerative aesthetics”?

— Miles Harrison 

President & CEO, Conexeu Sciences Inc.

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About Conexeu Sciences Inc.

Founded in late 2022, Conexeu Sciences Inc. is advancing regenerative medicine through its patented collagen–based liquid extracellular matrix platform. Emerging from over a decade of university research, the Company is developing a human collagen-based liquid extracellular matrix that transitions from liquid to gel at body temperature, forming a thermosensitive scaffold that accelerates organized tissue formation. With patents across the U.S., E.U., Japan, and Australia, and additional filings pending globally, Conexeu’s CXU™ platform offers transformative potential across multi-billion-dollar markets. At the forefront of Conexeu’s portfolio is Ten Minute Tissue™, a collagen-based extracellular matrix (ECM) that remains fluid at room temperature and gels at ~37°C. This unique scaffold promotes cell migration, proliferation, differentiation, and new tissue formation, enabling seamless integration into host tissue. Scientifically proven in pre-clinical studies, Ten Minute Tissue™ accelerates healing while reducing inflammation and non-fibrotic scarring. Ten-Minute Tissue™ is an investigational product and has not been cleared or approved by any regulatory authority. Contact: David Bogart 1-424-333-5622 ext 7 [email protected] For more information, visit www.conexeu.com. Safe Harbor Statement Except for the statements of historical fact contained herein, the information presented in this news release constitutes “forward-looking statements” as such term is used in applicable United States securities laws. These statements relate to analysis and other information that are based on forecasts or future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Any other statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as “expects”, or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans”, “estimates” or “intends”, or stating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and should be viewed as “forward-looking statements”. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations about future events or performance. While we believe these expectations are reasonable, such forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. Our actual future results may differ materially from those discussed or implied in our forward-looking statements for various reasons. Factors that could contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to: international, national and local general economic and market conditions; demographic changes; the ability of the Company to sustain, manage or forecast its growth; the ability of the company to develop and commercialize its products; the ability of the Company to raise capital to complete its plans and fund its operations; the commercial viability of the contemplated processing plant; the continued availability of key leadership personnel; adverse publicity; competition and changes in the advanced wound care market, medical aesthetics market and tissue engineering and reconstruction; fluctuations and difficulty in forecasting operating results; business disruptions, such as technological failures and/or cybersecurity breaches. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained in this news release and in any document referred to in this news release. The forward-looking statements included in this release are made only as of the date hereof. The Company assumes no obligation to update or supplement any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of any offer to buy our securities.  

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