IMCAS World Congress 2025

By Anna Maria Fenech Magrin, Aesthetic Doctor, Clinical Senior Lecturer in Aesthetic Medicine, Queen Mary University of London; Medical Director at DoctorAM Clinics, Malta.

2025 was another successful year for IMCAS Paris, breaking the record for the largest medical aesthetics congress in the world, with over 20,000 participants, over 1000 speakers, 225 sessions with over 2200 presentations and 374 exhibitors.

The 'prejuvenation' concept was an interesting and standout topic this year. Over time, beauty has been redefined by cultural influences, politics and art. Younger generations are embracing a new approach known as prejuvenation which is a proactive way to prevent signs of ageing before they appear, using minimally invasive treatments. The Gen Z generation relies heavily on social media and the internet, both for skincare and ageing advice. Therefore, professionals should empower the preservation of natural beauty safely and always with knowledge and care, as this generation is susceptible to misinformation on social media. They may also care more about what they look like in the picture compared to in person.

The increased exposure to social media may contribute to a rise in 'snapshot dysmorphia’ and 'zoom dysmorphia' which may trigger dysmorphic concerns and unrealistic expectations among younger generations. Very interestingly, Millenial and Gen Z sales per practice have boomed by 82% during a five-year period. Dermal fillers spend increased by 92% and neurotoxins by 236%. Caution should be taken as evidence is showing that 20-year-olds who are getting a combination of botulinum toxin, fillers and semi permanent make-up can actually end up looking older than their age. Skin boosters are a game-changer for healthy-looking skin in young patients, including those who suffer from acne or acne scars. When taking care of young patients, one has to take care of the mental health and also give advice on a healthy lifestyle. Important advice for prejuvenation for younger patients (over 18 years of age) should include the daily use of sunblock SPF 30 or more, daily intake of oral Vitamin C supplements, the intake of a healthy dose of omegas in the diet, stopping smoking and decrease sugar intake.

This year’s 'Anatomy on Cadaver Workshop' sessions were outstanding as always, delivering the same exceptional quality. These included cadaver dissections and live injections. The first session highlighted the temporal area with the interfascial technique for volumisation and its advantages discussed in detail. This was followed by the nasolabial folds and marionette lines. The Fern Pattern Technique to inject hyaluronic acid was discussed by Dr van Eijk himself. This injection technique involves injecting hyaluronic acid in the dermis for optimal correction of dynamic facial lines, and is particularly useful for the correction of the dynamic lower nasolabial fold and the lines that deepen with expressive facial movements and during smiling. An in-depth exploration of the mid and lower face was also featured in the cadaver and live injection workshops providing the usual advanced anatomical insights by Professor Cotofana, Anatomist and Professor Kestemont, Facial Plastic Surgeon. The cadaver workshops and live injection sessions were followed by the ultrasound-guided injection sessions. An innovative, cutting edge, miniature finger-held ultrasound probe, the SibUS, was used this year. The session started by scanning the piriform space, this being a high-risk area for injectables.

While botulinum toxin sessions are always fascinating, one particularly intriguing session focused on the use of off-label toxins. This included anatomical considerations and injection techniques of botulinum toxin for masseters. Another presentation was about how to avoid complications when treating patients for hyperhidrosis, especially hand muscle weakness. Another interesting off-label indication is the use of botulinum toxin in Frey’s Syndrome. This is a neurological disorder, often following parotidectomy but also linked to submandibular gland surgery, mandibular fracture repair, TMJ injury, neck surgery, infections and trauma. This results in flushing and sweating on the cheek, temple and / or behind the ear, while eating or thinking about food. One to two units of botulinum toxin type A per square cm was used in a case study, with good results and patient satisfaction. Professor Patrick Treacy spoke about the use of botulinum toxin in the treatment of migraines.

Galderma held a very interesting symposium with a live demo entitled, 'Go Beyond with Relfydess™. Step into the Future'. Patients have many expectations when undergoing treatments with botulinum toxin including unrealistic expectations for “the quickest treatment, the greatest amount of longevity, no downtime, free and performed by the most senior doctor in the room.” Galderma have been working for more than 15 years on the innovative manufacturing process, the 'Pearl Technology'. This new Pearl Technology is precipitation-free, activity-preserving, and refined through a series of steps including filtration and chromatography. It also utilises a liquid technology and the toxin is maintained in its natural form and liquid state throughout the entire process and does not require stabilisation in the powder form. There are no other peptides or proteins in the product. These factors affect the toxin quality, stability and purity. The clinical performance in Relfydess™ trials show that Relfydess™ has fast onset, with improvements reported by day one with a median onset being two days. The results were sustained for six months. Therefore, this toxin meets some of the patients’ expectations by being fast in onset and with long-lasting effects.

