Knowledge Base
Glossary
Understand the language of aesthetic medicine — every term explained clearly, so you can choose your treatments with confidence.
A
4 Terms- Aesthetic medicine | 美容醫學
- A field of medicine that improves appearance through non-surgical or minimally invasive methods. It commonly includes injectables, lasers, skin tightening and contouring. The aim is natural enhancement rather than dramatic change.
- Aftercare | 術後護理
- The care instructions and follow-up after a treatment or surgery. Done well, it reduces discomfort, speeds recovery and affects the final result. Always understand it before any treatment.
- Anaesthesia | 麻醉
- A way of reducing pain or improving comfort during a procedure. It can be local, topical, sedation or general, depending on the treatment. A professional should decide which type suits your needs.
- Asymmetry | 不對稱
- A difference between the left and right sides of the face or body. Mild asymmetry is common and natural. Many treatments aim to improve balance rather than achieve perfect symmetry.
B
3 Terms- Body contouring | 身體輪廓塑形
- A general term for treatments that refine the body's shape, surgical or non-surgical. Common areas include the waist, arms, thighs and chin. It suits people who want to adjust proportion or definition.
- Botulinum toxin | 肉毒桿菌素
- An injectable that softens expression lines by relaxing specific muscles. It is commonly used for forehead lines, frown lines and crow's feet. Results are temporary and need regular maintenance.
- Bruising | 瘀青
- A common, temporary reaction after injections, surgery or stimulation of blood vessels under the skin. It usually fades over time. The degree varies by treatment and individual.
C
4 Terms- Cannula | 套管針
- A fine, flexible tool often used for filler injection or drawing out fluid. Compared with a sharp needle, it can reduce tissue trauma in some cases. Suitability depends on the area and the doctor's judgement.
- Chemical peel | 化學煥膚
- A treatment that uses a chemical solution to remove the skin's surface layer. It can improve texture, dullness, pigmentation and fine lines. Depth varies, and so do recovery time and results.
- Collagen | 膠原蛋白
- A key protein that supports the skin's elasticity and firmness. Many anti-ageing treatments aim to stimulate or protect collagen. Its loss is a common cause of skin laxity.
- Consultation | 諮詢
- The first formal meeting before a treatment, used to understand your needs, health, risks and expected results. A good consultation is clear and honest, not just a sales pitch. This step is very important.
D
4 Terms- Dermal filler | 皮膚填充劑/透明質酸填充劑
- An injectable used to add volume, refine contours or smooth folds. Common areas include the lips, cheeks, chin and under-eyes. Results are usually temporary, depending on the product.
- Dermis | 真皮層
- The skin layer beneath the surface, containing collagen, elastin, blood vessels and nerves. Many skincare and aesthetic treatments work on this layer. It is important to the skin's structure and texture.
- Disinfection | 消毒
- The process of reducing bacteria on the skin or equipment before a treatment. It is a key step in lowering infection risk. A qualified clinic should have clear hygiene and disinfection procedures.
- Downtime | 恢復期
- The time after a treatment when you need to rest or avoid certain activities. It can range from none to several weeks. Check before booking whether it affects work, makeup or social plans.
E
3 Terms- Edema | 水腫
- Swelling caused by fluid building up in the tissue. Mild edema can occur after many treatments. If swelling persists or worsens, it should be checked.
- Epidermis | 表皮層
- The outermost layer of skin, which protects the body from external irritation. Many surface treatments target this layer to improve tone and texture. It is also a key barrier for moisture and protection.
- Extraction | 清除/擠除
- Usually refers to clearing out blackheads, whiteheads or blocked pores. It must be done carefully to avoid inflammation or scarring. It is best handled by a trained professional.
F
3 Terms- Facial contouring | 面部輪廓修飾
- Treatments that refine the lines and definition of the face. They may include filler, tightening, fat reduction or surgery. The aim is usually more natural, harmonious proportions.
- Fat grafting | 自體脂肪移植
- Removing fat from one part of the body and transferring it to another. It is often used on the face, chest or hands to restore volume or improve contour. Because it uses your own fat, it is often seen as a more natural option.
