Merz Aesthetics is once again at the forefront of innovation. The company’s 115+ years-old pioneering backbone remains focused on integrative and holistic approaches to beauty, youth, and wellbeing. We discussed this with Alexis Stern, Global CMO.
Interview by Annabel MacGowan
ANTI-AGE MAGAZINE: Can you give us a global picture of the world market worth and growth?
ALEXIS STERN: The global market is vigorous, bringing in 21 billion dollars in 2023, and is expected to grow +7% CAGR in the coming years to reach 30 billion in 2028. Asia Pacific is the leading growth-driver and North America remains the largest market, but all the regions throughout the world are showing growth. Asia Pacific is the leading growth-driver because of the huge demand for skin quality, regenerative aesthetics, and treatments with energy-based devices.
AAM: What are the overall market trends, and which aesthetic and skincare demands have increased the most?
A.S.: There is a very interesting and promising convergence between beauty, health, medical aesthetics, and wellness. We can distinguish five top trends: The first trend is personalised comprehensive treatment plans comprised of neuromodulators, biostimulators, fillers, EBDs, and skin care for tailored approaches to the person’s lifestyle, skin type, anatomy, and aesthetic goals. Another trend that aligns with this approach is that clinics are now offering wellness services like hormone therapies, nutrition, and weight loss solutions, which are very popular in the United States and Latin America.
Secondly, minimally- and non-invasive procedures continue to dominate due to a desire for limited to no downtime and increasing social acceptance. The third trend is patients wanting natural-looking results. Patients are now prioritising looking good, rested, and fresh. The fourth trend identified is the male market which is growing steadily and is driven by social acceptance. Neuromodulators, and jawline contouring are particularly appealing to this demographic. Lastly, AI will be a major trend for years to come and will provide advancements for before & after imaging during consultation, digital tools for treatment planning – helping both the patients and the providers.
AAM: What is the most interesting and promising development within these trends? Are doctors educating their patients, or are patients pushing doctors out of their comfort zone to provide the care they are looking for?
A.S.: Today, patients have more influence, and expect a dialogue with their practitioner. They are well informed, because they can research treatments, providers, and outcomes online through reviews, testimonials, social media, and medical articles. This empowers patients to ask for specific products and to actively participate in their own treatment plan with their practitioner. Today, there is a positive shift in patient attitudes and aesthetic medicine is broadly viewed as part of a self-care routine. At Merz Aesthetics, one of our objectives is to increase our investments in B2C communication to further support patient-practitioner collaboration.
AAM: What defines you as a company that sets you apart from other aesthetic medicine laboratories?
A.S.: As the world’s largest dedicated medical aesthetics business, we have a unique product portfolio tailored to a wide variety of aesthetic goals. Our award-winning line of injectables and medical devices are designed to help people around the world look, feel and live like the best versions of themselves – however they define it. With over 30 active projects in our R&D pipeline and more than 20 anticipated approvals or clearances over the next five years, we’re set up for significant growth. Looking ahead, we’re staying focused on leading the advancement of regenerative aesthetics, skin quality, and longevity, while expanding our world-class portfolio with new indications across geographies.
AAM: Merz Aesthetics is launching a new version of their iconic device Ultherapy®. How did this micro-focused ultrasound technology remain relevant after so many years on the market, when it has been copied all over the world?
A.S.: Ultherapy®, and specifically the Ultherapy PRIME® platform, is a leading non-invasive treatment that utilises time-tested ultrasound technology with real-time imaging to stimulate your body’s collagen production. This process creates a long-lasting, customised lift tailored to each patient’s unique needs. What sets Ultherapy PRIME® apart is its real-time visualisation technology, enabling practitioners to assess each patient’s anatomy and deliver a highly personalised treatment. This ensures precise targeting of collagen-rich layers, which vary in depth from patient to patient, providing a lift that can last a up to a year or more, in only one session, with zero downtime.
Ultherapy® has been recognised by a panel of expert physicians as the Gold Standard for non-surgical skin lifting due its strong body of clinical evidence, well-characterised mechanism of action, and high patient satisfaction. To date, thanks to the invaluable support of our customers and their patients, we are proud to have reached a remarkable milestone of 3.0 million treatments performed worldwide.
AAM: What do you see as the future of aesthetic medicine? How is Merz positioning itself in this new approach?
A.S.: Aesthetic medicine is evolving toward a more holistic approach, focusing not just on enhancing appearance but also on improving overall skin health and well-being. The integration of science, technology, and personalised care is driving this transformation. Innovations like AI-driven diagnostics, non-invasive treatments, and regenerative solutions are set to redefine the industry.
Merz Aesthetics is at the forefront of this shift, leveraging its expertise in both aesthetics and healthcare. We are actively integrating regenerative principles into our product development and treatment protocols, and we are also exploring new treatment combinations and scientific collaborations to expand our regenerative portfolio and offer cutting-edge solutions.
