The world of aesthetic medicine is shifting away from quick fixes and toward treatments that work smarter—and last longer. Newly launched in Canada, HArmonyCa® with Lidocaine is the first injectable to combine hyaluronic acid and calcium hydroxyapatite in a single treatment, offering both an immediate lifting effect and ongoing collagen stimulation over time. As more patients look for natural-looking results with fewer appointments, we caught up with leading dermatologist Dr. Nathan Rosen to talk about the science behind this next-generation approach to facial rejuvenation and why the future of injectables may be all about doing more with less. —Noa Nichol
HArmonyCa® combines hyaluronic acid and calcium hydroxyapatite in one treatment—a first in Canada. From a dermatologist’s perspective, why is this dual-action approach such a significant shift in aesthetic medicine?
I think it’s a a significant shift in the regenerative space where we can achieve a natural-looking, predictable, immediate result that continues to build over time. Other treatments often require multiple sessions over a much longer period before realizing results, which can vary considerably from person to person.
For years, aesthetic treatments often focused on “filling” or “freezing.” Are we now entering an era that’s more about skin quality, collagen health, and structural longevity rather than obvious cosmetic change?
Yes, we’re definitely entering an era that is focused more on skin quality, collagen health, and structural longevity buoyed by technological advancements that have given us injectable tools that can work towards this goal, and in synergy with other existing tools, such as energy-based devices and skin care, to push us further than ever before.
Patients today seem increasingly afraid of looking “overdone.” How has the definition of beauty shifted in recent years toward more subtle, natural-looking rejuvenation?
The definition of beauty is always shifting as trends come and go, but natural-looking beauty is timeless and very much in vogue right now.
HArmonyCa® promises both an immediate effect and progressive collagen stimulation over time. Why are patients becoming more interested in treatments that evolve gradually rather than delivering an instant dramatic transformation?
I think patients are more interested in approach that triggers our own body’s mechanisms to improve their skin or reverse undesired changes, and are patient to see those changes. If the results can still be natural looking and subtle, the preference, however, is still to have it now rather than wait. But when larger changes occur slowly over time, it keeps the treatments discreet. People don’t suddenly look different from one post to the next on their socials.
There’s growing conversation around “prejuvenation” versus anti-aging. How are younger patients changing the aesthetics landscape—and are they approaching injectables differently than previous generations?
Well, the younger generations are hyper aware of the esthetics of aging and live in a time where there are tremendously effective treatment options available that can slow down the process. I feel like it’s this combination of awareness and technology that’s changing the landscape. They’re certainly adopting treatments at a younger age than previous generations.
The phrase “do more with less” keeps coming up in aesthetics. What does that actually look like in practice when it comes to modern facial rejuvenation?
It is being strategic and treating what is high impact in the patient in front of you, so that you are able to make effective change without using an excessive amount of treatment.
Collagen loss affects not just wrinkles, but overall facial structure and skin integrity. What are some of the earliest signs of collagen depletion people often overlook people often manifest?
The earliest signs are generally quite subtle: a loss of glow, a sense that the skin feels thinner, lines that maybe stay longer when you wake up from sleep, or after facial movements like smiling before they soften and seem to disappear.
Social media has dramatically changed how people think about cosmetic treatments—for better and for worse. How do you help patients separate realistic, healthy expectations from filtered beauty culture?
This is challenging. A patient might even trust a photo of them more than what they see in the mirror. This is why consultation is so important, and in the context of a consultation, demonstrating real before and after photos that are in reproducible lighting is extremely helpful in that context.
We’re seeing more patients prioritize treatments with longevity and skin health benefits over quick fixes. Do you think the future of aesthetics is becoming more preventative and regenerative than corrective?
Well, in our practice, prevention has been the focus for over 20 years. The trend is definitely towards regenerative treatments, however, the focus is both on prevention and correction, depending where you are on the aging spectrum. So, you may be preventative in some areas and corrective in other areas, as we don’t age equally all over the face or other body areas.
In a world of overfilled faces, frozen foreheads, and TikTok beauty trends, has “looking natural” quietly become the ultimate luxury flex?
Well, I sure hope so. I’ve been waiting many years for that.
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