Cosmetic Injectables Glossary, Terms Explained

The language of cosmetic injectable treatment can feel confusing, particularly for clients who are new to this area. This glossary provides plain English definitions of the terms most commonly used in discussions about anti wrinkle treatments, dermal filler and nonsurgical facial rejuvenation. It is written by the team at Core Aesthetics in Oakleigh as an educational reference, not as medical advice.

For personalised clinical advice, a consultation at Core Aesthetics is always the appropriate starting point. Book a consultation to discuss what may be appropriate for your individual situation.

A

AHPRA

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. The national body responsible for registering and regulating health practitioners in Australia. Practitioners who administer prescription injectable treatments are regulated by AHPRA and must hold current registration. At Core Aesthetics, all clinical activity is conducted in compliance with AHPRA guidelines.

Asymmetry

A difference in appearance between the two sides of the face. Some degree of facial asymmetry is normal and present in virtually all faces. In cosmetic treatment, asymmetry may be a presenting concern that treatment aims to address, or it may be a consideration in treatment planning to avoid creating or worsening imbalance.

B

Botulinum toxin

The active ingredient in anti wrinkle injectable products. A purified protein that temporarily blocks nerve signals to targeted muscles. In Australia, specific brand names of botulinum toxin products are restricted from advertising in consumer facing material by the TGA. The specific product used is discussed openly during your individual consultation at Core Aesthetics.

Bruxism

Habitual clenching or grinding of the teeth, often occurring during sleep. Bruxism is associated with enlargement of the masseter muscle over time and may cause jaw tension, headaches and dental wear. Injectable treatment of the masseter can reduce muscle activity in suitable candidates and is available at Core Aesthetics following an individual assessment.

C

Cannula

A blunt tipped flexible tube used as an alternative to a sharp needle for some dermal filler placements. Because the tip is blunt, it displaces rather than punctures tissue, which can reduce the risk of bruising in certain areas. Whether a needle or cannula is used is a clinical decision based on the treatment area and individual anatomy.

Corrugator supercilii

One of the primary muscles responsible for frown lines. The corrugator supercilii pulls the brows toward the midline, creating the vertical creases between the brows associated with frowning and concentration. It is a primary target in anti wrinkle treatment for frown lines.

D

Dermal filler

A category of injectable prescription product used to restore volume, improve facial structure or soften hollows and lines. Most dermal fillers used in Australia are hyaluronic acid based. They are regulated as prescription medicines by the TGA and may only be administered by a qualified health practitioner following an individual assessment.

Dynamic lines

Expression lines that are visible during facial movement but not at rest. Anti wrinkle treatment primarily addresses dynamic lines. Over time, dynamic lines may become static, visible even when the face is at rest.

E

EEAT

Experience, Expertise, Authority and Trust. A framework used by Google to assess the quality and credibility of health and medical content online. At Core Aesthetics, content is authored by Corey Anderson and reflects clinical knowledge and experience in cosmetic injectable practice.

Eccrine glands

The primary type of sweat gland in the human body, responsible for temperature regulation through sweat production. In hyperhidrosis treatment, injectable product is used to temporarily block the nerve signals that activate eccrine glands in the treated area, reducing sweat production.

F

Frontalis

The broad muscle that runs across the forehead and is responsible for raising the brows. Anti wrinkle treatment of the frontalis can soften forehead lines, but must be carefully dosed to avoid causing brow heaviness or a flattened forehead appearance. At Core Aesthetics, forehead treatment is always assessed alongside frown line treatment to ensure balanced upper face results.

H

Hyaluronic acid

A naturally occurring polysaccharide found in skin and connective tissue. Used as the base material in most dermal fillers. Biocompatible and reversible, hyaluronic acid based fillers can be dissolved with hyaluronidase if required.

Hyaluronidase

An enzyme used to dissolve hyaluronic acid based dermal fillers. Used where filler correction or reversal is required. At Core Aesthetics, hyaluronidase is available for cases where dissolution is clinically indicated.

Hyperhidrosis

A medical condition characterised by excessive sweating beyond what is needed for normal temperature regulation. See our dedicated page on what is hyperhidrosis for a full overview.

L

Ligamentous retaining structures

Fibrous bands that attach the overlying skin and soft tissue to deeper facial structures including bone and the SMAS. These structures play a role in maintaining facial tissue in its youthful position. As they stretch and weaken with age, tissue descent and volume redistribution can occur.

M

Mandible

The lower jawbone. The mandible provides the skeletal foundation for the lower face. Age related resorption of the mandible contributes to changes in lower face contour and jaw definition over time.

Masseter

One of the primary muscles of mastication, located at the angle of the jaw. The masseter can become enlarged due to habitual clenching or grinding, contributing to a wider, heavier lower face appearance. Injectable treatment of the masseter can reduce its bulk in suitable candidates. See our page on masseter treatment for more.

N

Nasolabial fold

The groove or line that runs from the side of the nose to the corner of the mouth. Nasolabial folds exist on all faces and deepen with age. They are often a downstream effect of mid face volume loss rather than a primary concern. See our page on nasolabial fold treatment.

O

Orbicularis oculi

The circular muscle that surrounds the eye and controls blinking, squinting and smiling. Repeated contraction of the orbicularis oculi at the outer corners of the eye creates crows feet. Anti wrinkle treatment targets the lateral portion of this muscle in crows feet treatment.

P

Periorbital area

The area around the eye, including the upper eyelid, lower eyelid and the skin at the outer and inner corners of the eye. The periorbital area contains very thin, delicate skin and is an anatomically complex zone for injectable treatment.

Ptosis

Drooping of the upper eyelid. Brow ptosis refers to descent of the brow. Both can be caused by poorly placed or over dosed anti wrinkle treatment and are complications to be avoided through careful assessment and conservative dosing. At Core Aesthetics, upper face treatment is always assessed in the context of brow and eyelid position.

S

Static lines

Lines that are visible in the skin even when the face is completely at rest. Static lines have typically developed from long term dynamic line activity combined with changes in skin elasticity. They may require a combination of anti wrinkle treatment and dermal filler to address adequately.

SMAS

The superficial musculoaponeurotic system. A layer of connective tissue and muscle in the face that plays an important role in facial structure and ageing. Changes in the SMAS layer and the fat compartments associated with it contribute significantly to the visible signs of facial volume loss and descent.

T

Tear trough

The groove that runs from the inner corner of the eye along the border between the lower eyelid and the upper cheek. When this area becomes hollow or shadowed, it creates a persistently tired appearance. See our page on tear trough treatment.

TGA

The Therapeutic Goods Administration. The Australian government body responsible for regulating therapeutic products including the prescription medicines used in cosmetic injectable treatment. At Core Aesthetics, all treatments are delivered in compliance with TGA regulations.

V

Vascular anatomy

The network of blood vessels in the face. Understanding vascular anatomy is a critical component of safe injectable practice. Injection near or into facial blood vessels can cause serious complications. At Core Aesthetics, all injections are performed with an understanding of relevant vascular anatomy and appropriate risk mitigation.

General Information Only
This glossary is general in nature and does not replace a consultation with a qualified health practitioner. For personalised advice, book a consultation at Core Aesthetics, Oakleigh.