In-Office Aesthetic Treatments Glossary

A consumer-friendly reference for common injectables, lasers, cosmetic surgeries, and device-based treatments. Includes definitions, benefits, everyday slang or brand nicknames, typical longevity, and basic before/after care guidance.

For more, visit our Master Skincare Ingredient Glossary.

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Injectables

Botox / “Tox” / BabyTox

Definition: Botulinum toxin injected into facial muscles.
Benefits: Softens dynamic wrinkles (frown lines, crow’s feet, forehead).
Longevity: 3–4 months.
Slang: “Tox,” “Baby Botox” (smaller doses for subtle effect).
Before Care: Avoid blood thinners, alcohol 24 hours prior to reduce bruising.
After Care: Stay upright 4 hours, no vigorous exercise same day.

Fillers / HA Filler

Definition: Hyaluronic acid (HA) or other gels injected for volume and contour.
Benefits: Restore volume (cheeks, lips, jawline, tear troughs).
Longevity: 6–18 months depending on product.
Before Care: Avoid blood thinners; hydrate well.
After Care: Expect swelling/bruising; avoid pressing treated area for 24–48 hours.

Sculptra / Biostimulator

Definition: Poly-L-lactic acid injection.
Benefits: Stimulates collagen, gradual volumization.
Longevity: Results build over months; can last 2+ years.
Before Care: Minimal prep; avoid anti-inflammatory meds before session.
After Care: Massage treated area 5 minutes, 5 times a day, for 5 days.

Radiesse

Definition: Calcium hydroxylapatite filler.
Benefits: Volume + collagen stimulation.
Longevity: 12–18 months.
Before Care: Avoid blood thinners.
After Care: Expect swelling; ice packs may help.

Kybella / Belkyra

Definition: Deoxycholic acid injection that destroys fat cells.
Benefits: Reduces double chin or small fat pockets.
Longevity: Permanent (series of treatments).
Before Care: Numbing cream or ice applied; no major prep needed.
After Care: Expect swelling, tenderness; compression scarf may help.

PRP / “Vampire Facial”

Definition: Platelet-rich plasma derived from the patient’s blood.
Benefits: Glow, collagen stimulation, hair restoration.
Slang: “Vampire facial.”
Before Care: Hydrate, eat protein-rich meal.
After Care: Redness, pinpoint bleeding; gentle cleanser + SPF, avoid makeup 24 hours.

Lip Flip

Definition: Tiny dose of Botox in upper lip.
Benefits: Creates subtle outward “flip” for fuller look.
Longevity: 2–3 months.
Before Care: Avoid alcohol and blood thinners.
After Care: No rubbing lips, no straw use for 24 hours.

Lasers & Light Devices

Fraxel (Fractional Non-Ablative)

Definition: Fractional resurfacing laser.
Benefits: Improves texture, pigmentation, fine lines.
Downtime: Redness, swelling ~3–7 days. Series of 3–5.
Before Care: Stop retinoids, acids, and tanning 1 week prior.
After Care: Gentle cleanser, barrier cream, strict SPF; avoid sun.

CO2 Laser (Ablative Fractional)

Definition: Aggressive resurfacing laser.
Benefits: Deeper wrinkles, scars, advanced sun damage.
Downtime: 1–2 weeks; more risk/reward.
Before Care: Medical clearance, antiviral prophylaxis if prone to cold sores.
After Care: Wound care with ointment, avoid sun, follow doctor instructions closely.

IPL / Photofacial

Definition: Intense pulsed light treatment.
Benefits: Treats redness, capillaries, brown spots, sun damage.
Downtime: Minimal; requires series.
Before Care: Avoid sun/tanning 2 weeks prior.
After Care: Mild redness, darkened spots flake off; SPF crucial.

Halo Laser

Definition: Hybrid fractional laser (ablative + non-ablative).
Benefits: Collagen boost, pigmentation, texture.
Slang: “Halo glow.”
Before Care: Discontinue retinoids/acids 1 week prior.
After Care: Redness/peeling; hydrate, SPF, avoid heat/sun.

