Aesthetic Glossary

The instructions for what to do (and avoid) in the hours, days, and weeks after treatment. Following aftercare carefully maximises results and minimises side effects.

Injectable treatment using a purified protein to temporarily relax facial muscles, smoothing dynamic lines and wrinkles. Often called by brand names — but the underlying science is the same. Lasts 3-4 months.

A treatment approach that triggers your body to repair and rebuild itself, rather than adding external substances. Profhilo is the leading bio-remodelling treatment — it stimulates your own collagen and elastin.

The most abundant protein in your skin, providing structure and firmness. Production declines from your mid-20s — about 1% per year. Treatments like Profhilo and microneedling stimulate new collagen production.

A no-obligation discussion with Dr Niru to assess your skin, understand your goals, and recommend treatment options. Always free at The Azim Clinic. No treatment is performed without one.

Gel-like substances (usually hyaluronic acid) injected to add volume, smooth folds, or enhance contours. Different products have different consistencies for different areas. Results last 6-18 months.

Lines that appear when you move your face — frowning, smiling, raising eyebrows. Best treated with anti-wrinkle injections, which relax the underlying muscle.

Protein that gives skin its ability to stretch and bounce back. Like collagen, production decreases with age. Loss of elastin contributes to skin laxity and sagging.

A naturally occurring substance in the skin that holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water. The active ingredient in dermal fillers, lip fillers, Profhilo, and skin boosters. Gradually broken down by the body over months.

Patches or spots of darker skin caused by excess melanin production. Triggered by sun exposure, hormones, inflammation, or ageing. Treated effectively with Obagi Nu-Derm and other medical-grade skincare.

Hyaluronic acid filler placed in or around the lips to add volume, improve symmetry, define the lip border, or smooth fine lines. Conservative approach is best — start with 0.5ml.

A specific type of hyperpigmentation, often hormonal, appearing as patches on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip. Common in pregnancy. Notoriously stubborn but treatable with the right approach.

Obagi's flagship transformation system using tretinoin and hydroquinone to treat hyperpigmentation, melasma, and ageing skin. 18-week programme delivers dramatic improvement in skin clarity.

Medical-grade skincare brand that uses prescription-strength ingredients. Only available through qualified practitioners who can assess your skin and prescribe the right system. Famous for its Nu-Derm transformation programme.

A small test of a product on the skin (usually behind the ear or inner arm) before a full treatment, to check for allergic reactions. Standard practice for new patients trying chemical peels or new skincare.

Bio-remodelling injectable containing one of the highest concentrations of pure hyaluronic acid available. Stimulates collagen and elastin production rather than adding volume. Two sessions, 4 weeks apart.

Micro-injections of hyaluronic acid spread across the treatment area to deeply hydrate the skin from within. Improves quality and texture rather than adding volume. Course of 3 recommended.

Lines visible even when your face is at rest. These have become etched into the skin over time. Often need a combination of fillers and skin boosters to address.

A maintenance treatment after your initial result starts to wear off. Booking before complete wear-off makes results last longer over time.

Prescription-strength vitamin A derivative that speeds up cell turnover, treats acne, and reduces fine lines. Used in many medical-grade skincare programmes including Obagi Nu-Derm.

The sharp edge separating the lips from the surrounding skin. Definition of this border is one of the key markers of youthful lips. Can be enhanced with precise filler placement.