Glossary of Terms

Acquamid
Injectable hydrogel composed of 97.5% apyrogenic water bound to 2.5% cross-linked polyacrylamide used as a dermal filler. Not U.S. FDA approved.
Alkon
A global eye care company. Makers of Silikon 1000.
Allergan
A global specialty pharmaceutical and medical device company that discovers, develops and commercializes innovative products for the ophthalmology, neurosciences, medical dermatology, medical aesthetics and other specialty markets, including the brand names Botox, Botox Cosmetic, Juvederm, Cosmoderm, Cosmoplast, Zyderm, Zyplast. Allergan has provided an unrestricted educational grant to the Physicians Coalition for Injectable Safety.
American Academy of Dermatology
With a membership of more than 15,000 physicians worldwide, the AAD is committed to advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails.
American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
The world's largest specialty association that represents over 2,700 facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons throughout the world. The AAFPRS is a National Medical Specialty Society of the American Medical Association (AMA), and holds an official seat in both the AMA House of Delegates and the American College of Surgeons board of governors. AAFPRS members are board certified surgeons whose focus is surgery of the face, head, and neck.
American Board of Dermatology
A voluntary, non-profit, private, autonomous organization formed for the primary purpose of protecting the public interest by establishing and maintaining high standards of training, education and qualifications of physicians rendering care in dermatology. The objective of all of its activities is to provide assurance that a diplomate of the Board possesses and maintains the knowledge and skills essential for the provision of superior, specialized care to patients with skin diseases.
American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Established in 1986 to improve the quality of medical and surgical treatment available to the public by examining for professional expertise in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.
American Board of Medical Specialties
Established in 1933 to create uniformity in physician certification and to increase public awareness of the value of specialty certification. AMBS advocates for safe, quality healthcare through our efforts to establish and maintain high standards for professional physician certification among 24 member specialty boards.
American Board of Ophthalmology
Founded in 1916, the American Board of Ophthalmology is an independent, non-profit organization responsible for certifying ophthalmologists (eye physicians and surgeons) in the United States.
American Board of Otolaryngology
Founded in 1924, the mission of the American Board of Otolaryngology is to assure that, at the time of certification and recertification, diplomates have met the boards professional standards of training and knowledge in otolaryngology - head and neck surgery.
American Board of Plastic Surgery
Founded in 1937 to promote safe, ethical, efficacious plastic surgery to the public by maintaining high standards for the education, examination, certification and recertification of plastic surgeons as specialists and subspecialists.
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
The leading organization of board-certified plastic surgeons specializing in cosmetic plastic surgery. ASAPS Active-Member plastic surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
American Society for Dermatologic Surgery: Founded in 1972, the board-certified dermatologist members of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery deal with the diagnosis and treatment of medically necessary and cosmetic conditions of the skin, hair, nails, veins, mucous membranes and adjacent tissues by various surgical, reconstructive, cosmetic and non-surgical methods. The purpose of dermatologic surgery is to repair and/or improve the function and cosmetic appearance of skin tissue.
American Society for Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Founded in 1969 to establish a qualified body of surgeons who have training and experience in this highly specialized field. The purpose of ASOPRS is to advance education, research and the quality of clinical practice in the fields of aesthetic, plastic and reconstructive surgery specializing in the face, orbits, eyelids, and lacrimal system.
Amphadase
A cow derived (bovine) form of injectable hyaluronidase. U.S. FDA approved.
Anesthesia
A medical treatment to have pain or other discomfort blocked, or an area of the body numbed. Aesthesia comes in many forms including topical, local, oral, regional and general.
Anika CTA
See Elevess.
Anti-viral
A medication that can be given prior to dermal filler injections to decrease the risk of developing viral sores in those prone to outbreaks.
Artecoll
Also known as ArteSense. A collagen-based dermal filler with suspended polymethly methacrylate microspheres available outside the U.S. Not U.S. FDA approved.
