Author: drcosmetic

An **active ingredient** is the component in a product that is intended to create a specific biological or functional effect. In skincare, it often refers to ingredients that target concerns like acne, pigment, texture, or aging changes. In medical settings, it can describe the drug or agent responsible for the therapeutic effect (topical, injectable, or procedural). It is used across **cosmetic** care and **reconstructive** care, depending on the product and clinical goal.

A cosmeceutical is a cosmetic product marketed for benefits that go beyond basic cleansing or beautifying. It typically contains biologically active ingredients intended to improve the look and feel of skin. “cosmeceutical” is a marketing term, not a universal legal drug category, and definitions vary by region. It is commonly used in cosmetic care and as supportive skin care around some reconstructive or medical treatments.

A pigment laser is an energy-based device used to target unwanted pigment in the skin. It is commonly used in cosmetic dermatology and aesthetic medicine to improve uneven coloration. It can also be used in reconstructive settings, such as reducing certain pigment-related marks after injury or surgery. The goal is to break up or reduce pigment so it becomes less visible over time.

A vascular laser is an energy-based device designed to treat visible blood vessels and vascular-related redness in the skin. It works by targeting blood (hemoglobin) within unwanted or abnormal vessels while aiming to minimize injury to surrounding skin. It is commonly used in cosmetic dermatology and plastic surgery for facial redness and small vessels. It is also used in reconstructive care for certain vascular lesions and red, vascular scars.

scar laser is a laser-based treatment used to improve the appearance and sometimes the feel of scars. It works by delivering controlled light energy to the skin to trigger remodeling in scar tissue. scar laser is commonly used in cosmetic dermatology and plastic surgery, and it can also be part of reconstructive care after injury or surgery. The goal is usually improvement rather than complete removal, and results vary by clinician and case.

endovenous laser ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that closes an abnormal superficial vein from the inside using laser energy. It is most commonly used to treat venous reflux that contributes to varicose veins and related symptoms. It can be performed for functional concerns (heaviness, swelling) and for cosmetic concerns (prominent, bulging veins). It is typically done with ultrasound guidance through a small needle puncture rather than a large incision.

vein ablation is a procedure that intentionally closes a problematic vein so blood is redirected into healthier veins. It is most commonly used for superficial venous insufficiency that leads to varicose veins, heaviness, or swelling. It is used in both functional (symptom-focused) vein care and cosmetic care when visible veins are a concern. Most modern vein ablation techniques are minimally invasive and performed with image guidance (often ultrasound).

Spider vein treatment is a set of medical and aesthetic techniques used to reduce the appearance of small, visible surface veins. It most often targets “spider veins” (fine red, blue, or purple lines) on the legs and sometimes the face. Common methods include injection-based therapy and energy-based devices that close or fade the vessels. It is used primarily for cosmetic improvement, and sometimes to address associated symptoms or underlying vein patterns.

sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure that treats certain veins or vascular lesions by injecting a medication (a “sclerosant”) into the target vessel. The injected agent irritates the vessel lining so the vein closes and is gradually replaced by scar-like tissue. It is commonly used in cosmetic medicine for spider veins and small varicose veins, and in reconstructive/vascular care for selected venous or lymphatic malformations. The exact technique and sclerosant used vary by clinician, indication, and local regulatory approvals.

microneedling with PRP is a minimally invasive skin procedure that combines controlled micro-injuries (microneedling) with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from the patient’s own blood. PRP is a processed blood component with a higher concentration of platelets than baseline blood. The goal is to support skin repair pathways that can improve texture and the appearance of scars or fine lines over time. It is commonly used in cosmetic dermatology and aesthetic plastic surgery settings, and it may also be used for scar-focused restorative care.

PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma, a concentrated portion of a person’s own blood that contains a higher-than-baseline level of platelets. It is prepared by drawing blood and processing it to separate and concentrate platelets in plasma. PRP is used in both cosmetic and reconstructive settings as an injectable or topical biologic adjunct. In aesthetic care, it is commonly discussed for skin quality, hair concerns, and as a companion to procedures such as microneedling.

facial feminization surgery is a group of procedures that adjust facial features to appear more typically feminine. It can involve bone reshaping, soft-tissue repositioning, and/or volume restoration. It is commonly used in cosmetic surgery and in reconstructive or gender-affirming surgical care. The exact procedures included vary by clinician and case.

A skin flap is a piece of skin (often with underlying fat and sometimes fascia or muscle) moved to a nearby or distant area. Unlike a skin graft, a skin flap keeps its own blood supply, either through a “pedicle” or reconnected vessels. It is used in reconstructive plastic surgery to cover defects and restore form and function. It can also be part of cosmetic procedures where skin is lifted, repositioned, and re-draped.

Contracture release is a procedure (or set of procedures) designed to loosen tissue that has tightened and restricted movement or distorted shape. It most often targets scar tissue, a tight capsule around an implant, or shortened skin and soft tissue after injury or surgery. The goal is to restore function (range of motion) and/or improve contour and symmetry. It is used in both reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery, depending on the cause and location.

fasciotomy is a surgical procedure that cuts through fascia, the firm connective tissue that surrounds muscles and other structures. Its primary goal is to reduce abnormal pressure within a closed “compartment” of the body or to release tight fascial tissue. It is most commonly used in emergency and reconstructive settings, including trauma care and limb surgery. It is not typically a cosmetic procedure, but plastic and reconstructive surgeons may perform fasciotomy as part of complex wound and limb management.

escharotomy is a surgical incision made through stiff, burned skin (eschar) to relieve pressure. It is most commonly used in burn care when circumferential (all-the-way-around) burns restrict blood flow or breathing. It is considered an urgent, function-preserving procedure rather than a cosmetic one. It is frequently performed by burn, trauma, or plastic and reconstructive surgery teams.

burn excision is a surgical procedure that removes burned, non-viable (dead) skin and soft tissue. It is used to create a cleaner, viable wound bed that can heal or be reconstructed. It is most commonly performed in reconstructive burn care, and it can affect cosmetic appearance as healing and scarring evolve. It is often paired with skin grafting or other coverage techniques to restore skin continuity.

Acellular dermal matrix is a processed tissue scaffold made from dermis with living cells removed. It is designed to support the body’s own tissue ingrowth and healing over time. In plastic surgery, it is commonly used in both reconstructive and cosmetic procedures. It is most widely discussed in breast surgery but also appears in other soft-tissue repairs.

A dermal matrix is a scaffold-like material used to support, replace, or reinforce soft tissue. It is commonly used in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery to add coverage, strength, or contour. Many dermal matrix products are processed from human or animal dermis, or made from synthetic polymers. Its role is typically supportive rather than “filling” like an injectable.

A skin substitute is a material used to cover, protect, or help rebuild areas where skin has been lost or removed. It can be biologic (from human or animal tissue) or synthetic (man-made). It is commonly used in reconstructive and burn care, and sometimes in plastic surgery wound coverage after procedures. The goal is to support healing when the body cannot close the wound quickly on its own.