78% of GLP-1 Medication Users Say They No Longer Recognize Themselves in the Mirror
New research from Revance explores the connection between weight loss associated with GLP-1 therapy, identity, facial appearance, and the role personalized aesthetic treatments like RHA® Dynamic Volume can play in helping patients look like themselves.
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Revance, a global aesthetics, regenerative and consumer skincare company, announced new research commissioned by Talker Research on behalf of the company examining self-identity and expression among GLP-1 medication patients, revealing that many of these patients experience significant changes in how they see themselves following weight loss. Among these patients, 78% said they no longer recognized themselves in the mirror after using a GLP-1 therapy.1
The survey included 2,000 beauty-conscious Americans ages 26 to 60, including 1,402 current or former GLP-1 therapy users, many of whom reported that loss of identity is not a new experience. Sixty-seven percent reported that major events such as weight changes or aging caused a loss of identity before they began the medication, and 24% reported the loss of identity occurred after starting the treatment. Despite being on the medication, 61% of current users continue to experience these feelings. Among those who noted an identity shift, 75% reported that the change felt external rather than internal.1
The findings highlight an opportunity for more informed, personalized conversations about facial appearance during weight-loss journeys. RHA® Dynamic Volume, part of the Teoxane RHA® Collection brought to you by Revance, is an FDA-approved hyaluronic acid filler for cheek augmentation and age-related midface contour deficiencies.2 RHA® Dynamic Volume can address midface volume loss providing natural-looking and feeling results.3
As GLP-1 therapy use grows across generations, patients may benefit from guidance on facial volume changes and their treatment options
While GLP-1 medications have gained attention across generations, many patients reported receiving limited information about potential appearance-related effects, including facial volume loss and muscle loss associated with weight loss.1
Although midface volume loss is a well-recognized effect of GLP-1 therapy among aesthetic providers, patients may not be under the care of an aesthetic provider or may not disclose their GLP-1 therapy use during their aesthetic consultations. Accordingly, 81% of GLP-1 medication users surveyed reported receiving no information about facial volume loss before or during treatment.1 These numbers reflect an opportunity to educate consumers on facial volume loss as well as aesthetic treatments and solutions while using or considering GLP-1 therapies.
"Patients on GLP-1 medications often don't realize the medication changes more than the number patients see when they step on the scale," said Dr. Deirdre O'Boyle Hooper, board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Audubon Dermatology in New Orleans, Louisiana. "Part of my job is to guide patients through changes they may not anticipate, including facial volume loss, and to set realistic expectations based on their anatomy and aesthetic goals. For these patients, I often recommend RHA® Dynamic Volume, which restores volume in both the deep and superficial layers of the face while maintaining natural movement and expression."2-3
Despite receiving little guidance from their GLP-1 providers, many patients are independently seeking aesthetic care to help address these concerns and maintain their natural appearance. Among the GLP-1 medication users surveyed:
- 66% reported receiving a beauty or aesthetic treatment or procedure after using a GLP-1 therapy to help them look like themselves again1
- 97% of current GLP-1 therapy users reported having received an aesthetic injectable or would consider aesthetic injectables1
These findings highlight an opportunity for providers to proactively guide patients through potential appearance-related considerations, including facial volume, muscle loss and treatment options that align with individual goals.
Although one may associate GLP-1 therapies with Millennials and older generations, the study found high usage among younger adults in Generation Z. Among Generation Z respondents:
- 79% reported that they currently use or previously used a GLP-1 medication1
- 84% have received aesthetic injectables or would consider them1
As GLP-1 medication patients navigate facial volume loss, RHA® Dynamic Volume provides a great option to support natural-looking and natural-feeling results3
"At Revance, we believe aesthetic treatments should help people achieve natural-looking results without changing who they see in the mirror," said Adelle Walker, Chief Marketing Officer, Aesthetics at Revance. "This research shows that for many people, a GLP-1 treatment journey can create unexpected changes in how they recognize themselves and how they feel about their appearance. With RHA® Dynamic Volume, our goal is to give providers a tool that allows them to take a highly personalized approach while preserving the movement and expression that make each patient uniquely themselves."
Learn more about how RHA® Dynamic Volume can treat weight-loss related facial volume loss, and enter for a chance to win the Ultimate RHA® Getaway here: rhacollection.com/lp/ultimate-getaway/GLP-1.
About Revance
Revance is a global company developing, producing, and distributing industry-leading, differentiated products across aesthetics, skincare, and therapeutics. Revance drives innovation beyond convention to offer treatment options for individuals across generations. The Company's vision is to redefine excellence in aesthetics, skincare, and therapeutics through science-powered innovation, with an unwavering commitment to its providers, patients, and consumers. Revance's award-winning products are the result of robust research and development, a cornerstone for the Company, driven by renowned scientists. For more information about Revance, please visit us at Revance.com.
