Medical Terms Explained

Explanations to medical terms that you might encounter when reading some of our articles or web pages

Botox

Botox is a purified protein produced by Clostridium Botulinum bacteria which induces long-term relaxation of contracted muscles. It was originally used to treat eye spasms and central nervous system disorders. Botox has been used for Cosmetic Treatments since the late 1980's, revolutionizing the cosmetic industry due to its remarkable results combined with very few risks and no recovery time.

Chemical peel

A process which removes the superficial layers of skin with a chemical agent to remove dead skins cells, wrinkles and age spots and stimulate the re-growth of new skin cells

Collagen

A natural protein found in humans that forms connective tissue and provides strength, resilience, and support to the skin, ligaments, tendons, bones, and other parts of the body.

Cosmeceutical

A term for a product that falls somewhere between a cosmetic and a pharmaceutical drug; in that it contains biologically active ingredients, such as Vitamins A, C, and E, Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) etc.

Dental Block

See Nerve Block.

Dermal

Relating to the skin or dermis.

Free Radicals

Free radicals are a contributing factor of skin ageing. These are parts of molecules (e.g. oxygen molecules) that are found in the body. As a result of external factors, like ultraviolet radiation, nicotine or unhealthy food, the free radicals become prone to react. This means that they are constantly looking for other chemical substances to bond with. Hence, they attack the collagen fibres, cellular membrane and lipid layer of the skin. Free radicals change the inherited properties stored in the cell nucleus, so that the quality of newly formed skin cells deteriorates.

The body protects itself against these aggressors through anti-oxidant enzyme systems. (See Antioxidants). But from the age of twenty onwards, these natural defence mechanisms gradually decline, so that the skin can no longer defend itself.

Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from the sugar cane plant which is used in superficial chemcial peels for skin rejuvenation as it removes the top layers of skin. (Lactic (from milk) and citric (from citrus fruit) acid are also used.)

Glabellar Lines

Also known as frown lines, these are permanent creases that form between the eyebrows over time.

Hyperhidrosis

Excess sweating, commonly in the armpits, palms of the hands or soles of the feet.

Hyperpigmentation

Areas of darker pigment or brown patches in the skin. Can be associated with sun damage, certain drug treatments, or injury to the skin.

Hypertrophic Scar

A raised and red scar, similar to a keloid scar, but different in that it stays within the boundaries of the injury site.

Hypoallergenic

A characteristic to describe a product designed and formulated to reduce the chance of an allergic reaction in a person when it is used.

Hypopigmentation

Hypopigmentation is the unusual lack of skin colour, causing pale, white or bleached looking patches.

Nasolabial Lines or Folds

The lines which run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth.

Necrosis

Refers to the death of living tissues resulting from deprivation of blood supply.

Nerve Block

(Also referred to as Dental Block). The injection of a local anaesthetic to the root of a nerve to numb the area along the path of that nerve, often used by dentists when drilling teeth or for numbing the lips and nasolabial areas prior to treatment with dermal fillers.

Off Label Use

The legal use of a drug for an indication other than that for which it is licensed.

Patient Consent

Patient consent is becoming more and more common for all aesthetic procedures. It is a form you are asked to sign to show you have had all your questions answered and fully understand the procedure you are about to have. Beware any clinic that does not ask you to sign a consent form as it is virtually standard operating procedure for all good practitioners.

Signing the consent form does not take away your statutory consumer rights, however it is worded. It really is just to say you understand the treatment you are having, are aware of the risks and that you have agreed for the practitioner to carry out that procedure.

Photo Ageing

The changes that occur to the skin due to exposure to the sun. This includes wrinkles and age spots

Rejuvenate

The process of making youthful.

Retinol

A derivative of Vitamin A commonly found in many skin care creams.

Rhytids

The medical name for wrinkles.

Rosacea

A skin condition similar in appearance to acne, but usually affecting older people (more often women) in which blood vessels of the face enlarge resulting in a flushed appearance and with acne like pimples.

Spider or Thread Vein

These are non-essential superficial dilated (enlarged) veins that are just beneath the skin making them visible.

UVA

UVA, ultraviolet light type A (315 to 400 nm wavelength) penetrates deeper into the skin than UVB light and is thought to be a prime cause of photoageing; characterised by wrinkles, dark blotches, freckles, leathery skin and a loss of skin elasticity.

UVB

UVB, ultraviolet light type B (280 to 315 nm wavelength), is the form of ultraviolet light that causes the visibly noticeable “tan” and “sunburn”.

Vascular

Referring to a person's system of blood vessels: arteries, veins, and capillaries.

Wrinkle

A furrow, ridge, line, or crease in the skin. Also called a rhytid.