Beauty is ever evolving, and if it seems like every few years, popular medspa treatments fall to the wayside only to be replaced with their 2.0 version, it’s because that is exactly what happens. Once deemed “the next best thing” the constant emergence of innovative and science-based aesthetic treatments sends some non-invasive aesthetic procedures to the beauty graveyard to die.  In this article, we break down the most outdated medspa treatments and the new aesthetic treatments that are replacing them while answering all your questions along the way.

FILLERS AND INJECTABLES

Filler migration and fatigue are changing the world of fillers from a once-overfilled look to a more natural, undetectable one, aka quiet filler.

What treatments are replacing traditional dermal fillers?

Today, more patients opt for non-invasive treatments, like Botox and other neuromodulators, which relax the muscles that contribute to expression lines, over fillers. "While fillers are useful for volume loss, they can sometimes result in an overfilled or unnatural appearance when used indiscriminately," says AEDIT Founder and board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. William Kennedy, MD. "Patients favor the subtle, more natural-looking results that neuromodulators provide. The rise of 'baby Botox' and microtox techniques makes Botox appealing to a younger demographic seeking a refreshed look without dramatic changes." These nonsurgical treatments offer minimal downtime compared to procedures that require surgery, making them a convenient choice for many.

Another medspa innovation that is making headway is microdroplet filler. Rather than adding significant volume, this technique injects tiny amounts of filler superficially into the skin to hydrate it and improve its texture and radiance. Dr. Kennedy says it results in a dewy, plump complexion rather than a sculpted one since the microdroplet method provides more diffuse, skin quality-focused results. Microdroplet filler is an advanced skincare technology that he says is ideal for patients who want improvement without the risk of looking "done." The area treated is carefully selected based on the desired outcome, and proper injection site technique is essential to minimize side effects such as redness, swelling, or bruising.

Regenerative aesthetics is a popular cosmetic procedure in 2025, consisting of treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). Dr. Kennedy explains that these treatments harness the body’s healing factors to stimulate collagen, elastin, and tissue repair. “They also improve skin texture, under-eye hollows, and even encourage hair growth over time for a more natural, holistic approach with fewer synthetic materials.” Since PRP and PRF are derived from your blood, they act as an alternative to fillers without the risk of adverse reactions.

What are the alternatives to traditional lip fillers?

Lip fillers, done conservatively, are the best way to add volume to the lips for enhanced shape and size, but other lip-enhancing treatments have made their way onto the list of Medspa trends for 2025. Some of the more popular options include:

1. HydraFacial Perk: This exfoliating lip service temporarily smooths the lips for a subtle boost in plumpness.
2. Lip flip: Harnessing neuromodulators, the popular lip flip minimizes movement of the tiny muscles around the lips, causing the upper lip to curl out for added fullness and definition.
3. Skin boosters like SkinVive: These hyaluronic acid injectables work differently from traditional lip fillers. Rather than volumizing, they add hydration to smooth away fine wrinkles.
4. LipLase: This laser-based treatment helps smooth the lips and add natural-looking volume by stimulating collagen production, thanks to Nd: YAG and Er: YAG energy.

What is the best alternative to Botox?

Some new aesthetic treatments that work like Botox but offer unique benefits include Daxxify and Xeomin. According to Dr. Kennedy, Daxxify provides a longer duration of effect of up to six months, while Xeomin is marketed as a “naked” botulinum toxin, free from accessory proteins, making it less likely to trigger resistance.

If injectables aren’t for you, topical ingredients, such as peptides, are another route. “Peptides like Argireline offer subtle smoothing for those hesitant to inject although the results are far less dramatic,” Dr. Kennedy says. Another option is a fractional resurfacing laser, which stimulates collagen to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

FAT MELTERS

CoolSculpting was the fat-melting treatment of choice for years, but new technologies have superseded it, making it one of the more outdated medspa treatments.

Is CoolSculpting still effective, or are there better alternatives?

CoolSculpting was one of the original non-invasive fat-reducing treatments, harnessing cryolipolysis (extreme cold) to eliminate stubborn fat. Yet, as new non-invasive treatments come to the forefront, CoolSculpting has lost its luster and has been replaced with more effective and less painful treatments. “As the aesthetic market matures, patients seek faster, more reliable, and safer options,” Dr. Kennedy says.

Dr. Kennedy says devices like Lumenis NuEra Tight and triLift are more versatile body-contouring options. “NuEra Tight uses temperature-controlled radiofrequency to target both superficial and deep tissue, helping to reduce stubborn fat while tightening the skin, which is a major advantage over CoolSculpting.” Other new aesthetic treatments that utilize radiofrequency (RF) and high-intensity focused electromagnetic energy (HIFEM) or a combination of the two, such as TruSculpt and EmSculpt NEO, also target stubborn fat pockets and improve muscle tone and strength.

Dr. Kennedy adds that while triLift is often used for facial rejuvenation, it's dynamic muscle stimulation and RF technology make it suitable for toning and firming areas of the body that have lost definition due to aging or weight loss. "These technologies offer more holistic, customizable, and safer results than traditional cryolipolysis.”

Why is CoolSculpting controversial?

According to Dr. Kennedy, there has been a decline in the treatment's popularity due to mixed results and reports of rare but serious side effects like paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (treated fat cells that grow larger). “Most patients require multiple sessions and may see inconsistent outcomes, especially in smaller or less defined treatment areas.” Since CoolSculpting relies on cold to destroy fat, it can also cause long-term numbness, pain, and a visible delineation in the skin between the treated and surrounding areas.