Clear + Brilliant

Definition: Gentle fractional laser.
Benefits: “Baby Fraxel”—radiance, pore refinement, early sun damage.
Downtime: Minimal.
Before Care: Discontinue actives 3–5 days prior.
After Care: SPF, gentle moisturizers.

PicoSure / PicoWay

Definition: Picosecond lasers.
Benefits: Pigment, tattoos, fine lines.
Slang: “Pico.”
Before Care: No tanning before treatment.
After Care: Redness, swelling; avoid sun, SPF essential.

Vbeam

Definition: Pulsed-dye laser.
Benefits: Redness, rosacea, broken capillaries.
Before Care: Avoid sun exposure.
After Care: Mild bruising possible; SPF essential.

Radiofrequency & Ultrasound Devices

Morpheus8

Definition: RF microneedling device.
Benefits: Tightens skin, smooths scars.
Slang: “Morpheus.”
Before Care: Numbing cream applied; no tanning.
After Care: Redness/swelling 2–3 days; avoid actives until healed.

Ultherapy / HIFU

Definition: Ultrasound-based tightening.
Benefits: Lifts jaw, brow, neck.
Longevity: Results build over 3–6 months; last 1–2 years.
Before Care: No major prep needed.
After Care: Mild swelling, tingling; no downtime.

Sofwave

Definition: Next-gen ultrasound tightening.
Benefits: Subtle lift, less downtime than Ultherapy.
Before Care: Numbing cream applied.
After Care: Minimal downtime; sunscreen.

Thermage

Definition: Radiofrequency tightening device.
Benefits: Smooths and firms skin.
Longevity: 1–2 years.
Before Care: Avoid sun exposure.
After Care: Redness subsides in hours; SPF daily.

Minimally Invasive / Office Procedures

Microneedling / Collagen Induction Therapy

Definition: Tiny needle punctures stimulate healing.
Benefits: Improves scars, fine lines, texture.
Variants: RF microneedling (e.g., Morpheus8).
Before Care: Stop retinoids/acids 3–5 days prior.
After Care: Redness, sensitivity; hydrate, SPF, avoid makeup 24 hours.

Chemical Peels

Definition: Application of chemical exfoliants (glycolic, TCA, phenol).
Benefits: Brightens, resurfaces, fades spots.
Levels: Superficial, medium, deep.
Before Care: Stop actives 5–7 days prior.
After Care: Peeling phase; moisturize, SPF, avoid picking.

Thread Lift / PDO Threads

Definition: Dissolvable threads placed under skin.
Benefits: Immediate lift + collagen stimulation.
Longevity: 6–12 months lift; collagen effect longer.
Before Care: Avoid blood thinners, alcohol.
After Care: Bruising/swelling; avoid strenuous activity 1 week.

CoolSculpting / Cryolipolysis

Definition: Device that freezes fat cells.
Benefits: Non-surgical fat reduction.
Longevity: Permanent reduction of treated cells.
Before Care: Wear loose clothing.
After Care: Redness/numbness; massage area helps.

Laser Hair Removal

Definition: Targeted laser to disable hair follicles.
Benefits: Permanent hair reduction.
Longevity: Series of 6–8 sessions.
Before Care: Shave treatment area, no waxing.
After Care: Redness like sunburn; aloe, SPF.

HydraFacial

Definition: Device-based facial combining cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, infusion.
Benefits: Instant glow, hydration.
Slang: “Hydra.”
Before Care: No heavy exfoliation 48 hours prior.
After Care: Avoid actives 24–48 hours; SPF.

Oxygen Facial

Definition: Pressurized oxygen + serums infused.
Benefits: Hydration, plumpness.
Before Care: No prep needed.
After Care: No downtime; SPF.

Dermaplaning

Definition: Blading of surface dead cells + peach fuzz.
Benefits: Smooth canvas for makeup, glow.
Before Care: Clean skin, no active breakouts.
After Care: Mild redness possible; SPF, hydrate.

Cosmetic Surgeries (Overview)

Rhinoplasty / “Nose Job”

Definition: Surgical reshaping of nose.
Benefits: Functional + cosmetic correction.
Before Care: Stop smoking, arrange support.
After Care: Splint, swelling/bruising weeks; avoid trauma.