ArteFill
A dual-acting injectable dermal filler containing 20% polymethyl methacrylate microspheres and 80% purified bovine collagen gel with lidocaine, an anesthetic. U.S. FDA approved.
ArteSense
See Artecoll.
Axillary
Referring to the underarm region.
Betacaine
The brand name of a topically applied 5% lidocaine anesthetic cream. U.S. FDA approved.
Bio-alchamid
An injectable comprised of 96% water and 4% synthetic reticulate polymer (poly-Alkyl-Imide). Not U.S. FDA approved.
BioForm
A company with medical products for use in the plastic surgery, dermatology, urology and ENT markets. BioForm offers physicians and their patients a minimally invasive solution for a broad range cosmetic and therapeutic applications with products are suited for a broad range of applications including the dermal filler Radiesse. BioForm Medical has provided an unrestricted educational grant to the Physicians Coalition for Injectable Safety.
Bioplastique
Injectable comprised of solid silicone microspheres suspended in a hydro-gel solution. Not U.S. FDA approved.
Botox
Brand name of Botulinum Toxin Type A FDA approved for use of select neurological conditions and severe underarm sweating. Botox Cosmetic is the brand name for cosmetic indications. U.S. FDA approved.
Botox Cosmetic
Brand name of Botulinum Toxin Type A used for cosmetic injectable treatments. U.S. FDA approved.
Botulinum Toxin
A neurotoxin protein produced by the bacterium clostridium botulinum. In two specific strains, type A and type B, it is used in minute doses both to treat painful muscle spasms, and as a cosmetic treatment.
Botulinum Toxin Type A
The form of botulinum toxin in Botox and Botox Cosmetic, Dysport (all U.S. FDA approved) and PureTox (not U.S. FDA approved), used cosmetically to prevent frown lines and facial creases.
Botulinum Toxin Type B
The form of botulinum toxin in Myobloc. Not U.S. FDA approved for cosmetic injections.
Bovine Collagen
Derived from bovine (cows), a highly purified collagen used in the manufacture of Zyderm and Zyplast.
Calcium hydroxylapitite
A microcrystalline form of calcium and phosphorus, similar to naturally occurring components of bone and other tissue. Comprises Radiesse. dermal filler.
Captique
Injectable hyaluronic acid based dermal filler. U.S. FDA approved.
Carboxytherapy
Injection of carbon dioxide for cosmetic purposes, namely to treat cellulite. Not U.S. FDA approved.
Cellulite
A skin condition that results in a dimpling or rippling of the skin, commonly on the buttocks, thighs and hips, sometimes on the abdomen or upper arm.
Collagen
Connective tissue component of skin. U.S. FDA approved collagen dermal fillers include Cosmoderm and Cosmoplast (synthetically derived), Zyderm and Zyplast (bovine collagen). Evolence (porcine collagen) is not U. S. FDA approved.
Compounding
Combining one or more medication with other medications or inert ingredients to provide treatment. Compounded pharmaceuticals are not U.S. FDA approved.
Cosmetic Medicine
A term used to describe medically-based treatments that enhance or improve appearance.
Cosmoderm
The brand name for an injectable collagen - based dermal filler. U.S. FDA approved.
Cosmoplast
The brand name for an injectable collagen - based dermal filler. U.S. FDA approved.
Dental block
A local injection anesthetic method that numbs the mouth and peri-oral area.
Dermadeep
Hyaluronic acid - based dermal filler with added acrylic hydrogel (a non-resorbable component). Not U.S. FDA approved.
Dermagen
A mineral-based dermal filler comprised of silica and oxygen. Not U.S. FDA approved.
Dermal filler
An injected or implanted medical device that plumps or shapes the skin.
Dermalive
Hyaluronic acid - based dermal filler with added acrylic hydrogel (a non-resorbable component). Not U.S. FDA approved.
Dermatologist
A physician who specializes in treating disorders of the skin, hair and nails.
Dermik
Dermik has experience in the development, marketing, and distribution of innovative prescription pharmaceutical products including Sculptra; the division Dermik Aesthetics focuses on marketing innovative, enduring, and reliable treatments to improve appearance and well-being.
