Inside IMCAS Paris 2026 : Dr Ellen Selkon’s top takeaways

From Paris with Precision: Zeenat Wilkinson chats with Dr. Ellen of Clinic 42 on the future of regenerative aesthetics and her insights from her recent trip to IMCAS in Paris.

With over 30,000 delegates and hundreds of exhibitors, IMCAS Paris remains one of the most significant global gatherings in aesthetic medicine. “It was mind-blowing,” Dr. Ellen reflects. “Not just in scale, but in the depth of knowledge being shared.” Between lectures from global leaders and hands-on training sessions—including a Train the Trainer programme she participated in—there was a clear sense that the industry is entering a new phase, one defined less by quick fixes and more by long-term thinking.

There was, undeniably, a word on everyone’s lips: regeneration.

“Skin longevity and regenerative treatments were everywhere,” she says. But beyond the buzz, what stood out was a more critical lens, an industry increasingly concerned not just with innovation, but with evidence. “It was just as important to learn what doesn’t work as what does,” she notes. “There’s a real shift toward science-backed treatments, rather than trends alone.”

At the centre of this evolution is collagen. Not the illusion of it, but its true, biological stimulation. Treatments that encourage the body to produce its own high-quality collagen are, in her view, where the future lies. Products like Sculptraare leading that shift, with emerging evidence showing benefits beyond collagen alone—stimulating elastin and even promoting the regeneration of healthy fat cells in the face.

This marks a notable departure from the filler-heavy aesthetic of the past decade. “Fillers have had a difficult reputation recently,” she acknowledges. “But the reality is, when used correctly—in the right place and in the right quantity—they still have an important role.” The issue, she explains, has been overuse and misuse, rather than the product itself.

Instead, the future is looking more nuanced. “It’s about collagen stimulation and thoughtful layering of treatments,” she says. “Less about altering the face, more about supporting its structure over time.”

One of the most exciting developments she’s bringing back to New Zealand extends this thinking beyond the face. The use of Sculptra for the body—something she trained in extensively at IMCAS—opens up new possibilities for areas that have historically been difficult to treat.

“We’re now able to address concerns like skin laxity on the arms, cellulite on the thighs, and even contouring and lifting of the buttocks,” she explains. “It’s a slower process—typically three sessions—but the results are incredibly natural and long-lasting.” It’s a shift toward subtle transformation, rather than immediate change—a “long burn,” as she describes it, but one that feels far more aligned with the direction of modern aesthetics.

For those outside the industry, the takeaway is surprisingly simple. “Sun protection is non-negotiable,” she says. “And collagen stimulation can start at any age.” From skin needling to more advanced treatments, the goal is no longer correction, but prevention and preservation.

Of course, it wasn’t all conference halls and clinical discussions. Paris offered its own kind of inspiration. Walks along the Champs-Élysées, quiet moments wandering through Saint-Germain, and time spent at the Musée d'Orsay, a favourite for its Impressionist collections provided a necessary counterpoint to the intensity of IMCAS. “I’m a bit of an Impressionist junkie,” she admits. “There’s something about that era—the light, the softness—that I think mirrors where aesthetics is heading.”

Even at 30,000 feet, skin remained top of mind. Long-haul travel, with its dehydrating mix of cabin air, winter weather, and indoor heating, can take its toll. Her approach is methodical: a consistent rotation of active skincare, deep hydration, and minimal makeup in-flight. “When I get home, a good peel and facial are essential,” she adds.

If IMCAS Paris made one thing clear, it’s that the future of cosmetic medicine is less about doing more, and more about doing things better. Slower. Smarter. With integrity.

And perhaps, much like Paris itself, the beauty lies in the details.

Dr Ellen Selkon is a dedicated medical professional and partner at Clinic42, where she brings expertise in using a combination of cosmetic medicine treatments to enhance and rejuvenate the face and body.