Blepharoplasty / Eyelid Lift

Definition: Surgical eyelid correction.
Benefits: Removes excess skin/fat for youthful eye look.
Before Care: Medical clearance, stop blood thinners.
After Care: Swelling, bruising 1–2 weeks; cold compresses.

Facelift / Rhytidectomy

Definition: Surgical lift of midface, jawline, neck.
Benefits: Gold standard for facial aging reversal.
Slang: “Lift.”
Before Care: Stop smoking, optimize health.
After Care: Bandages, drains, swelling weeks; follow surgeon protocol.

Liposuction / “Lipo”

Definition: Surgical fat removal.
Benefits: Contours body permanently.
Before Care: Blood work, no blood thinners.
After Care: Compression garment, soreness, swelling weeks.

Breast Augmentation / Reduction / Lift

Definition: Surgical size or position changes.
Before Care: Imaging, stop smoking.
After Care: Support bra, limited activity, weeks of healing.

Abdominoplasty / “Tummy Tuck”

Definition: Surgical removal of excess abdominal skin + tightening.
Before Care: Stop smoking, arrange recovery support.
After Care: Compression garment, drains, several weeks downtime.

Brand Families & Named Devices

Notes: Availability and approvals vary by country. Longevity depends on dose, placement, metabolism, and device settings. Choose experienced, board-certified clinicians.

Botulinum Toxin Brands

Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA): Onset 3–7 days; lasts ~3–4 months. Common uses: frown, forehead, crow’s feet; also masseter, DAO, platysma, underarm sweat.
Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA): Onset 2–5 days; may spread a bit more. Similar longevity.
Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA): “Naked tox” without accessory proteins. Onset 3–7 days; ~3–4 months.
Jeuveau (prabotulinumtoxinA): Nickname “Newtox.” Similar onset and duration to Botox.
Daxxify (daxibotulinumtoxinA‑lanm): Peptide-stabilized; longer duration in many patients (~6 months+, varies).

Popular techniques and slang

Baby Botox: Smaller units for subtle softening.
Lip Flip: Tiny tox above upper lip for slight eversion.
Nefertiti Lift: Tox along jawline/platysma for neck/jaw refinement.
Trap Tox / Barbie Botox: Trapezius injections to slim shoulder/neck line.
Masseter Tox: Slims lower face and helps clenching.

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Filler Families

Juvéderm (Allergan):

Ultra / Ultra Plus: Lines, lips. Softer vs thicker.
Volbella XC: Subtle lips, fine lines, tear trough in trained hands.
Vollure XC: Flexibility for nasolabial folds and midface.
Voluma XC: Cheek, chin augmentation; lift and contour.
Volux XC: Jawline definition; high G’ for structure.
Skinvive by Juvéderm: Microdroplet HA for skin quality and glow; not for volume.

Restylane (Galderma):

Restylane‑L / Silk: Fine lines, lips.
Lyft: Structural cheek/jawline support.
Defyne / Refyne: XpresHAn technology for dynamic areas (folds, lower face).
Kysse: Lip-specific flexibility and shape.
Contour: Cheek contour/flexibility.
Eyelight: For infraorbital hollows in eligible patients.

RHA Collection (Revance):

RHA 2 / 3 / 4: Designed for dynamic movements in mid to deep dermis.
RHA Redensity: Perioral fine lines and etched-in lines.

Belotero Balance (Merz): Superficial fine-line integration. Use shallow to reduce Tyndall risk.

Teoxane / Teosyal (outside U.S. in many cases): Variety for lips, contour, and skin quality. Includes Teosyal RHA series.

Non‑HA Fillers and Biostimulators

Sculptra Aesthetic (PLLA): Collagen stimulation for temples, cheeks, buttocks. Results build over months; lasts 2+ years. Massage protocol 5‑5‑5.
Radiesse (CaHA): Immediate structure + biostimulation; can be hyperdiluted for neck/chest/arms to improve skin quality.
Bellafill (PMMA + collagen): Very long lasting (5 years+) for acne scars and nasolabial folds; requires allergy testing.
Ellansé (PCL microspheres): Biostimulator with varying longevity options; limited U.S. availability.
Profhilo (hybrid HA “skin booster”): Improves skin quality, not volume; common outside U.S.; typically 2 sessions 4 weeks apart.