Dysport
Brand name of Botulinum Toxin Type A used for cosmetic injectable treatments. U.S. FDA approved.
Elevess
A hyaluronic acid - based dermal filler. U.S. FDA approved.
Emla
A topical anesthetic cream with 2.5% concentrations of each lidocaine and prilocaine. U.S. FDA approved.
Evolence
A porcine (pig) based collagen dermal filler. U.S. FDA approved.
Facial Plastic Surgeon
A physician who focuses on reconstructive and cosmetic procedures of the face, head and neck. A facial plastic surgeon is first trained as an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, throat) and with additional fellowship training in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Fat
The common term for adipose, or human fatty tissue.
Fat Injection
Injecting a human’s own fat, which has been removed and processed, to enhance or reshape soft tissue.
FDA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. All medical devices and pharmacological agents (medications) must obtain U.S. FDA approval to be legally administered in the U.S.
Fine Lines
see Restylane Touch.
General Anesthesia
A sensation of total unconsciousness, so that no pain or discomfort is felt while under the influence of general anesthesia. Generally administered via inhalation, although is some cases can be achieved intravenously.
Glabella
The space between the eyebrows and above the nose, where muscle movement commonly results in vertical frown lines.
Granuloma
A small bump that can be seen or felt beneath the skin that can result from particle-based dermal fillers.
Hyaluronic acid
Also called Hyaluronan or Hyalronate, a chief component of cellular matter, particularly connective tissue in the human body. Synthetic hyaluronic acid is the chief component of the U.S. FDA approved dermal fillers Restylane, Hylaform, Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Ultra Plus, Elevess and Perlane.
Hyaluronidase
A family of enzymes that degrades hyaluronic acid. Used to diminish the results of hyaluronic acid injections in a shorter period of time than the natural absorption process of hyaluronic acid dermal fillers. FDA approved injectable hyaluronidase includes the brand names Vitrase, Amphadase and Hylenex.
Hylaform
A hyaluronic acid based dermal filler no longer marketed in the U.S. using this name.
Hylaform Plus
See Hylaform.
Hylenex
An engineer form of human compatible injectable hyaluronidase. U.S. FDA approved.
Hyperhidrosis
A medical condition of excessive perspiration.
Injection Lipolysis
See mesotherapy.
Injector
Commonly used term to identify and individual who provides cosmetic injections. Although injections may be provided by a registered nurse (RN) or Physicians Assistant (PA) they may legally only be prescribed by a physician.
Intravenous
The delivery of a liquid medication or other medical substance directly into a vein.
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson is the world's most comprehensive and broadly based manufacturer of health care products, as well as a provider of related services, for the consumer, pharmaceutical and medical devices and diagnostics markets. The aesthetics group of Johnson & Johnson OrthoNeutrogena includes the dermal filler Evolence.
Juvederm
The brand name for an injectable hyaluronic acid - based dermal filler. U.S. FDA approved.
Juvederm Ultra
The brand name for an injectable hyaluronic acid - based dermal filler used for fine to medium depth wrinkle correction. U.S. FDA approved.
Juvederm Ultra Plus
The brand name for a more robust cross-linked formulation of an injectable hyaluronic acid - based dermal filler used for volumizing and correcting deeper folds and wrinkles. U.S. FDA approved.
Lecithin
Lecithin is a fatlike substance called a phospholipids commonly used in mesotherapy. It is produced by the liver and protects cells from oxidation and largely comprises the protective sheaths surrounding the brain. It is U.S. FDA approved for human consumption, but it is not U.S. FDA approved for injection.
Lidocaine
A common anesthetic agent. Exposure to excessive quantities can result in neurological events such as dizziness, tremor or seizure, or cardiac events such as hypotension (drop in blood pressure), arrhythmia or cardiac arrest.
Lipoatrophy
The medical term for fat loss. Facial lipoatrophy can be one of the complications of HIV.