- Fillers | 填充劑
- A group of injectables used to add volume, reshape or smooth folds. Different products suit different areas and needs. Consider the purpose, how long it lasts and the injection technique.
G
2 Terms- General anaesthesia | 全身麻醉
- A type of anaesthesia that keeps the patient fully asleep throughout a procedure. It is usually used for larger or more complex surgery. Because of higher risk and preparation, it needs a professional team to monitor it.
- Grafting | 移植
- Moving tissue, fat or skin from one place to another. In aesthetics this is commonly fat or skin grafting. The aim is usually to restore volume, repair appearance or improve proportion.
H
3 Terms- Healing | 癒合
- The process by which the body repairs tissue after a treatment or surgery. Healing time varies with the procedure, age and health. Good care helps it go smoothly.
- Hematoma | 血腫
- A lump formed by blood collecting within the tissue. Unlike an ordinary bruise, it can be more pronounced and may need medical attention. See a doctor promptly if swelling and pain persist.
- Hyaluronic acid | 透明質酸
- A hydrating substance that occurs naturally in the skin. Many fillers use it as a main ingredient to add volume and a plumper feel. The effect is usually gentle and should be performed by a professional.
I
4 Terms- Implant | 植入物
- An artificial material placed inside the body to add volume or improve shape. It is common in breast augmentation and some reconstructive surgery. Understand the material, size and long-term maintenance before choosing.
- Incision | 切口
- The cut made in the skin during surgery. Its position and size affect healing and scar appearance. A skilled doctor will place it in a more discreet location where possible.
- Inflammation | 發炎
- The body's natural response to irritation, injury or infection. Common signs are redness, swelling, heat and pain. Mild inflammation can be normal, but watch for persistent or worsening cases.
- Injection | 注射療程
- A method of delivering medicine or aesthetic products directly into the skin or tissue. It is common in toxin, filler, fat-dissolving and regenerative treatments. Results are fast, but require the right product and technique.
J
1 Term- Jawline contouring | 下顎線修飾
- Treatments that refine the contour and definition along the jawline. They can use filler, fat reduction, tightening or surgery. The goal is usually a sharper, cleaner facial line.
L
9 Terms- Laser treatment | 激光治療
- Treatments that use specific wavelengths of light energy to improve skin concerns. They can address pigmentation, acne marks, pores, hair or texture. Different lasers suit different concerns, so assessment beforehand is important.
- Lesion | 病變/皮膚病灶
- A general term for an abnormal spot, mark, lump or tissue change on the skin. It is not necessarily serious, but should be assessed by a professional. Have any change in colour, size or shape checked promptly.
- Lift | 提拉
- A way of supporting skin or tissue upward. It can be done with threads, energy devices or surgery. It is usually used to improve sagging, laxity and loss of contour.
- Lifting | 提升療程
- A general term for treatments that make lax areas firmer and better supported. It can be non-surgical or surgical, such as thread lifts or facelifts. The choice should match the degree of laxity and the result you expect.
- Lip augmentation | 豐唇
- Making the lips fuller or more defined through filler or other methods. The aim is natural proportion, not an overdone look. Different products and techniques affect the final result.
- Liposuction | 抽脂
- A surgical procedure that removes excess fat from specific areas. It is common on the abdomen, thighs, arms or chin. It is a shaping tool, not a weight-loss solution.
- Local anaesthesia | 局部麻醉
- Anaesthesia that numbs only a specific area. It is common for minor surgery, injections or surface procedures. The patient usually stays awake but more comfortable.
- Loose skin | 皮膚鬆弛
- Skin that has lost elasticity or support and looks saggy or slack. It is common with ageing, after weight loss or after pregnancy. Tightening, lifting or reconstructive treatments may help.
- Lymphatic drainage | 淋巴引流
- A massage or care technique that helps the body clear excess fluid. It is often used to ease swelling or post-procedure discomfort. It should be done gently by someone trained in the technique.
