How Metabolic Science, Regenerative Medicine, and Biohacking are Transforming Aesthetics

At the DERM 2025 NP PA CME Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, Suneel Chilukuri, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Refresh Dermatology in Houston, Texas, spotlighted the convergence of metabolic science, regenerative medicine, and aesthetic dermatology. He emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in the field, celebrating the meeting’s inclusive format that brings together physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and aestheticians. He praised the conference environment as one that fosters openness, accessibility to thought leaders, and the exchange of both clinical and aesthetic insights.

“My favorite part is this: you can approach anybody in any space here and feel comfortable asking questions and get great responses,” he said about the Dermatology Education Foundation’s meeting. “It’s amazing access to those people who are the leaders in the field.”

In his session titled “Beach Bod Results: Advancements in Body Contouring,” Chilukuri addressed how the growing use of GLP-1 receptor agonists has transformed the weight loss landscape. While these medications offer benefits for metabolic and inflammatory conditions, they disproportionately reduce muscle mass—up to 70% of the total weight lost—raising new challenges in body aesthetics. Chilukuri discussed non-surgical strategies to counteract muscle loss and enhance body contour, including cryolipolysis, radiofrequency, ultrasound, and emerging microwave-based technologies. He emphasized the critical importance of patient selection, advocating for tailored approaches based on each individual’s lifestyle, health status, and willingness to partner in long-term care.

During his second talk, “Skincare Secrets and Quick Fixes,” Chilukuri explored emerging skincare trends fueled by social media, such as salmon sperm facials. He unpacked the underlying science of polynucleotides (PN, PDRN) and exosome therapies, which are currently unregulated in the US but show early promise in scar remodeling and collagen regeneration. He noted the importance of safety, sterility, and evidence when considering these bio-regenerative treatments, especially in the absence of FDA oversight. Injectable skin boosters containing hyaluronic acid and regenerative agents are expected to expand by 2026.

On the topic of biohacking, Chilukuri highlighted its growing role in aesthetics, particularly around the modulation of cellular senescence, which he likened to inefficient “party-going” fibroblasts and keratinocytes. While the promise of biohacking is significant, he cautioned against misinformation and consumer-driven hype. Chilukuri urged clinicians to prioritize safety, efficacy, and practical value when guiding patients through this rapidly evolving space.

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