Plain-English definitions of the words we use across the clinic: the treatments, the devices, the regulators, and the skin science. Written by our nurses so you understand every term before your consultation.
Also known as: Wrinkle-relaxing injections, Muscle-relaxing injections, Line-softening injections.
A prescription treatment that uses a purified protein to temporarily relax the specific muscles that create expression lines, softening forehead lines, frown lines, and crow's feet. At Perfectus Derma it is prescribed and administered only by NMC-registered nurse prescribers after a face-to-face consultation.
Also known as: HA filler, Facial filler.
An injectable gel, usually made from hyaluronic acid, used to restore lost volume and refine contours in areas such as the cheeks, jawline, chin, and lips. Fillers are CE-marked medical devices; we use Stylage and Belotero ranges.
Source: www.nhs.uk
Also known as: HA.
A molecule your skin makes naturally to bind water and keep tissue hydrated and cushioned. Most dermal fillers and many skin boosters are made from a gel form of hyaluronic acid, which is why they can be dissolved if ever needed.
A prescription enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid filler within 24 to 48 hours. It is the safety net behind HA fillers: an unwanted or complicated result can be dissolved by a prescriber rather than waiting months for it to fade.
Also known as: PDRN, Polynucleotide therapy.
A regenerative injectable made from purified DNA fragments of salmon origin that signal skin repair, improving hydration, elasticity, and skin quality over a course of sessions. We use the PhilArt and Plinest ranges, most often for the under-eye area and overall skin health.
Source: www.jccp.org.uk
Also known as: Exosome therapy.
Tiny signalling particles that carry growth messages between cells. In clinic they are applied topically, usually straight after microneedling while the skin's channels are open, to support repair, calm redness, and improve skin quality. We use Purasomes and Secretomes.
Also known as: Injectable moisturiser, Bio-revitaliser.
An injectable hydration treatment that improves skin quality, radiance, and firmness rather than adding volume or shape. Our range includes Jalupro, Stylage Hydro and HydroMax, and Baby Glow, chosen at consultation for your skin.
Source: www.jccp.org.uk
Also known as: SkinPen, Collagen induction therapy, Skin needling.
A treatment that uses fine, controlled needles to create micro-channels in the skin, triggering the skin's own collagen production. It improves acne scarring, texture, and pores. We use the SkinPen Precision device, delivered as a course, typically of 3 sessions.
Source: dermnetnz.org
A controlled application of a peeling solution that removes damaged surface skin cells so fresher skin can take their place, improving tone, texture, and congestion. Peels vary in depth; we match the peel and its downtime to your skin type at consultation.
Source: www.nhs.uk
Also known as: Phototherapy, Light therapy.
A no-downtime treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light on the skin: red light to support collagen and calm, blue light for blemish-prone skin. We deliver it with the MD Flex device, on its own or after facials and microneedling.
Source: dermnetnz.org
Also known as: Teeth grinding, Jaw clenching.
Involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth, often during sleep, which can cause jaw tension, headaches, and a widened jaw muscle. Prescription jaw-slimming treatment can relax the overactive muscle; it is assessed at a face-to-face consultation.
Source: www.nhs.uk
Also known as: Excessive sweating.
Sweating beyond what the body needs for temperature control, most often affecting the underarms, hands, or feet. Prescription treatment can reduce sweating for several months at a time; annual packages are available at the clinic.
Source: www.nhs.uk
The branch of aesthetic medicine that works with your skin's own biology, using treatments such as polynucleotides, exosomes, and skin boosters to improve skin quality and strength over time, rather than simply adding volume or relaxing muscles.
The UK regulator for nurses and midwives. Every practitioner at Perfectus Derma is an NMC-registered nurse, and you can check any nurse's registration on the NMC's public register.
Source: www.nmc.org.uk
A nurse with an advanced qualification that allows them to assess patients and prescribe medicines in their own right. Prescription aesthetic treatments at this clinic are only provided after a face-to-face consultation with a nurse prescriber.
Source: www.nmc.org.uk
A government-recognised national register of accredited non-surgical cosmetic practitioners and clinics. Perfectus Derma is a Save Face accredited clinic, which means the premises, practitioners, and insurance have been independently checked.
Source: www.saveface.co.uk
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency: the UK body that regulates medicines and medical devices. Prescription treatments and the CE-marked devices we use, such as fillers and skin boosters, fall under its oversight.
Source: www.gov.uk
A product assessed to meet European safety standards for medical devices. Dermal fillers, skin boosters, and the SkinPen Precision device are CE-marked devices, which is a different legal category from prescription-only medicines.
Source: www.gov.uk
The Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners: a UK body that sets standards and holds a register for non-surgical aesthetics. Its guidance shapes safe practice for injectable and regenerative treatments like the ones we offer.
Source: www.jccp.org.uk