Lipodissolve
The brand name for a cosmetic procedure (injection lipolysis) in which various non-FDA approved drug mixtures, often including phosphatidylcholine or phosphatidylcholine sodium deoxycholate are injected through a series of treatments to purportedly reduce fat. Not U.S. FDA approved.
Lipolysis
The breakdown of fat stored in the fat cells.
Lipostabil
The brand name for a cosmetic procedure (injection lipolysis) in which various non-FDA approved drug mixtures, often including phosphatidylcholine or phosphatidylcholine sodium deoxycholate are injected through a series of treatments to purportedly reduce fat. Not U.S. FDA approved.
Liposuction
Also known as lipoplasty ("fat modeling"), liposculpture or suction lipectomy ("suction-assisted fat removal"). A surgical procedure that removes fat from many different sites on the human body. Liposuction equiptment must be a U.S. FDA approved medical device.
Local anesthesia
Blocks the sensation of pain or discomfort in a specific local area.
L.M.X.
An over the counter, topical anesthetic cream containing 4% lidocaine. U.S. FDA approved.
Medicis
Medicis is the leading independent specialty pharmaceutical company in the United States focusing primarily on the treatment of dermatological and podiatric conditions and aesthetics medicine, including Restylane, Perlane, Dysport,and the investigational dermal fillers Restylane Touch and Restylane SubQ.
Mentor
Mentor is a leading supplier of medical products for the global aesthetic marketplace, including FDA approved Prevelle Silk and investigational cosmetic injectables including PureTox and Puragen.
Mesoderm
Commonly reference to the middle layer of cells, or skin. The area primarily injected in mesotherapy treatment.
Mesotherapy
A procedure in which various non-FDA approved drug mixtures, often called PCDC including phosphatidylcholine or phosphatidylcholine sodium deoxycholate are injected into patients to remove fat. Also called injection lipolysis. Commonly puroported as an anti-aging treatment. Not U.S. FDA approved.
Microspheres
Spherical particles composed of various natural and synthetic materials with diameters in the micrometer range.
Migrate
To move from one region of the body to another
Myobloc
The brand name for a Botulinum Toxin Type B injection. Not U.S. FDA approved for cosmetic purposes.
NASHA
The acronym for Non-Animal, Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid.
Necrosis
The accidental death of cells and living tissue. There are many causes of necrosis including prolonged injury, infection or inflammation.
Nerve block
A form of anesthesia that involves the injection of a local anesthetic or a neurolytic agent into or near a peripheral nerve, a sympathetic nerve plexus, or a local pain-sensitive trigger point to numb a region.
Numbing cream
A form of anesthetic by topical cream to numb tissue prior to injections or laser procedures.
Nurse Injector
A common term for a registered nurse who provides cosmetic injectables treatments. Some states restrict or do not allow the practice of nurse injectors.
Off-label
The practice of prescribing drugs or medical treatment for a purpose similar too, but specifically not defined by a drug's U.S. FDA approved label.
Ophthalmic Plastic Surgeon
An ophthalmologist with a subspecialty in plastic surgery and reconstruction of the orbits and eyelid region
Oral block
A form of anesthesia by local anesthetic used to numb a regions to be treated
Palmar
Concerning the region of the palms of the hands
Particle-based
Containing microscopic particles or spheres
Perlane
The brand name for an injectable hyaluronic acid - based dermal filler. U.S. FDA approved.
Phosphatidylcholine
A major component of lecithin, used in mesotherapy treatment
Phosphatidylcholine Sodium Deoxycholate
A major component used in mesotherapy t reatment
Physician’s assistant
A physician assistant (P.A.) is a licensed health professional who practices medicine under the supervision of a physician.
Plastic surgeon
A doctor who specializes in cosmetic and/or reconstructive surgery with the goal of improving the function and/or appearance of a body part. Board certification in plastic surgery is granted by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Polyacrylamide
Highly water absorbent, soft formed gel that is used in making contact lenses, as a thickener or suspending agent. Not U.S. FDA approved as a dermal filler.
