Aesthetic Medicine Glossary
Clear, factual definitions of the most common terms in aesthetic medicine — from injectables to skin treatments, explained by the Cosmo Clinic medical team.
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Aesthetic Medicine
A branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect physical appearance, using non-surgical or minimally invasive techniques. It encompasses treatments such as injectables, skin revitalisation, and body contouring, and must be practised by qualified physicians.
Learn more →B
Biostimulator
An injectable product that stimulates the body's own production of collagen and other structural proteins, rather than simply adding volume. Examples include polynucleotides (PDRN/PN), poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), and calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA). Results develop progressively over several weeks.
Learn more →Botox
A commercial name for a botulinum toxin type A product, widely recognised in aesthetic medicine. The term is often used generically to refer to any botulinum toxin treatment, although several brands are available. The procedure must be performed by a physician with specific training.
Learn more →Botulinum Toxin
A purified protein derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, used in aesthetic medicine in minimal doses to temporarily relax specific muscles. When applied by a physician, it reduces the muscular contraction responsible for dynamic wrinkles. Effects typically last between 3 and 6 months.
Learn more →Bruxism
An involuntary habit of grinding or clenching the teeth, often occurring during sleep. It can cause jaw tension, headaches, and tooth wear. In aesthetic medicine, botulinum toxin injections in the masseter muscle are sometimes used as part of a management approach.
Buttock Reshaping
A non-surgical procedure using injectable fillers to add projection or improve the contour and proportion of the buttocks. It differs from surgical implants or fat transfer and involves the use of substantial volumes of filler. The technique requires experience with anatomical safety zones.
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Cannula
A flexible, blunt-tipped tube used as an alternative to needles for injecting fillers or other substances. Because it lacks a sharp point, it can be guided through tissue with a lower risk of vascular injury. It is frequently used in areas such as the tear trough and cheeks.
Cheek Filler
An injectable technique using hyaluronic acid or other fillers to restore or enhance volume in the malar and zygomatic region. It can improve facial contour and counteract the loss of fat volume associated with ageing. Placement is generally deep, close to the bone.
Learn more →Chin Filler
An injectable procedure using hyaluronic acid to project, lengthen, or reshape the chin, contributing to improved facial proportions. It may be used to balance the profile or address asymmetry. The technique is non-surgical and reversible in the case of hyaluronic acid products.
Learn more →Collagen
The main structural protein in the skin and connective tissue, responsible for firmness and elasticity. Its production declines naturally from around the age of 25. Various aesthetic treatments aim to stimulate new collagen synthesis rather than replacing it externally.
D
Dermal Filler
An injectable substance that adds volume or fills specific areas of the face or body. The most common fillers are based on hyaluronic acid, a natural component of the skin. Results are immediate and reversible, with duration varying according to the product and treatment area.
Learn more →Downtime
The recovery period following a medical or aesthetic procedure, during which the patient may experience redness, swelling, bruising, or other temporary effects that limit normal daily activities. Many injectable treatments are described as having minimal downtime, though individual responses vary.
Dynamic Wrinkles
Lines that form as a result of repeated facial muscle contractions, such as frowning or squinting. They appear during expression and may become fixed over time. Botulinum toxin treatments act specifically on dynamic wrinkles by limiting the underlying muscle movement.
Learn more →H
Hyaluronic Acid
A molecule naturally present in the skin, joints, and connective tissue, with a high capacity for water retention. In aesthetic medicine it is produced in the laboratory and used in dermal fillers, skin hydration, and volumisation. It is biocompatible and biodegradable, gradually absorbed by the body.
Learn more →Hyaluronidase
An enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid, used in aesthetic medicine to dissolve or partially reverse hyaluronic acid filler treatments. It may be indicated to correct asymmetry, adjust volume, or manage complications. Administration must be carried out by a physician.
Hyperhidrosis
A condition characterised by excessive sweating beyond what is required for thermoregulation, commonly affecting the armpits, hands, or feet. It can significantly impact quality of life. Botulinum toxin injections in the affected areas can temporarily reduce sweat production, with effects typically lasting 6 to 9 months.
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Informed Consent
A formal process in which the patient receives clear and complete information about a proposed treatment — including its purpose, risks, benefits, and alternatives — and gives voluntary agreement to proceed. It is a legal and ethical requirement for all medical and aesthetic procedures.
J
Jawline
The lower border of the face defined by the mandible, which plays an important role in overall facial balance and structure. Aesthetic treatments such as dermal fillers can be used to define or strengthen the jawline contour. The approach is determined individually, based on bone structure and soft tissue distribution.
Learn more →L
Lip Filler
A procedure using injectable hyaluronic acid to add volume, define the contour, or improve the symmetry of the lips. Results are visible immediately and typically last between 6 and 12 months, varying by individual. The treatment is performed by a physician and can be adjusted or reversed.
Learn more →M
Marionette Lines
Vertical lines running from the corners of the mouth downwards towards the chin, which can give the face a downturned or heavy appearance. They typically result from fat compartment descent and reduced tissue support. Treatment may involve fillers in the marionette area or adjacent regions to restore structural support.