M
8 Terms- Massage | 按摩
- Using hands-on techniques to relax muscles, boost circulation or ease tension. It is common in beauty and post-procedure care, but pressure and method should suit the need. Done appropriately, it can improve comfort.
- Medical-grade skincare | 醫學級護膚品
- Skincare recommended by professionals and designed for specific skin concerns. It usually targets issues like acne, acne marks, pigmentation or sensitivity more intensively than everyday products. Choose it based on your skin type and goals.
- Melasma | 荷爾蒙斑/肝斑
- A common facial pigmentation problem, usually appearing symmetrically. It is linked to hormones, sun exposure and genetics. Treat it carefully, as the wrong method can darken the pigment.
- Micro-needling | 微針療程
- A treatment that uses tiny needles to create micro-injuries on the skin, stimulating repair and collagen. It is often used to improve pores, texture, acne marks and fine lines. Moisturising and sun protection afterwards are important.
- Microneedling RF | 射頻微針
- Combines micro-needling with radiofrequency energy to stimulate firming and repair in the dermis. It is used for pores, laxity, acne scars and texture. Compared with ordinary micro-needling, it focuses more on lifting and deeper repair.
- Migration | 移位
- When an injected product or implant moves or spreads beyond its original position. In some cases it can affect appearance or symmetry. Injection site, product choice and technique all affect the risk.
- Minimally invasive | 微創
- Procedures with small incisions, less trauma and faster recovery. Many aesthetic treatments fall into this category. They are common for people who want to improve their appearance without major surgery.
- Moisturiser | 保濕產品
- A product that helps skin retain water and reduce dryness and tightness. Good hydration helps maintain the skin barrier and comfort. Even with advanced treatments, daily moisturising still matters.
N
3 Terms- Needle | 針頭
- A fine, sharp tool used for injection or drawing fluid. Different gauges, lengths and designs suit different uses. The choice of needle affects accuracy and comfort.
- Non-surgical lift | 非手術拉提
- Treatments that lift facial or body lines without surgery. They can include energy devices, threads or injectables. They suit people who want to improve laxity without major surgery.
- Numbing cream | 麻膏
- A topical anaesthetic applied to the skin to reduce pain. It is common before micro-needling, lasers or injections. Whether it is needed depends on the treatment depth and your sensitivity.
O
2 Terms- Oedema | 水腫
- Swelling caused by fluid build-up, the same as edema. It is common as a post-surgery or post-injection reaction. It usually improves gradually, but should be followed up if it lingers.
- Otoplasty | 耳形修整手術
- Surgery to improve the shape, angle or size of the ears. It is common for prominent ears or ear asymmetry. It needs recovery time and consistent care afterwards.
P
5 Terms- Peel | 煥膚
- A treatment that improves skin quality by removing the surface layer. It can target dullness, roughness, acne marks and pigmentation. Different depths have different results and recovery times.
- Pigmentation | 色素問題
- Uneven skin colour, dark spots or dullness. Causes can include sun exposure, hormones, acne marks or post-inflammatory pigment. The key is to find the cause first, then choose a suitable treatment.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) | 高濃度血小板血漿
- Platelets extracted and concentrated from your own blood, then used in skin or scalp treatments. It is often used to improve texture, support repair or aid hair care. It is one of the more common regenerative treatments.
- Post-operative care | 術後護理
- Care and follow-up after surgery. It includes cleaning, rest, reducing swelling, medication and review appointments. Good post-operative care is very important to the result.
- Pre-treatment consultation | 療程前諮詢
- The process before a treatment of understanding the patient's needs, expectations, health and risks. This step reduces misunderstanding and helps judge whether a treatment is suitable. A professional consultation should be clear and frank.
R
1 Term- Recovery period | 恢復期
- The time the body takes to gradually return to normal after a treatment or surgery. It can be short or long, depending on the procedure and the individual. Allow time when planning so it does not disrupt work and life.
S
8 Terms- Scar | 疤痕
- A mark left on the skin or tissue after injury, surgery or inflammation. How noticeable it is depends on your constitution, the wound's location and care. Many treatments aim to fade scars, but complete removal is unrealistic.