Poly-L-lactic acid
A biodegradable, biocompatible synthetic polymer from the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) family that has been widely used for many years in dissolvable stitches, bone screws, and facial implants and is the primary component of Sculptra.
Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)
Nonbiodegradable, chemically inert component of dermal filler used under the brand of ArteFill. The results of PMMA injections are permanent.
Porcine Collagen
Derived from porcine (pig) tendons, a highly purified collagen used in the manufacture of Evolence.
Prevelle Silk
A hyaluronic acid dermal filler with added lidocaine (anesthetic). U.S. FDA approved.
Prilocaine
A local anesthetic agent often used in dentistry, intravenous regional anesthetic and as a component of topical anesthetic cream.
Ptosis
The medical term for drooping eyelids.
Puragen
The brand name for an injectable non-animal, hyaluronic acid, - based dermal filler derived from bacterial fermentation used for wrinkle correction. Not U.S. FDA approved.
PureTox
The brand name for an injectable botulinum toxin type A, used for wrinkle correction. Not U.S. FDA approved.
Radiance
Known as Radiesse
Radiesse
The brand name for an injectable calcium hydroxylapatite, - based dermal filler. U.S. FDA approved.
RealSelf.com
RealSelf.com is an independent health and beauty community for consumers to engage in an authentic conversation about personal beauty, skin care, and wellness.
Registered Nurse
A registered nurse (RN), is a health care responsible for implementing the practice of nursing. Registered nurses work as patient advocates for the care and recovery of the sick and maintenance of the healthy.
Regional Anesthesia
Blocking pain or other discomfort to a specific region of the body, such as a limb.
Reloxin
The brand name for an investigational injectable botulinum toxin Type A, now U.S. FDA approved under the name Dysport used for wrinkle correction. Approved in Europe under the brand name Dysport.
Restylane
The brand name for an injectable hyaluronic acid - based dermal filler. U.S. FDA approved.
Restylane SubQ
The brand name for an injectable hyaluronic acid - based dermal filler used for the correction of deep facial folds and treatment of lipoatrophy. Not U.S. FDA approved.
Restylane Touch
The brand name for an injectable hyaluronic acid - based dermal filler used for the correction of very lines and wrinkles. Not U.S. FDA approved.
Sculptra®Aesthetic
The brand name for an injectable poly-L-lactic acid - based dermal filler, U.S. FDA approved in 2004 for treatment of lipoatrophy, and in 2009 to correct shallow to deep nasolabial fold (smile lines) contour deficiencies and other facial wrinkles.
Silicone
Inorganic and organic polymers combined for a myriad of moisture resistant uses including cosmetics and breast implants. When injected, silicone is permanent. Not U.S. FDA approved for cosmetic injection.
Silikon 1000
The brand name for sterile, non-pyrogenic, clear, colorless silicone oil FDA approved only for use during vitreoretinal surgery. Use as a permanent silicone dermal filler is not U.S. FDA approved.
SilSkin
The brand name for a permanent silicone - based dermal filler. Not U.S. FDA approved.
Solstice Neurosciences
Distributors of Myobloc.
SubQ
Abbreviation for subcutaneous, meaning beneath the skin. Also see Restylane SubQ.
Topical anesthetic
A local anesthetic agent applied to numb the surface of an tissue, such as skin or gums.
Tetracaine
A potent local anesthetic often used topically.
Unrestricted Educational Grant
Funding provided for educational purposes with no editorial or content influence. Injectablesafety.org and the Physicians Coalition for Inejctable Safety are funded by unrestricted educational grants.
Valtrex
The brand name for an antiviral drug commonly used to slow the spread of herpes. U.S. FDA approved.
Vitrase
A sheep derived (ovine) form of injectable hyaluronidase. U.S. FDA approved.
Zyderm
The brand name for an injectable bovine collagen-based dermal filler. U.S. FDA approved.
Zyplast
The brand name for an injectable bovine collagen-based dermal filler. U.S. FDA approved.