Aesthetic Medical Glossary
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Medical Glossary
Aesthetic Medical Treatment Technology & Terminology
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O PQ R S T U V W XYZ
Actinic Keratosis: A precancerous area of skin usually found in sun exposed areas due to sun damage of the skin. These precancerous areas can develop into cancer and should ALWAYS be examined and treated by a qualified physician.
Barbed suture face lift: See Contour suture face lift
Contour suture face lift: Minimally invasive placement of specialty "barbed" sutures into the face and neck to suspend loose, sagging skin. A synergistic effect is obtained when combining suture face lift with radiofrequency tissue tightening and nitrogen plasma skin regeneration. Social downtime opinions vary with practitioners - usually about 3 weeks of modified facial and neck movements ensures best outcome.
FRAXEL: Fractionated laser, a newer technology best employed in the treatment of MELASMA, and acne scarring. Can be used on all skin types. Darker skin tones need pretreatment prior to FRAXEL, and all skin types need modest discomfort management. Minimal downtime consisting mainly in some puffiness and redness, which is manageable.
Melasma: The "mask of pregnancy", not necessarily associated with pregnancy, represented by unusually symmetric, mottled darkened discoloration occurring on the face or neck of women. The woman will have a history of one or more of the following: previous pregnancies, prior birth control use, hormone replacement therapy. Occurs in all skin types, difficult to treat. Best addressed with sun avoidance and FRAXEL with pretreatment.
Neck lift: See Contour suture face lift
Rhytec Portrait: Skin regeneration brought about by treatment with nitrogen PLASMA, which is replacing the older, more risky technology of CO2 laser resurfacing, to produce dramatically younger looking skin and appearance. Slight "social downtime", a few days, procedure requires modest discomfort management.
Skin regeneration: The formation of new skin after peeling of existing skin. Used for anti-aging, wrinkle removal, sun and age spot removal, actinic keratosis removal. Latest innovation in skin regeneration is Rhytec's Portrait procedure.
Skin rejuvenation: Any one of several processes intended to increase collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid in the skin to render it more youthful looking; some processes act to eliminate pigment from sun damage and are considered rejuvenation.
Thermage Thermacool: Radiofrequency tissue tightening and lifting. Thermage does not use a laser, only radiofrequency which is not new in medicine. Suitable for all skin types, no downtime, requires some modest discomfort management.