About Teoxane
Founded by Valérie Taupin in 2003, Teoxane specializes in developing solutions using hyaluronic acid. With over 20 years of expertise, it is a pioneer in the science of facial beauty. The company was founded on a unique vision: to open the possibilities of aesthetic treatments using high-performance dermal and dermo-cosmetic fillers developed through in-depth scientific research. Through attentive listening, education and establishing the foundations for a safer industry, Teoxane has ushered in a new era in aesthetic medicine. Here, minor beauty procedures wield a significant impact on a patient's self-image and overall well-being.
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References:
- Talker Research
- RHA® Dynamic Volume Directions for Use. 2025.
- A. Shamban, S. Fabi, J. Joseph, et al., "Effectiveness and Safety of RHA4 Versus Comparator Product for Midface Volume Deficiency: A Randomized, Prospective, Multicenter Clinical Study," Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 25, no. 8 (2026): e71113.
The Teoxane RHA® Collection includes hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers with lidocaine and mepivacaine. Revance will only distribute the Teoxane RHA® Collection with mepivacaine, thus may refer to the products without the use of "Mepi" in the product name. The long-term efficacy and safety outcomes of RHA® with lidocaine are applicable to RHA® with mepivacaine, and mepivacaine has shown no significant impact on gel properties, including rheology and degradation profile.
Approved Uses of RHA® Collection of Fillers by Teoxane
The Teoxane RHA® Collection of resilient hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers includes RHA Redensity®, RHA® 2, RHA® 3 and RHA® 4 with lidocaine and RHA Redensity® Mepi, RHA Redensity® Eye, RHA® 2 Mepi, RHA® 3 Mepi and RHA® Dynamic Volume, with mepivacaine.
RHA Redensity® and RHA Redensity® Mepi are for the correction of moderate to severe dynamic perioral rhytids. RHA Redensity® Eye is for the correction of moderate to severe tissue volume deficiencies in the infraorbital region in adults aged 22 years or older. RHA® 2, RHA® 2 Mepi and RHA® 4 are for the correction of moderate to severe dynamic facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds (NLFs), in adults 22 or older. RHA® 3 and RHA® 3 Mepi are for the correction of moderate to severe dynamic facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds (NLFs), and to augment lip fullness in adults 22 or older. RHA® Dynamic Volume is for correction of moderate to severe dynamic facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds (NLFs), and for cheek augmentation and/or correction of age-related midface contour deficiencies in adults 22 or older.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Are there any reasons why I should not receive any RHA® injectable gel formulation?
Do not receive if you have a history of multiple severe allergies or severe allergic reactions; if you are allergic to lidocaine or mepivacaine or gram-positive bacterial proteins; or if you have a bleeding disorder.
What precautions should I discuss with my doctor
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding as the safety of these products for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding has not been studied
- Tell your doctor if you have a history of excessive scarring, keloid formations or pigmentation disorders, as use of these products may result in additional scars or changes in pigmentation
- Tell your doctor if you are planning laser treatments or a chemical peel, as there is a possible risk of inflammation at the treatment site if these procedures are performed after treatment
- Tell your doctor if you are on immunosuppressive therapy used to decrease your immune response, as use of these products may result in an increased risk of infection
- Tell your doctor if you are using medications that can prolong bleeding, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or other blood thinners, as this may increase bruising or bleeding at the injection site
- The safety and effectiveness of RHA® fillers in areas other than those indicated have not been established in U.S. clinical studies
- Patients who experience skin injury near the site of injection with this product may be at a higher risk for side effects
- Minimize strenuous exercise, exposure to extensive sun or heat, and alcoholic beverages within the first 24 hours following treatment
What are possible side effects?
The most commonly reported side effects included injection site redness, swelling, pain, tenderness, firmness, lumps/bumps, bruising, discoloration, and itching.
One of the risks with using these products is unintentional injection into a blood vessel, and while rare, the complications can be serious and may be permanent. These complications, which have been reported for facial injections, can include vision abnormalities, blindness, stroke, temporary scabs, or permanent scarring.
Delayed-onset inflammation and granulomas (red raised lumps) near the site of dermal filler injections are known side effects associated with dermal fillers. Cases of delayed-onset inflammation have been reported to occur at the treatment site following viral or bacterial illnesses or infections, vaccinations, or dental procedures. Typically, the reported inflammation was responsive to being treated or resolved on its own. Granulomas may appear weeks or months after injection and may require medical intervention.
As with all skin injection procedures, there is a risk of infection and recurrence of herpetic eruptions.
To report an adverse event with any RHA® product to Revance, please visit Safety.Revance.com or call at 1 (877) 373-8669.
Please visit RHACollection.com or talk to your doctor for more information.
RHA® and RHA Redensity® are registered trademarks of TEOXANE SA, manufactured in Switzerland. The Teoxane RHA® Collection is exclusively distributed by Revance®. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Available by prescription only.
RHA-00220
SOURCE Revance
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