Threads

PDO threads: Brands include MINT PDO, NovaThreads. Barbed or smooth. Lift is modest and temporary; collagen support develops over months.
PLLA/PLLA‑PCL cones: Silhouette Soft for lifting and stimulation.

Laser and Light Devices by Name

Fraxel Dual 1550/1927: Texture, pigment, scars; series.
Clear + Brilliant (1440/1927): Gentle radiance; “baby Fraxel.”
Halo (Sciton 1470/2940): Hybrid fractional; glow and texture.
CO2 fractional systems: UltraPulse, DeepFX/ActiveFX, eCO2, SmartXide for advanced resurfacing.
Er:YAG 2940: ProFractional (Sciton), Fotona; precise ablation with variable downtime.
Thulium 1927: Moxi (Sciton), LaseMD Ultra for pigment and glow.
Pulsed‑Dye 595: Vbeam Perfecta/Prima for redness.
KTP 532 / Nd:YAG 1064: excel V+ (Cutera) for vascular/redness and deeper vessels; Aerolase Neo for gentle 1064.
Picosecond platforms: PicoSure (Cynosure), PicoWay (Candela), Enlighten (Cutera) for pigment and tattoos.
BBL HERO (Sciton): BroadBand Light for pigment/redness with speed.
Laser hair removal: GentleMax Pro (755/1064), diode 810 systems; YAG preferred for deeper skin tones.

Radiofrequency, Ultrasound, and Combo Platforms

Thermage FLX: RF tightening with single session; gradual results.
Ultherapy: Micro‑focused ultrasound for lift along SMAS; results in 3–6 months.
Sofwave: Ultrasound for brow/jaw/neck tightening; less downtime.
Morpheus8 (InMode): RF microneedling for texture/tightness; can pair with subdermal RF (FaceTite/AccuTite) in surgical settings.
Potenza (Cynosure), Secret RF (Cutera/Jeisys), Virtue RF: Alternative RF microneedling systems.
Emsculpt NEO (BTL): HIFEM + RF for muscle + fat on body; face variant Emface for muscle toning + RF.
truSculpt iD, SculpSure: Noninvasive fat reduction alternatives to CoolSculpting Elite.

Trending Surgical and Minimally Invasive Procedures

Facelift Variants

Deep Plane Facelift: Releases and repositions deep plane tissues under SMAS and retaining ligaments; natural movement and midface rejuvenation; often paired with neck lift. Downtime: 2–4 weeks typical.
SMAS Facelift (plication or imbrication): Tightens or resects the SMAS layer for lift; reliable, time‑tested. Downtime: 2–3 weeks.
Mini Facelift / Short‑Scar: Smaller incision for early jowl/cheek laxity; shorter recovery; less dramatic.
Neck Lift / Platysmaplasty: Addresses bands, fat, and skin under jaw; often combined with facelifts.

Eyes and Brows

Blepharoplasty (Upper/Lower): Removes excess skin/fat; can include fat repositioning. Downtime: 1–2 weeks for social recovery.
Brow Lift (endoscopic or lateral/temporal): Elevates brow tail or entire brow; can refresh upper face. Downtime: ~1–2 weeks.
“Fox Eye” / Cat Eye look: Can refer to lateral brow lift, canthopexy/canthoplasty, or temporary PDO threads. Trendy but controversial; surgical options carry eye‑shape risks and recovery.
Canthopexy vs Canthoplasty: Tendon support (pexy) vs repositioning/tightening (plasty) at lid corner.

Midface, Jawline, and Lips

Buccal Fat Removal: Thins lower cheeks; best for full faces with strong bone structure; result is permanent and can age faces if overdone.
Lip Lift (subnasal “bullhorn”): Shortens philtrum, everts upper lip; scar under nose.
Corner Lip Lift: Elevates mouth corners; small external scars.
Chin/Pre‑jowl Liposuction + Submentoplasty: Refines double chin and angle of jaw; often paired with energy devices.
Implants / Genioplasty: Chin or jaw implants or surgical bone movement for profile.

