Plain-English definitions of the words we use across the clinic: the treatments, the devices, the regulators, and the skin science. Clinically reviewed by our nursing team so you understand every term before your consultation.
A category of prescription treatment used to soften the appearance of expression lines, such as lines across the forehead, between the brows and around the eyes. UK advertising rules restrict how prescription treatments may be described to the public, so the detail belongs in your face-to-face consultation, where suitability, expectations, risks and alternatives are assessed before anything is prescribed.
Source: www.asa.org.uk
Also known as: HA filler, Facial filler.
An injectable gel, usually made from hyaluronic acid, used to add volume where it has been lost and to refine contours in areas such as the cheeks, jawline, chin and lips. Dermal fillers are regulated as medical devices, and the products used within the clinic must meet the applicable UK regulatory requirements.
Source: www.gov.uk
Also known as: HA.
A substance naturally present in the body that helps bind water within tissues. Many dermal fillers contain hyaluronic acid. Where clinically appropriate, an HA-based filler may be treated with hyaluronidase.
Source: dermnetnz.org
An enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid. Following appropriate clinical assessment and prescribing, it may be used in the management of unwanted HA filler or of certain filler-related complications.
Also known as: PDRN, Polynucleotide therapy.
An injectable treatment containing purified DNA-derived fragments, used in aesthetic practice with the aim of supporting skin quality. It may be considered for areas such as the delicate under-eye region following assessment. Published evidence in aesthetic medicine is still limited in both volume and quality, and individual responses vary.
Source: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Also known as: Exosome therapy.
Extracellular vesicles that carry signalling molecules between cells. In aesthetic practice they are applied topically, most often immediately after microneedling. This is an evolving area of regenerative aesthetics and the evidence base is still developing, so the expected effects and whether the treatment suits you are discussed at consultation.
Also known as: Injectable moisturiser, Bio-revitaliser.
A term commonly used for injectable treatments intended to improve skin hydration and skin quality. Formulations differ from one another, so the appropriate treatment, the expected effects, the risks and your suitability are discussed during consultation.
Also known as: Collagen induction therapy, Skin needling.
Microneedling uses controlled fine needles to create microchannels in the skin. It is used for concerns including the appearance of acne scarring and uneven skin texture. Treatment plans vary according to the indication and to individual clinical assessment.
Source: dermnetnz.org
A controlled application of a peeling solution that causes exfoliation of the superficial layers of the skin. The type and depth of peel are selected according to skin type, concern and clinical assessment.
Source: dermnetnz.org
Also known as: Phototherapy, Light therapy.
A treatment that applies specific wavelengths of visible light to the skin, used on its own or alongside other treatments. Which wavelengths are appropriate, and what can be expected from them, depends on the individual and is discussed at consultation.
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 enlargement of the jaw muscle. A clinical assessment can help determine appropriate management options.
Source: www.nhs.uk
Also known as: Excessive sweating.
Excessive sweating beyond what is required for normal temperature regulation, which may affect areas including the underarms, hands or feet. A consultation can assess symptoms and discuss appropriate management options.
Source: www.nhs.uk
A term used within aesthetic medicine for treatments intended to support the processes associated with skin renewal, healing and tissue quality. The evidence, the regulatory position and the expected effects all vary between treatment types.
The independent regulator for nurses and midwives in the UK. You can check whether a nurse holds current effective registration, and view any restrictions or cautions recorded against that registration, through the NMC public register.
Source: www.nmc.org.uk
A registered nurse or midwife who has completed an approved prescribing programme and has the prescribing qualification recorded on their professional register, allowing them to prescribe within their professional competence and scope of practice.
Source: www.nmc.org.uk
Save Face operates a Professional Standards Authority Accredited Register for healthcare professionals providing non-surgical cosmetic treatments. Its accreditation process includes assessment of practitioners and of the premises from which they practise.
Source: www.professionalstandards.org.uk
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency: the UK body that regulates medicines, medical devices and blood components for transfusion.
Source: www.gov.uk
Also known as: CE mark, UKCA mark.
Medical devices supplied in the UK must meet the applicable regulatory requirements and carry the relevant conformity marking. UKCA marking applies in Great Britain, and qualifying CE-marked devices continue to be recognised there under current transitional arrangements. This is a different legal category from prescription-only medicines.
Source: www.gov.uk
The Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners: a UK organisation working to promote standards, education and public protection within non-surgical aesthetics and related practice.
Source: www.jccp.org.uk