Salicylic Acid
Scientific name for aspirin; a drug that relieves pain and reduces fever. It also causes a slight diluting of the blood so it should not be taken a couple of weeks prior to surgery. Trade names are: Acenterin®, Alka Selzer®, Asa Flow®, Asarid®, Aspegic®, Aspirin®, Aspro®, Cardioaspirin®, Cardiphar®, Dispril®, Rhodine®, Sedergine®, Tapyrine®, and Therasa®

Botox®
Commercial name for Botulinum toxin. Other trade name is Dysport®

Botulinum toxin
Botulinum toxin type A is a toxin that is used in aesthetic surgery to correct annoying lines of expression in the face. Botulinum toxin temporarily paralyses the muscles responsible for these lines. This allows the skin to recover from years of squinting and frowning. The toxin is sold under the trade names Dysport® en Botox®.

Canthopexy
The tightening of the lower tendon of the eyelid. Used to prevent or treat ectoprion.

Codeine
Strong pain medication and narcotic. Is often used in paracetamol preparations to make them stronger. Trade names are Dafalgan Codeine®, Perdolan®

Collagen
Part of the human connective tissue; the "picket fence " of the strengthening tissue; used to fill wrinkles. It is somewhat out of use since it is bovine in origin. The alternative nowadays is hyaluronic acid (trade name Restylane®, Hylaform®, Juvederm® and Rofilan®)

Dermabrasion
Removal of the skin's surface layers by means of a fast twirling burr or sand paper.

Dysport®
Commercial name for Botulinum toxin. Other trade name is Botox®

Ecchymosis
Bleeding that occurs in the skin - 'bruise'

Ectoprion
Turning out of the lower eyelid, away from the eyeball because of old age or following lower eyelid surgery.

Glaucoma
A disease marked by increased pressure within the eyeball. Can lead to blindness when untreated. Often hereditary.

Haematoma
An accumulation of blood within the tissues. Looks like ecchymoses because it results from the release of blood into the tissues.

Hyaluronic acid
Part of the human connective tissue; acts as the binding agent of the strengthening tissue; it is also present in fluid around joints. Product which is used most often to fill wrinkles. Trade names are Restylane®, Hylaform®, Juvederm® and Rofilan®.

Laser
A laser is a device that produces a very strong beam of light in one determined colour (wavelength). There are dozens of different types of laser, each with specific applications, in industry as well as in medicine,. When used adequately, lasers often offer spectacular results in aesthetic surgery. Do not generalize, however, a laser is not some kind of magic answer to your problems. Examples of laser applications are permanent depilation, removal of acne rosacea and smoothing out lines. A different laser is used for each of these applications.

Narcosis
General anaesthesia; a state of complete unconsciousness caused by the use of narcotic drugs in which the patient feels no pain. As the breathing stops, the anaesthesiologist needs to apply artificial respiration by means of a tube which is placed into the throat during the operation. The patient awakens immediately after surgery.

Paracetamol
A drug that relieves pain and also reduces fever; it doesn't inhibit clotting. Trade names are Dafalgan®, Perdolan Mono®, Sanicopyrine®, Efferalgan®. Sometimes used in combination with codeine to make it stronger.

Resurfacing
Literally "renewing the surface". A collective noun for all methods that remove a layer of skin in order to obtain a smoother surface; it embraces deeper chemical peels as well as dermabrasion and CO2 lasers.

Sedation
The production of a restful state; it is a rather strong drug with a calming effect, administered so the patient does not suffer from the treatment. It can vary from a calm state to a deep sleep. Breathing is not suppressed under sedation, contrary to narcosis, so no tube needs to be placed in the patient's throat for respiration. Not all treatments can be carried out under sedation.

Torticollis
Wryneck; the presentation of the neck in a twisted or bent position. Can be congenital or acquired. Treated with botulinum toxin.

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