Body and Other Trends

Liposuction (traditional, power‑assisted, ultrasound‑assisted): Contours areas; often combined with fat transfer, includes Airsculpt, which is completed with a name-brand cannula, without full anesthesia.
Fat Transfer / “Nano‑fat” skin quality grafts: Adds volume to face/hands; can improve skin texture.
Rhinoplasty (structural, preservation): Reshapes nose; preservation techniques keep more native structures.

Procedure Caveats

Trend labels like “ponytail lift” usually refer to lateral temporal lifts plus adjuncts, not a specific standardized surgery.
“Fox eye” achieved with threads is temporary; surgical canthoplasty changes eye shape and carries risk.

Aftercare Essentials (high level)

Universal: Sun avoidance and SPF 30+ daily after any energy device or resurfacing. Gentle cleanser and bland moisturizer until healed.
Pause actives: Stop retinoids, acids, benzoyl peroxide pre/post per the provider's instructions.
Cold, not hot: Avoid saunas/hot yoga and intense workouts until redness/swelling resolves.
Watch for red flags: Worsening pain, dusky skin after filler, fever, spreading redness. Contact your provider.

Brand‑Specific Injectables & Skin Boosters (Expanded)

Note: Availability differs by country/clinic. Longevity varies by placement, dose, and metabolism. Always use board‑certified, experienced injectors.

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers — Detailed Lineup

Juvéderm Family (Allergan)

Ultra / Ultra Plus — Use: Lips, folds. Feel: Softer vs thicker. Longevity: ~6–12 mo.
Volbella XC — Use: Fine lip lines, subtle lips, tear trough in trained hands. Longevity: ~6–12 mo.
Vollure XC — Use: Nasolabial folds/lower face with flexibility. Longevity: ~12–18 mo.
Voluma XC — Use: Cheek/chin projection. Longevity: ~18–24 mo.
Volux XC — Use: Jawline structure (high G’). Longevity: ~12–18 mo.
Skinvive — Type: Micro‑droplet HA for skin quality (glow, fine texture). Not a volumizer. Course: 1–2 sessions.

Restylane Family (Galderma)

Restylane‑L / Silk — Use: Superficial lines, lips. Longevity: ~6–9 mo.
Lyft — Use: Cheek/jaw structure. Longevity: ~12–18 mo.
Defyne / Refyne — Use: Dynamic lower face folds; XpresHAn flexibility. Longevity: ~9–12+ mo.
Kysse — Use: Lips with movement. Longevity: ~9–12 mo.
Contour — Use: Cheek contour with flexibility. Longevity: ~12–18 mo.
Eyelight — Use: Infraorbital hollows (select candidates). Longevity: ~12 mo.

RHA Collection (Revance)

RHA 2 / 3 / 4 — Use: Dynamic areas, mid‑deep lines, volume. Longevity: ~12–15 mo.
RHA Redensity — Use: Etched perioral lines. Longevity: ~9–12 mo.

Belotero (Merz)

Balance / Soft / Intense / Volume — Use: From fine lines (superficial) to deeper folds/volume. Longevity: ~6–12 mo.

Teoxane / Teosyal (EU/Intl)

Global Action, Deep Lines, Kiss, Ultra Deep, Redensity 1/2 — Use: Spectrum from lips to contour to skin boosters (Redensity). Longevity: 6–18 mo.

Skin Boosters & “Hydra‑Fillers”

Profhilo (NAHYCO® hybrid HA; non‑U.S.) — Use: Skin quality and firmness (face/neck/hands). Course: 2 sessions, 4 weeks apart; maintenance 6–9 mo.
Juvéderm Skinvive — see above.
Teosyal Redensity 1 — Use: Skin quality booster (EU/Intl).

