The International Master Course on Aging Science (IMCAS) Congress returned to the Palais des Congrès in Paris from January 29-31, showcasing the latest advancements within the specialty
Drawing 21,700 attendees from across the globe, the conference offered a diverse programme covering regenerative medicine, injectables, surgical procedures, anatomy, skin therapies and
economic developments.
Key trends this year included the impact of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists on skin health, regenerative medicine and longevity approaches, as well as hair and scalp health. Dr Hugues Cartier,
dermatologist and scientific director for IMCAS, commented, “IMCAS is a congress brimming with incredible energy.
It is science, innovation and people from all around the world. This edition was marked by new trends, with artificial intelligence and medical imaging making a sensational debut in the world of aesthetics.”
Celebrating 30 years of aesthetic innovation, pharmaceutical company Galderma launched, ‘Wake up to Restylane,’ designed to meet rising demand for subtle, natural results. This campaign builds on new clinical data presented at IMCAS, highlighting Restylane’s efficacy and versatility across multiple facial areas and the décolletage, according to the company.
One of the highlights was a session hosted by Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie company, on January 30. The panel featured Professor Sebastian Cotofana, plastic surgeons Dr Mustafa Narwan and Dr Marcel Vinicius De Aguiar Menezes and dermatologist Dr Sylwia Lipko Godlewska. The session included a live demonstration exploring the use of Juvéderm dermal filler to enhance lower-face definition and contouring. Mark Wilson, senior vice president and head of international commercial at Allergan Aesthetics, commented, “IMCAS 2026 was another fantastic opportunity for Allergan Aesthetics to engage with the global aesthetics community.
This year, our focus was on advancing the conversation around combination treatments, showcasing new scientific data and strengthening medical education. Through our scientific posters and global medical symposium, we highlighted the latest data across our facial
injectable portfolio and pipeline, reinforcing our commitment to expanding existing product categories and exploring new ones.”
Pharmaceutical company Merz Aesthetics hosted a focused symposium on January 31, which spotlighted hormonal changes in skin during menopause, innovative body treatment tools, age-related technique adaptations and managing weight-loss in ageing patients. Catching up with the company, Aesthetics spoke with Gonzalo Mibelli, president of Merz Aesthetics EMEA. Mibelli noted, “Our portfolio is backed by science, and that is why we attend IMCAS each year – to share data and the latest clinical approaches, while also keeping pace with emerging trends.”
Reflecting on this year’s congress, he added, “I’ve really enjoyed IMCAS – it’s very vibrant. You need to invest a lot of energy yourself, but you are recharged through the interactions.”
Aesthetic manufacturer Teoxane presented a new injection technique for skin quality at this year’s congress. Two scientific posters and a dedicated symposium detailed the new babyGLOW technique, a standardised, anatomy-based subdermal injection approach designed to support consistent product distribution while avoiding facial danger zones.
In terms of networking, the week kicked off with Dermapenworld’s launch event at the Eiffel Tower on January 28, celebrating upcoming product innovations. Dr Andrew R. Christie Schwarz, aesthetic practitioner and Dermapenworld’s clinical director and global medical trainer, described IMCAS 2026 as, “A cornucopia of information that is truly innovative. We’re seeing new concepts and protocols, with an exceptionally captivated audience this year, allowing for further education and in-depth conversations.”
The Aesthetics team valued the opportunity to connect with colleagues and specialty partners at the Aesthetics and CCR stand, and, in keeping with tradition, at the annual Aesthetics Journal drinks reception held at Le Meridien Hotel on January 29.
Skincare company SkinCeuticals hosted an exclusive gathering on January 30, offering attendees a chance to reflect on the congress and network in a relaxed setting with live music, cocktails and canapés. Michelle Cochrane, head of education and strategic partnerships at SkinCeuticals UK&I, commented, “I’m delighted to be here with our global team at IMCAS 2026, as the number one medical aesthetics skincare brand leading in integration. This year, we are showcasing our latest innovations around the A.G.E. Interrupter Ultra Serum and its relevance to rapid weight loss.”
The next edition of the IMCAS World Congress will take place on January 28-30, 2027, in Paris.