Inside The Global Rise Of Injectables As A Form Of Self-Care
Fueled by new data and shifting cultural values, injectables are being redefined—not as vanity, but as a personalized pathway to confidence, wellness, and long-term care.
Modern woman receives botulinum toxin injections in a cosmetology clinic, patient is provided with ... More maximum comfort and attention
In a cultural climate where beauty and self-care are undergoing radical reevaluation, the aesthetic medicine industry—particularly injectables—is shifting beyond superficial treatments to address deeper themes of identity, confidence and empowerment.
At the center of this evolution is Dr. Shannon Humphrey, a Canadian board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, faculty member at the University of British Columbia, and one of the most respected voices in the field of aesthetic dermatology. In a recent conversation supported by Merz Aesthetics, Dr. Humphrey offered a detailed look at how both language and access are reshaping the future of care—particularly for underserved and underrepresented communities.
Merz Aesthetics is a global leader in medical aesthetics, driving innovation in injectables and confidence-driven care.
'The benefit we bring our patients is far more than skin deep,' says Dr. Humphrey. 'We're supporting people to live more fulfilled and empowered lives. That impact is emotional, psychological and physical.'
The conversation is grounded in findings from Merz Aesthetics' recent Pillars of Confidence study, a global research initiative surveying more than 15,000 adults across 17 countries. Among the most surprising takeaways: only 26% of respondents reported feeling societal pressure to pursue aesthetic treatments. Instead, the majority indicated that their motivation stemmed from a desire to align their outward appearance with how they feel internally.
Dr. Shannon Humphrey, a Canadian board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, faculty member at the ... More University of British Columbia.
This shift underscores a broader redefinition of beauty—one less rooted in conformity and more grounded in autonomy.
A growing number of patients are viewing aesthetic treatments not as vanity projects, but as acts of intentional wellness. The Merz study further amplified this connection between confidence and aesthetics with several key findings:
According to Dr. Humphrey, this data is echoed daily in her clinical experience. 'There's a common patient profile we see—women who have spent years giving to others and are only now turning their attention inward,' she says. 'These treatments allow them to prioritize their wellbeing, not from a place of vanity, but from self-worth.'
Woman in consultation with a doctor aesthetician
This insight holds particular significance for Black and Brown women, who have long been marginalized within the beauty and wellness industries.
'Rest and rejuvenation haven't always been accessible to all groups, particularly women of color,' she explains. 'But self-care should not be seen as a luxury. Aesthetic medicine, when done right, can play a role in restoring agency and honoring one's identity.'
Dr. Humphrey also stresses that the language used in the aesthetic space plays a crucial role in how treatments are perceived. In particular, the term filler is one she believes needs to be retired.
'In aesthetic medicine, the terminology used to describe a treatment can shape the way it is perceived by patients and healthcare providers alike,' she says. 'It's time to rethink the use of 'filler,' an antiquated term that grossly undermines the high level of skill and precision required for the safe and effective use of a hyaluronic acid (HA) gel.'
Dr. Shannon Humphrey, leading Global insights on aesthetics and self affirmation via Merz Aesthetics
In her published case study, Language Matters: Rethinking the Use of 'Filler', Dr. Humphrey writes:
'Although the origin of this terminology reflects the intention of its use when it was first pioneered—to fill a line or a fold—the use of HA gels has evolved to include any number of indications, from revolumizing, refining contours, balancing proportions, improving skin quality, and many more. It is time to re-examine outdated terminology and choose accurate words to better inform new injectors and our patients. HA gels are the cornerstone of facial rejuvenation.'
While the Merz study reflects encouraging shifts in patient motivations and attitudes, Dr. Humphrey acknowledges that the industry still faces a major gap in clinical research equity. Despite the growing global demand for aesthetic procedures, 85% of clinical study participants remain white women—limiting the generalizability of data across diverse patient populations.
'Representation in clinical trials is critical,' she says. 'The anatomy, concerns, and goals of patients can differ widely across ethnic backgrounds. Without diverse data, it becomes difficult to confidently tailor treatment plans for all patients.'
She applauds Merz for their ongoing commitment to inclusivity—not only in research and data, but in public partnerships with figures such as Salma Hayek and Teyana Taylor, whose openness about their aesthetic journeys is helping to normalize these conversations for broader audiences.
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 20: Teyana Taylor attends the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards at Radio City Music ... More Hall on August 20, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by)
For consumers navigating the increasingly transparent world of aesthetics, understanding the treatment landscape is key. Dr. Humphrey outlines the three core categories:
While patients are increasingly educated, Dr. Humphrey underscores that the best treatment decisions should always be made collaboratively with a qualified provider.
'You don't need to walk in with all the answers,' she says. 'You need to walk in with a provider you trust—someone who understands your goals and identity and who can design a plan that evolves with you over time.'
Shot of a beautiful young woman having a botox session against a grey background
As the industry continues to evolve, supported by data like Merz Aesthetics' Pillars of Confidence and thought leaders like Dr. Humphrey, aesthetic medicine—especially injectables—is steadily moving toward a future where beauty is personal, purposeful and truly inclusive.
Dr. Humphrey's 360 model of care reflects a growing shift in aesthetic medicine—from short-term fixes to long-term, relationship-based planning that prioritizes psychological and emotional wellness alongside physical enhancements.
'When patients are treated with intention,' she says, 'they don't just leave looking refreshed—they leave feeling seen.'
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