Swiss injectables manufacturer Galderma has developed a rating system to help practitioners assess facial concerns such as sagging, wrinkles, and asymmetry, using a scale from zero to three. This initiative is part of the company’s broader effort to address skill gaps among the rapidly expanding pool of medical professionals administering aesthetic treatments.

Galderma, headquartered by Lake Zug, Switzerland, has benefited from the growing acceptance of minimally invasive cosmetic procedures often referred to as "tweakments," including botulinum toxin injections, dermal fillers, and collagen-stimulating treatments. The company reported an 11.5% increase in sales in 2025, reaching $2.5 billion. Its product portfolio competes with US-based AbbVie’s Botox and includes both injectables and prescription skincare brands such as Cetaphil.

The surge in demand for aesthetic procedures has led to a proliferation of clinics and medical spas worldwide, ranging from high streets to shopping centers. Social media influencers who are also medical practitioners have contributed to the trend by publicizing these treatments online. However, the rapid expansion of providers has raised concerns about the quality and safety of procedures, given that many injectors may lack adequate training.

Naveen Cavale, a board member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, described the injectables industry as a “wild west,” noting that while companies try to limit product diversion, control over who delivers treatments remains limited. Galderma is responding by boosting training programs, educating over 100,000 healthcare professionals in 2025 alone. The company focuses on equipping doctors, dentists, and nurses with the skills required to administer their products safely and effectively.

Regulatory environments vary by country. In the UK, for instance, only medical professional status is required to inject fillers, with no mandatory dedicated training. In the US, state regulations differ. Galderma aims to sell exclusively to qualified practitioners but faces challenges, particularly in markets like France, where authorities raided the company in April over suspicions of unauthorized sales to general practitioners. French law mandates that botulinum toxin treatments be administered only by dermatologists or cosmetic specialists. Galderma has since limited deliveries to certain pharmacies in response.

Increasingly popular among younger demographics is the so-called “baby botox,” where users in their twenties seek preventive treatments to delay wrinkle formation. Analysts report this trend is contributing to long-term market growth. A recent UK government report attributed rising cosmetic procedure demand partly to social media advertising by aesthetic providers.

Galderma CEO Flemming Ørnskov acknowledged these societal shifts but argued that his company represents only a small segment within a much larger global beauty and wellness industry. He emphasized the importance of trained professionals administering treatments to maintain natural-looking results and minimize risks, which range from swelling and asymmetry to, in rare cases, respiratory complications.

Following its 2024 initial public offering, Galderma has become the world’s second-largest injectables producer, valued at approximately $50 billion. It continues to expand its presence amid growing interest by consumers seeking to enhance their appearance amid broader trends toward longevity, health, and wellness.