This year, Teoxane were celebrating a decade of the Resilient Hyaluronic Acid (RHA®) technology. This unique RHA® manufacturing process, termed 'Preserved Network Technology' (PNT) creates gels with the aim to minimise alteration of the HA chains. RHA products exhibit a greater degree of stretch than other products, making them highly dynamic and therefore can be confidently placed in the more mobile superficial planes. An interesting session was about the overfilled face which gives rise to animation deformity. When treating a patient, the ATP approach is very important which stands for (A) Assessment and Ageing Anatomy, (T) Technique and (P) Product. A consultation is always very important for patient communication, education, risk warning and expectation establishment.

The IBSA symposium also celebrated significant milestones in product innovation and advanced production with some exciting progress in their journey. In 2015 they started with Profhilo®, 2020/2021 the Profhilo® Body and now the introduction of Profhilo® Structura at the end of 2024.

Energy-based devices and body shaping also featured very strongly during the congress. A session with live demos involved the Deleo CRISTAL®. This introduces a new era of cryolipolysis. It has an ultrasound integrated in the machine to measure the thickness of the fat layer. In the past, cryolipolysis was linked to side effects, like burns, hyperplasia and other adverse effects. But the new technology is much more advanced and therefore patients need to be educated about this. Both the temperature and the vacuum can be controlled.

The InMode Symposium introduced the new OptimasMAX which is a multi-functional aesthetic platform that gives the ability to perform from IPL to bipolar fractional RF. Studies were presented showing how Morpheus8 RF microneedling is an effective treatment for hidradenitis suppuritiva. Another new device was introduced by InMode, the QuantumRF. This device is used for body and face contouring without suction. The tip of the handpiece delivers pulsed bipolar RF. There is no external electrode, unlike BodyTite. This is because temperature control is not required due to the ultrashort pulse duration.

Hyperpigmentation remains a widespread concern and was a key focus in numerous symposia this year, highlighted by leading brands. One such symposium, led by ISDIN, provided valuable insights into the latest advancements in hyperpigmentation and melasma treatments. It was highlighted that photoprotection is the cornerstone and first-line treatment of melasma management, but actually the most challenging to follow, due to inconsistent use, invisible exposure, lifestyle barriers, environmental factors and cosmetic concerns. Personalisation enhances adherence by offering sunscreens tailored to individual skin types and routines, addressing practical and financial barriers, and integrating both physical and topical protective measures.

Topical tranexamic acid featured in the talks as one of the active ingredients in advanced cosmeceuticals used in the management of hyperpigmentation and melasma. These act on different levels of melanin production. Other important active ingredients are retinoids, alpha and beta hydroxy acids, niacinamide and 4-n-Butylresorcinol.

Another of the sessions at the IMCAS conference dealt with the increasing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in aesthetic medicine. Frederic Flament explored the transformative role of artificial intelligence in aesthetic medicine, particularly in ageing models and longevity management. His lecture emphasised AI’s integration into connected solutions, including protein assays in the skin, to enhance both the aesthetic span and the health span. He highlighted how AI can expand clinical practice for practitioners, empower consumers to make informed choices about their ageing trajectory, and provide continuous expertise for better follow-up and coaching. Additionally, he discussed AI’s role in shaping social interactions through digital twins and the integration of online and offline experiences. For researchers, AI presents new opportunities to decode ageing processes by analysing proteins and biomarkers. His insights underscore AI’s pivotal role in the future of the longevity sciences.

The IMCAS World Congress 2025 once again proved to be a groundbreaking event, bringing together leading experts, cutting-edge research, and the latest innovations in dermatology, plastic surgery, and aesthetic medicine. From advanced techniques in injectables and regenerative medicine to emerging trends in cosmeceuticals and device-based treatments, the congress set new benchmarks for the industry. The emphasis on personalisation, evidence-based approaches, and multidisciplinary collaboration underscored the evolving landscape of aesthetic medicine. As we look ahead, the insights and advancements shared at IMCAS 2025 will undoubtedly shape the future of patient care and industry standards, driving excellence and innovation worldwide.