SKIN TIGHTENERS

The uptick in GLP-1s and weight loss therapies leads to increased sagging and loose skin, leading to non-invasive treatments to tighten things up.

What are the latest treatments for sagging skin due to weight loss? Several advanced skincare technology devices make achieving smoother, firmer skin easier than ever after losing weight. Ultrasound-based treatments such as Sofwave tighten slack skin by delivering focused energy below the surface without puncturing the skin. Dr. Kennedy shares that stimulating collagen lifts and firms areas like the stomach or jawline over time. “Non-invasive ultrasound treatments have little to no recovery, although the results may appear more slowly and be less dramatic in cases of significant skin laxity.”

RF microneedling treatments like Morpheus8, Profound RF, Sylfirm X, and Genius RF can also tighten sagging skin. RF microneedling uses tiny needles to deliver radiofrequency energy deep into the skin, triggering collagen production and tightening tissue while improving texture and tone. “It is ideal for addressing both laxity and surface-level concerns, but it may involve some redness or downtime,” Dr. Kennedy adds.

FACIAL TREATMENTS

Some of the most popular facial medspa trends for 2025 may sound far-fetched and employ off-the-cuff ingredients and technologies, but all signs point to them replacing outdated beauty treatments.

Are vampire facials still popular? Or is there a new trend?

The vampire facial, which uses PRP to rejuvenate the skin, is phasing out as exosomes are gaining popularity. Exosomes are more powerful than PRP and can regenerate and rejuvenate the skin, making them one of the most popular cosmetic procedures for 2025. “Exosomes, which are extracellular vesicles rich in growth factors, stem cell-derived proteins, and signaling molecules, offer more dramatic improvement in skin tone, texture, and healing when paired with microneedling, especially in patients with lower platelet quality or age-related changes,” Dr. Kennedy explains.

Salmon DNA, aka salmon sperm facials, is also on the up and up. “Salmon DNA is rich in polynucleotides, which are molecules that support skin regeneration and hydration,” says Dr. Kennedy. When used with microneedling, he says they help repair the skin barrier, reduce inflammation, and improve elasticity. “Early results and studies look promising, but there’s also the novelty factor here. While trendy, the science is still catching up compared to more established regenerative treatments.”

Is microdermabrasion still effective?

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a medspa that still offers microdermabrasion since the once-popular skin treatment has been replaced by beauty treatments that are more advanced and better for the skin. Microdermabrasion is an older way of exfoliating the skin and has the potential for over-exfoliation, skin tears, and limited depth.

What is replacing microdermabrasion in modern skincare?

Advanced skincare technologies that replace microdermabrasion offer exfoliating benefits with improved strength, potency, and precision, including customized chemical peels, Hydrafacials, DiamondGlow, and carbon laser facials.

Hydrafacial: This non-invasive treatment is like microdermabrasion but far less abrasive on the skin. A specialized wand uses vacuum pressure to extract impurities from the pores while infusing the skin with serums, resulting in better results than microdermabrasion.

1. Chemical peels: Depending on their depth, chemical peels offer stronger exfoliation that can be customized to meet the skin's needs. They can also help renew the skin and treat concerns such as acne, acne scars, sun damage, discoloration, fine lines, and dull texture.
2. DiamondGlow: DiamondGlow rejuvenates the skin through chemical exfoliation with a diamond-tipped handheld piece, high-powered suction, and an infusion of SkinMedica Pro-Infusion Serums.
3. Carbon Laser facial: This relatively new aesthetic treatment starts with a layer of carbon paste and is followed by a pass of a laser to target fine lines, pigment, acne scars, redness, and more. Although it doesn’t exfoliate the skin, it breaks down skin impurities and reaches deeper into the skin for a brighter, smoother complexion.

Is microneedling still relevant, or has it been replaced?

Microneedling is far from being considered an outdated medspa treatment, yet it has evolved from the original devices and machines that put the skin treatment on the map. Gone are the days of treating the skin solely with microneedling and using dermarollers in-office, which Dr. Kennedy shares are inconsistent in needle depth and offer limited collagen stimulation, and in its place comes energy-based, RF microneedling devices. “In the hands of an experienced provider, microneedling still plays a valuable role, especially when paired with regenerative serums or exosomes.”

Are LED facials still effective, or are there better options?

LED facials may be considered an outdated medspa treatment since they aren’t performed as commonly as other non-invasive treatments. For the most part, replaced beauty treatments like Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), biohacking facials, which are infused with peptides, growth factors, and NAD to stimulate deep cellular repair, and RF therapies have put LED facials on the back burner. Whereas LED facials target acne, minimal wrinkles, and inflammation and help improve skin texture, IPL and RF firms help tighten the skin.

CONCLUSION

In the fast-paced world of beauty and wellness, staying informed is essential if you want to get the most out of your medspa experience. As outdated treatments make way for newer, more effective, and often more personalized solutions, knowing which trends are rising—and which are fading—is the key to achieving optimal results. The innovations defining 2025’s aesthetic landscape prioritize safety, science-backed efficacy, and natural-looking outcomes. Whether you're a seasoned medspa visitor or just exploring the possibilities, embracing the latest technologies and techniques ensures you won’t just look your best—you’ll feel empowered doing it. So before your next appointment, take a moment to reassess your go-to treatments; the future of beauty is here, and it’s smarter, sleeker, and more sophisticated than ever.