Biostimulators / Non‑HA Fillers

Sculptra Aesthetic (PLLA) — Use: Global facial volume/skin quality; temples/cheeks; massage 5‑5‑5. Longevity: 2+ years.
Radiesse (CaHA) — Use: Structure or hyper‑dilute for skin quality (neck/chest/arms). Longevity: 12–18 mo + collagen.
Bellafill (PMMA + collagen) — Use: Acne scars, folds. Longevity: 5 years+ (semi‑permanent). Note: Allergy test required.
Ellansé (PCL microspheres; non‑U.S. widely) — Use: Biostimulation with selectable longevity.

Platelet‑Based & Polynucleotides

PRP / PRF (platelet‑rich fibrin) — Use: Microneedling adjunct, tear trough (PRF), hair growth. Course: 3–6 sessions.
Polynucleotides / PDRN (e.g., Rejuran; non‑U.S.) — Use: Skin healing/quality; popular in Asia.

Thread Brands

PDO: MINT PDO, NovaThreads (barbed/smooth). Lift: Modest; collagen over months.
Cone threads: Silhouette Soft (PLLA/PLGA cones) for lift + stimulation.

Devices & Platforms (Expanded Catalog)

Resurfacing Lasers

Fraxel Dual 1550/1927 — Texture, pigment, scars; series 3–5.
Clear + Brilliant (1440/1927) — “Baby Fraxel” for glow; series 3–6.
Halo (1470/2940) — Hybrid fractional; “Halo glow.”
CO2 fractional: UltraPulse, DeepFX/ActiveFX, eCO2, SmartXide — Advanced resurfacing; 1 session; significant downtime.
Er:YAG 2940: ProFractional (Sciton), Fotona — Precise ablation with variable downtime.
Thulium 1927: Moxi (Sciton), LaseMD Ultra — Pigment and luminosity.
Pico platforms: PicoSure, PicoWay, Enlighten — Pigment/tattoos/fine lines.

Vascular/Redness Lasers & Light

PDL 595: Vbeam Perfecta/Prima — Rosacea, vessels.
KTP 532 / Nd:YAG 1064: excel V+ (Cutera) — Surface redness and deeper vessels.
BBL / IPL: BBL HERO (Sciton), Lumecca (InMode) — Brown/red; fast body passes.
Aerolase Neo (1064) — Gentle for many skin types, acne/redness.

RF, Ultrasound, and Combinations

Thermage FLX (mono‑polar RF) — Single session tightening.
Ultherapy (MFU‑V) — Ultrasound lift along SMAS.
Sofwave — Next‑gen ultrasound tightening; less downtime.
RF Microneedling: Morpheus8, Potenza, Secret RF, Virtue RF, Sylfirm X (pulsed RF) — Texture/tightening; series.
Subdermal RF / RF‑assisted Lipo: FaceTite, AccuTite, BodyTite — Fat contraction + skin tightening (often with liposuction).
Helium Plasma RF: Renuvion/J‑Plasma — Internal tightening (surgeon‑operated).
Muscle/Contour: Emsculpt NEO, Emface — HIFEM +/‑ RF for muscle + fat (body) or facial toning.
Fat reduction (non‑surgical): CoolSculpting Elite, truSculpt iD, SculpSure — Variable.

Acne/Oil/Sweat Devices

AviClear (1726 nm) — Targets sebaceous glands for acne; series of 3.
miraDry — Microwave energy to reduce underarm sweat/odor.
AGNES RF — RF to selectively treat sebaceous units (acne, under‑eye fat pads in trained hands).

Chemical Peel Brands

VI Peel (Original, Precision Plus, Purify) — Versatile blended TCA/retinoic/phenol; 5–7 days peel.
Cosmelan / Dermamelan — Melasma systems with mask + maintenance.
Enlighten / RevePeel — Medium‑depth pigment protocols.
Obagi Blue Peel (TCA) — Classic medium peel.

Hair & Scalp In‑Office

PRP/PRF for hair — Series 3–6, q4–6 weeks; maintenance q6–12 mo.
KeraLase (LaseMD Ultra + KeraFactor serum) — Laser‑assisted delivery of growth factors.
Low‑Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) caps — At‑home adjunct.