Expanding Innovation and Education in Medical Aesthetics

In a recent interview with Dermatology Times, Bob Rhatigan, CEO of Merz Aesthetics, discussed the organization’s approach to advancing the medical aesthetics field. Rhatigan shared insights into his role overseeing Merz Aesthetics' global operations, emphasizing his commitment to innovation through robust education, training, and partnerships with medical experts. Merz Aesthetics strives to maintain a focus on meeting the evolving needs of both dermatology clinicians and their patients.

Rhatigan emphasized Merz Aesthetics' further commitment to clinicians through partnerships such as the Industry Advisory Council membership with the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.

Q&A With Bob Rhatigan

Bob Rhatigan, CEO of Merz Aesthetics

Image credit: Merz Aesthetics

Dermatology Times: Can you please provide an overview of your role at Merz Aesthetics?

Rhatigan: I’m responsible for leading and growing our global Merz Aesthetics business and overseeing the full operations and value chain – everything from R&D to manufacturing, commercialization, and more. In my day-to-day, I stay focused on ensuring that we meet and anticipate the needs of our customers worldwide and the patients they serve, all while earning their confidence. Throughout my tenure, we’ve continued to prioritize research, education, and training, which fuel our longstanding culture of innovation and are driving significant growth today.

Dermatology Times: How is Merz Aesthetics continuing to involve medical experts and researchers in advancing the medical benefits of aesthetic treatments for patients?

Rhatigan: Education and training remain the bedrock of what we’re focused on to advance the industry. We stay in close partnership with experts and researchers in the field throughout the year for all of our clinical initiatives that happen globally. These partnerships are an opportunity for professionals to share knowledge, network, and drive innovation, which ultimately lead to better outcomes for everyone – most importantly our customers and their patients.

Dermatology Times: What is unique about Merz Aesthetics’ injectables and medical devices?

Rhatigan: As the world’s largest dedicated medical aesthetics business, we take a modern approach to medical aesthetics, with a unique and unmatched product portfolio that’s tailored to a wide variety of aesthetic goals. Our award-winning line of injectables and medical devices are designed to help people around the world look, feel, and live like the best versions of themselves – however they define it.

We’re a family-owned organization, started by an entrepreneur, so we understand our customers as business owners themselves. Innovation has been at the core of our business since the beginning, and this helps us stay committed to developing a portfolio for our customers with high-quality, safe and effective products that deliver proven outcomes. 

Dermatology Times: How does Merz Aesthetics contribute to proper education and use of aesthetic products and devices in a time where regulations are not always standard?

Rhatigan: Proper education and training for optimal patient outcomes will always be a priority for us. In 2024, we launched MAX Merz Aesthetics Exchange (“MAX”), an educational ecosystem that supports health care professionals and aesthetic practices through diverse learning experiences. By offering video content, immersive trainings, and events, we aim to elevate the standards of aesthetic practice and ensure patient safety. Our purpose of fueling confidence applies not only to patients, but also to our HCP customers who are using our products. 

Dermatology Times: How does Merz Aesthetics partner with or support dermatology clinicians?

Rhatigan: The dermatology customer base remains a core focus for our business, and we direct a tremendous amount of our resources in terms of training, education, and other support to dermatology.

We also support clinicians by participating in strategic partnerships and councils that are driving the medical aesthetics industry forward. One example is our Industry Advisory Council (IAC) membership with the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, which arms us with the insights we need to provide continuous and meaningful innovations that benefit dermatology professionals and their patients.

Dermatology Times: Is there anything new in the pipeline or development for Merz Aesthetics?

Rhatigan: With over 30 active projects in our R&D pipeline and more than 20 anticipated approvals or clearances over the next five years, we’re set up for significant growth. Looking ahead, we’re staying focused on leading the advancement of regenerative aesthetics and skin quality, while expanding our world-class portfolio with new indications across geographies.