Octane Aesthetics Tech Forum: 3 Big Trends from GuidePoint Qsight’s 2025 Market Analysis
At the 2026 Octane Aesthetic Tech Forum, Erik Haines, Managing Director of Guidepoint Qsight, presented a data-rich snapshot of the state of the medical aesthetics industry. Drawing from over $17 billion in transactional data across 45,000 aesthetic practices and millions of patient records, Haines outlined key shifts that defined 2025—and previewed where the market is heading in 2026.
1. Filler Decline and Biostimulator Growth
Dermal fillers saw a continued year-over-year decline in patient spend in 2025, even as biosimulators gained traction—now accounting for 25% of the dermal filler market. While Haines acknowledged the possibility of a rebound in 2026, the trend reflects a broader rebalancing of injectable demand. Filler-to-toxin pairing visits also declined, replaced in part by combinations with skincare and microneedling.
2. Microneedling and Skincare Surge
Mechanical microneedling was the standout category in non-energy-based skin rejuvenation, with patient spend surging 33% to become the top-performing procedure in its segment. Meanwhile, professional-grade skincare rebounded after a flat 2024, growing nearly 10% year-over-year. Haines attributed this to increased integration into the patient journey and rising consumer interest in regenerative solutions.
3. Loyalty Is Driving Retention—but New Patient Flow Slows
While new patient acquisition declined 6% in 2025, retention improved: over 50% of aesthetic patients returned to the same practice year-over-year. Loyalty programs were a key driver—patients enrolled in manufacturer programs were 68% more likely to return, compared to 42% for non-users. In neurotoxin users, that figure jumped to 57% retention. Participation in rewards programs has doubled since 2020, reinforcing their importance in practice economics.
Looking ahead, Haines identified “GLP-ification,” the convergence of wellness and aesthetics, and brand switching in the neurotoxin market as areas to watch.
“The market is evolving—and practices will need to evolve with it,” Haines said.