Masseter Botox
A botulinum toxin treatment applied to the masseter muscles, located on either side of the jaw. It can be used to reduce jaw clenching (bruxism) or to slim the lower face by reducing hypertrophied muscle bulk. Effects are temporary and typically reviewed after 4 to 6 months.
Learn more →Mesotherapy
A technique using multiple microinjections of active substances — such as vitamins, minerals, or hyaluronic acid — into the superficial layers of the skin. It is used to improve skin quality, hydration, and luminosity. The protocol and substances used vary depending on the clinical indication.
Learn more →N
Nasolabial Folds
The lines that run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth, commonly referred to as 'smile lines'. They tend to deepen with age due to volume loss and tissue descent. Dermal fillers are frequently used to soften their appearance, though treatment should preserve natural expression.
NCTF
New Cellular Treatment Factor — a cocktail of vitamins, amino acids, hyaluronic acid, and other nutrients used in revitalisation treatments. It is applied via microinjections or with a cannula to improve skin quality, tone, and hydration. The name refers to several brand formulations available on the market.
Learn more →Nefertiti Lift
A botulinum toxin technique applied to the platysma muscle and the lower face, designed to tighten and lift the jawline and neck contour. The name refers to the long, defined neck of the Egyptian queen Nefertiti. Results are temporary and complement other facial treatments.
Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty
A procedure using injectable fillers to modify the appearance of the nose without surgery — for example, to smooth a dorsal bump, lift the tip, or improve symmetry. It is a temporary technique that must be performed with precise anatomical knowledge, given the vascular complexity of the nasal area.
Learn more →P
Periorbital
Relating to the area surrounding the eyes, including the upper and lower eyelids and the region directly adjacent to the orbital bone. Periorbital treatments include tear trough filler, treatment of crow's feet with botulinum toxin, and revitalising procedures for under-eye skin quality.
Photodamage
Cumulative skin damage caused by prolonged exposure to UV radiation. It typically manifests as changes in pigmentation, texture, and fine lines. Preventive measures such as sun protection are the primary strategy; various in-clinic treatments may be used to address existing signs.
Learn more →Platysma
A thin, flat muscle extending from the upper chest and shoulder area to the lower jaw and skin of the lower face. As it loosens with age, it can contribute to visible neck bands and jawline softening. Botulinum toxin targeting the platysma is used in treatments such as the Nefertiti lift.
Polynucleotides (PDRN/PN)
Biological molecules extracted from purified DNA, used in aesthetic medicine to stimulate tissue regeneration and collagen production. They are classified as biostimulators and are particularly indicated for improving skin quality, reducing fine lines, and promoting healing. Results develop gradually over several weeks.
Learn more →PRX-T33
A chemical peel based on trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and hydrogen peroxide, designed to stimulate the dermis without causing superficial peeling. It promotes collagen synthesis and improves skin texture and luminosity. The treatment is generally performed in a series of sessions spaced one to two weeks apart.
Learn more →R
Radiesse
A dermal filler based on calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in a gel. It acts both as an immediate volume filler and as a biostimulator, stimulating the body's own collagen production over time. It is used on the face and body, and is not reversible with hyaluronidase.
Learn more →S
Sculptra
An injectable biostimulator based on poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), used to stimulate gradual collagen production and restore facial volume lost over time. Results develop progressively over 2 to 3 months and can last significantly longer than most hyaluronic acid fillers, though individual variation applies.
Learn more →Skin Booster
An injectable treatment based on highly hydrophilic hyaluronic acid, applied in microinjections to improve skin hydration, luminosity, and texture. Unlike volumising fillers, skin boosters work at the superficial dermal layer and are indicated for skin quality rather than contouring. Sessions are typically spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart.
Learn more →Static Wrinkles
Lines or folds that are visible even without facial movement, typically resulting from volume loss, skin laxity, or longstanding dynamic wrinkles. They are generally addressed with dermal fillers, biostimulators, or combination protocols rather than with botulinum toxin alone.
Learn more →T
Tear Trough Filler
An injectable procedure addressing the hollow area between the lower eyelid and the cheek, which can create a tired or dark appearance. A hyaluronic acid filler is placed precisely in this area, typically with a cannula. The technique requires specific expertise due to the anatomical complexity of the region.
Learn more →Temple Filler
An injectable procedure using fillers to restore volume loss in the temporal region, on either side of the forehead above the cheekbones. Temple hollowing is a common sign of facial ageing, and restoring volume here can improve overall facial harmony. Deep placement near the bone is standard practice.
Touch-Up
A follow-up appointment, typically 2 to 4 weeks after the initial treatment, to assess results and make minor adjustments. Touch-ups are common in filler and botulinum toxin treatments to refine symmetry or longevity. They form part of a comprehensive treatment protocol.
Tyndall Effect
An optical phenomenon in which injected hyaluronic acid placed too superficially causes a bluish-grey tint visible through the skin. It is more apparent in areas with thin skin, such as under the eyes. Hyaluronidase can be used to dissolve the filler and resolve the discolouration.
Z
Zone of Safety
Anatomically defined areas of the face or body where the risk of vascular or nerve injury is lower, allowing for safer application of injectables. Knowledge of these zones — and of the high-risk areas to avoid — is essential for safe aesthetic practice. Risk is never zero; it is minimised through technique and experience.
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