Plain-English definitions of the terms used across this clinic — injectable products, regulatory bodies, devices, and skin-science concepts. Written by Dr Oli so you know what each word means before any consultation.
Also known as: Anti-wrinkle injection, Botox, Bocouture, Azzalure, Dysport.
A prescription-only purified protein that temporarily blocks the nerve signal to specific muscles. The four UK-licensed brands — Botox (Allergan), Bocouture (Merz), Azzalure (Galderma), Dysport (Ipsen) — are all Type A. Used in aesthetic practice for dynamic facial wrinkles and clinically for bruxism, hyperhidrosis, and chronic migraine.
Source: www.nhs.uk
Also known as: HA, Dermal filler (HA-based).
A sugar molecule your skin produces naturally to bind water. HA dermal fillers are a cross-linked gel form of the same molecule and are fully reversible with hyaluronidase — the safety property that makes HA the only filler used at reputable UK clinics.
An enzyme that dissolves hyaluronic acid filler within 24 to 48 hours. Stocked on-site by Dr Oli for immediate correction of unwanted results or vascular complications. Its availability is the single biggest safety reason HA fillers are used over permanent alternatives.
An injectable hyaluronic acid bioremodeller (not a filler) that stimulates your own collagen and elastin production. Two sessions four to six weeks apart deliver skin-quality improvements that build over 8 weeks and last about 6 months. Common sites include face, neck, chest, hands, and abdomen.
Bio Aesthetic Points — a standardised 10-point injection protocol (5 per side of the face) developed for Profhilo. Each point sits in an avascular plane that maximises tissue dispersion of the product.
Injectable fragments of purified salmon DNA that bind water in tissue and stimulate fibroblasts to produce new collagen and elastin. Used for skin quality, under-eye texture, and as a regenerative adjunct alongside HA filler. Initial protocol is 3 sessions roughly 3 weeks apart, then maintenance.
Source: en.wikipedia.org
Also known as: Liquid nose job, NSR.
A bespoke dermal-filler treatment that smooths nasal contour and adjusts the angle of the tip — without surgery. The "liquid nose job" can mask a dorsal hump, lift a drooping tip, or correct mild asymmetry. It does not reduce nose size; for that, surgical rhinoplasty is required. Carries higher vascular risk than other filler areas — only performed by experienced doctors.
Source: www.bapras.org.uk
The hollow groove running from the inner eye corner outwards under the lower eyelid. Tear-trough filler with the right HA product (typically Restylane Defyne or Teosyal Redensity II) softens dark shadows and the appearance of fatigue. Patient selection matters — not every under-eye concern is filler-appropriate; some need polynucleotides, surgery, or skincare instead.
Source: dermnetnz.org
Involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth, often nocturnal and stress-driven. Causes jaw pain, tooth wear, headaches, and an overdeveloped masseter muscle. Botulinum toxin injected into the masseter every 3 to 4 months reduces clenching force, eases pain, and slims the jawline as a side benefit.
Source: www.nhs.uk
Sweating significantly beyond the body's thermoregulatory need. Most commonly affects the underarms, palms, soles, or scalp. Botulinum toxin injected into the affected area blocks the nerve signal to sweat glands for 4 to 9 months. NICE recognises botulinum toxin as a treatment after topical antiperspirants have failed.
Source: www.nhs.uk
For patients meeting NICE criteria (≥15 headache days a month, ≥8 with migraine features, failed three preventative drugs), botulinum toxin given quarterly per the PREEMPT injection protocol can reduce migraine days. Treatment is shared care between aesthetic and neurology services in the UK.
Source: www.nice.org.uk
A 6-point classification of skin response to UV exposure (I = always burns, never tans; VI = never burns, always tans). Used in aesthetic medicine to choose safe laser and peel protocols — darker phototypes (IV–VI) need lower fluences and different wavelengths to avoid post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Source: dermnetnz.org
Also known as: Harmony XL Pro, Alma laser.
A multi-application laser system from Alma Lasers that combines several treatment modules on one device. Dr Oli uses ClearLift Pro (Q-switched Nd:YAG, non-ablative skin tightening), ClearSkin Pro (1540nm fractional non-ablative for acne and scars), VascuPen (530nm green diode for spider veins), and Iris Dye-VL (narrowband IPL for pigmentation and superficial vascular lesions).
Source: www.alma-lasers.com
A laser that creates microscopic columns of thermal injury in the skin while leaving surrounding tissue intact. The intact zones accelerate healing; the injured columns drive collagen remodelling. Used for scarring, pigmentation, and texture. Non-ablative fractional (e.g. ClearSkin Pro) has minimal downtime; ablative fractional has more downtime but stronger results.
Broadband visible-light technology that targets pigment (melanin) and haemoglobin in the skin without affecting surrounding tissue. Used for sun damage, age spots, broken capillaries, and rosacea redness. Narrowband IPL (e.g. Iris Dye-VL) uses a tighter wavelength for more selective treatment of specific lesions.
Non-surgical injectable techniques that soften (feminise) or strengthen (masculinise) facial features to better align outward appearance with gender identity. Common feminising approaches include cheek and lip plumping, chemical brow lift, and rounding the chin; masculinising approaches sharpen the jawline, straighten the brow, and broaden the chin. Approach is patient-led and delivered without judgement.
A UK clinical-network of senior aesthetic doctors and surgeons specialising in the diagnosis and management of injectable complications — vascular occlusion, biofilm, granuloma, and necrosis. Membership signals that a practitioner has been trained to handle the rare-but-serious side of injectable practice. Dr Oli is an ACEG member.
The UK regulator for medical doctors. A GMC number is checkable against the public GMC register and verifies that a practitioner is a licensed doctor in good standing. Non-doctors (nurses, dentists, beauty therapists) are regulated separately and cannot hold a GMC number — meaningful because only doctors can prescribe the prescription-only medicines that underpin safe injectable practice.
Source: www.gmc-uk.org
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency — the UK regulator for licensed medicines and medical devices. Botulinum toxin products and CE-marked HA fillers are regulated here. MHRA oversight is the minimum bar for "licensed for UK use".
Source: www.gov.uk
Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners — a UK voluntary professional register for aesthetic practitioners. JCCP registration signals that a practitioner has met training, insurance, and complaint-handling standards above statutory minimums.
Source: www.jccp.org.uk