Plain-language explanations of the terms used in aesthetic medicine — what they mean, and where they apply. Written by Dr Sin Yong, Orchard Road, Singapore.
Focused ultrasound energy delivered to deeper layers of the skin, including the SMAS layer, to stimulate collagen and firm tissue without surgery. Learn more →
Energy that gently heats the deeper layers of the skin to stimulate the body's own collagen, used for firming and tightening on the face and body. Learn more →
A treatment combining fine needles with radiofrequency energy, delivering heat into the dermis to remodel scar tissue and firm skin. Learn more →
A technique that releases the fibrous bands tethering a depressed scar to the tissue beneath, allowing the scar to lift. Learn more →
Narrow, deep acne scars that extend into the dermis like a small puncture. Because they are deep and narrow, they respond to depth-focused techniques. Learn more →
Acne scars with sharply defined, vertical walls and a flat base, giving a box-like depression in the skin. Learn more →
Broad, shallow acne scars with sloping edges that give the skin an undulating appearance, usually caused by tethering beneath the surface. Learn more →
A laser that removes the outer layers of skin to prompt renewal. Generally involves more recovery than non-ablative approaches.
A laser that heats the deeper skin to stimulate collagen while leaving the surface largely intact, generally with less recovery.
A laser that treats the skin in tiny columns rather than the whole surface, leaving untreated skin between to support healing.
The process by which a treatment prompts the skin to produce new collagen, the protein that gives skin its firmness and structure. Learn more →
An injectable gel used to restore volume or contour. Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers can be dissolved; non-HA fillers cannot. Learn more →
A substance naturally found in skin, also used in many dermal fillers. HA fillers can be reversed with hyaluronidase. Learn more →
An enzyme used to dissolve hyaluronic acid filler. It does not dissolve non-HA fillers such as Ellanse or Sculptra. Learn more →
A filler such as poly-L-lactic acid or polycaprolactone that works by prompting collagen rather than adding volume directly. These are not reversed by hyaluronidase. Learn more →
An over-filled, rounded appearance that can develop when too much filler is placed over time, blunting natural facial contours. Learn more →
Looseness or reduced firmness of the skin, caused by the natural decline of collagen and elastin with age. Learn more →
Sagging soft tissue along the lower face and jawline that blurs the jaw's definition. Learn more →
The lines running from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth, which deepen with volume loss and descent of the mid-face. Learn more →
The superficial musculoaponeurotic system — a deeper layer of connective tissue in the face that surgical facelifts reposition and some energy treatments target. Learn more →
Surgical eyelid correction. Some energy-based lifting treatments are used as a non-surgical alternative where suitable. Learn more →
A procedure using inserted sutures to reposition facial tissue. A threadless approach achieves lift through stimulated tissue tightening instead. Learn more →
A pigmentation condition causing brown or grey-brown patches, commonly on the face, often influenced by hormones and sun exposure. Learn more →
Darkening of the skin after inflammation such as acne, more common in darker skin tones. Learn more →
Lingering redness after acne, caused by dilated blood vessels rather than pigment. Learn more →
Separation of the abdominal muscles, commonly after pregnancy. This is a muscular issue and differs from loose skin. Learn more →
Non-surgical treatments that refine body shape and firm skin, distinct from weight loss. Learn more →
Reduced firmness of the vaginal tissues, which some women notice after childbirth or with age. Learn more →
A doctor recognised by device manufacturers for expertise, who trains other physicians and speaks on the use of their platforms. Learn more →
The period after a treatment during which visible effects such as redness may be present before returning to normal appearance.
This glossary is general information, not medical advice. Suitability for any treatment is assessed individually at consultation.