- Sedation | 鎮靜
- A way of helping a patient relax, reduce anxiety or feel drowsy. It is common for longer or less comfortable procedures. Unlike general anaesthesia, sedation can be given at different levels.
- Skin barrier | 皮膚屏障
- The skin's outermost protective system, which locks in moisture and blocks irritants. When it is damaged, skin can become drier, more sensitive or more prone to redness. Many skincare routines and treatments should care for this layer first.
- Skin tightening | 緊膚
- A general term for treatments that improve laxity and add support. It can be done with energy devices, radiofrequency, ultrasound or surgery. It suits people who want to improve sagging contours.
- Stem cell therapy | 幹細胞療程
- A treatment concept that uses stem cells or related ingredients for repair or regeneration. There is a lot of marketing, but the real results, regulation and evidence depend on the specific product or plan. Be especially cautious when choosing.
- Suture | 縫線
- The thread used to close an incision or wound. It helps the wound heal and affects scar appearance. Different locations and uses call for different types of suture.
- Swelling | 腫脹
- Temporary enlargement of tissue after irritation, surgery or injection. It is a common reaction after many treatments. It usually subsides gradually, but watch for unusual worsening.
- Symmetry | 對稱
- When the left and right sides are more balanced in proportion or position. Treatments often aim to improve imbalance, but not necessarily perfect symmetry, since natural faces have slight differences. The focus is usually overall harmony.
T
2 Terms- Thread lift | 埋線拉提
- A non-surgical treatment that uses special threads to lift lax tissue upward. It suits people wanting to improve contour and mild-to-moderate sagging. Results and longevity depend on the threads and the individual.
- Treatment plan | 療程方案
- A treatment schedule designed around your needs, budget and risks. A good plan looks beyond a single treatment, mapping steps toward your goal. Being transparent, reasonable and workable is the basis of a good plan.
U
2 Terms- Ultrasound treatment | 超聲波療程
- Treatments that use sound-wave energy to work on the skin or deeper tissue. They are often used for tightening, lifting or contour improvement. They suit people who want to address laxity without surgery.
- Under-eye treatment | 眼下療程
- Treatments for dark circles, eye bags, tear troughs or under-eye laxity. The under-eye area is thin, so treatment choices need extra care. Natural, safe results usually matter more than doing a lot.
V
1 Term- Volume loss | 容量流失
- When the face or body loses fullness due to ageing, weight loss or other causes. It can make contours look flatter or more tired. Filler, fat grafting or lifting treatments often address this.
W
1 Term- Wrinkle | 皺紋
- A line or crease on the skin's surface. It can be a dynamic line, a static line or a fine line from dryness. Different types of wrinkle are treated in different ways.
X
2 Terms- Xanthelasma | 黃斑瘤
- Pale-yellow fatty deposits often seen near the eyelids. They are not necessarily painful but can affect appearance. Understand the cause and suitable options before treating them.
- Xerosis | 皮膚乾燥症
- A state of overly dry, dehydrated skin. Common signs include tightness, flaking, itchiness or roughness. Repairing the skin barrier and boosting hydration is usually the first priority.
Y
1 Term- Yielding skin | 欠彈性皮膚
- Skin that has lost support and no longer feels firm. It is common with ageing, UV damage or collagen loss. Tightening and lifting treatments usually target this.
Z
3 Terms- Z-plasty | Z形整形術
- A surgical technique that uses a specific incision design to change a scar's direction or reduce contracture. It is often used for scar revision or functional improvement. It is a more specialised surgical skill.
- Zone of treatment | 療程範圍
- The area a treatment actually works on. Clearly defining it helps avoid misunderstanding and sets expectations for results and recovery. Ask at consultation which areas will and will not be treated.
- Zoom whitening | 美白療程
- A brand name common in teeth whitening, also used loosely to mean fast whitening. In an aesthetic context, it usually refers to treatments meant to boost brightness quickly. The real results and safety still depend on the specific plan.
