Glossary
Aesthetic medicine — explained.
Plain-English definitions of the 20 most-searched aesthetic medicine terms — HIFU, RF, PDO threads, hyaluronic acid filler, biostimulators, Pico Laser, Fitzpatrick skin type, glutathione, GLP-1 and more. Each entry links to the matching service at Waleerat Clinic.
Energy devices
- HIFUHigh-Intensity Focused Ultrasound · ไฮฟู
- High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound — non-invasive face-lifting energy that delivers focused ultrasound to the SMAS layer beneath the skin, triggering controlled contraction and new-collagen formation. Skin surface is bypassed entirely; results build over 3–6 months.
- RF (Radiofrequency)Radiofrequency · RF skin tightening · อาร์เอฟ
- Radiofrequency — electromagnetic energy in the 0.3–10 MHz range that heats the dermis to ~60-70°C, denaturing existing collagen and triggering new-collagen synthesis. Used for non-surgical skin tightening on the face, neck and body.
- Pico LaserPicosecond Laser · พิโคเลเซอร์
- A pulsed laser that emits energy in picosecond (10⁻¹² second) bursts — short enough to shatter pigment particles by photo-acoustic effect rather than heat. Used for melasma, freckles, tattoo removal, and skin brightening without heat damage to surrounding tissue.
- CryolipolysisFat freezing · CoolSculpting · Cryo · ครายโอลิโพไลซิส
- Controlled cooling that crystallises subcutaneous fat cells at ~4°C while leaving skin unharmed. Frozen adipocytes undergo programmed cell death over 4–12 weeks. Non-invasive body contouring with FDA clearance since 2010.
Related servicesPico Laser
Injectables
- HA (Hyaluronic Acid)Hyaluronic Acid · Cross-linked HA · กรดไฮยาลูรอน
- Hyaluronic Acid — a naturally occurring sugar molecule in skin that binds 1,000× its weight in water. Cross-linked HA in fillers (Juvederm, Restylane, Belotero) lasts 6–18 months. Reversible with hyaluronidase enzyme — the only reversible filler material.
- Botulinum ToxinBotox · Dysport · Xeomin · Hutox · Neuronox · โบทูลินั่มท็อกซิน · โบท็อกซ์
- Botulinum Toxin Type A — a purified neuromodulator that temporarily blocks signals from nerves to muscles, relaxing the targeted muscle for 3–4 months. Used for dynamic wrinkles (frown lines, crow's feet), jawline slimming, and sweat reduction. Sold under brands Allergan Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Hutox, Neuronox.
- NeuromodulatorBotulinum-class injectable · นิวโรโมดูเลเตอร์
- Pharmacological class of agents that modulate signals between nerves and effector cells. In aesthetic medicine, neuromodulator refers to Botulinum Toxin Type A products (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, etc.) used for wrinkle reduction and muscle relaxation.
- Skin BoosterMesotherapy · Bio-revitalizer · สกินบูสเตอร์ · เมโสฯ
- Micro-injections of non-cross-linked HA (or PDRN, PDLLA) into the upper dermis to improve hydration, glow and skin elasticity. Distinct from fillers (no shaping/volumising effect). Treatment courses are 3–4 sessions, 2–4 weeks apart.
Related servicesWrinkle-Relax Injection
Biostimulators & thread materials
- PDOPolydioxanone · ไหม PDO
- Polydioxanone — a synthetic absorbable polymer used in surgical sutures since the 1980s and in cosmetic thread-lift since 2010. Fully resorbs in 6–8 months; while present, the polymer scaffolds collagen formation. Most common thread material globally.
- PCLPolycaprolactone · ไหม PCL
- Polycaprolactone — a slower-degrading absorbable polymer than PDO. Threads last 12–24 months in tissue and produce more collagen than PDO equivalents, but are stiffer and require more skilled placement. Used in premium thread programs.
- PLLAPoly-L-Lactic Acid · พีแอลแอลเอ
- Poly-L-Lactic Acid — a long-acting collagen-stimulating polymer used in both thread lift and biostimulator injectables (Sculptra). Provides 24+ months of gradual volumising via new collagen rather than instant fill.
- PDLLAPoly-DL-Lactic Acid · พีดีแอลแอลเอ
- Poly-DL-Lactic Acid — a refined microsphere form of PLLA used in Korean skin boosters (Juvelook, Belluxi). Smaller particles than Sculptra; produces a smoother, more even collagen stimulation, suitable for skin texture rather than volume.
- BiostimulatorCollagen Stimulator · Collagen Booster · ไบโอสติมูเลเตอร์
- An umbrella term for any injectable that triggers the body's own collagen production rather than adding instant volume. Active ingredients include PLLA (Sculptra), CaHA (Radiesse), PCL (Ellansé), PDLLA (Juvelook), and PN (Rejuran). Results build over 2–6 months; last 12–24 months.
- PDRNPolydeoxyribonucleotide · พีดีอาร์เอ็น
- Polydeoxyribonucleotide — DNA fragments derived from salmon sperm that bind adenosine receptors and stimulate fibroblast activity. Used in Rejuran-family skin boosters for cellular repair, wound healing, and skin quality improvement. Distinct mechanism from HA fillers or biostimulators like PLLA.
Related servicesSculptra Volume Stimulator
Related servicesRejuran — Korean Polynucleotide (PN) Skin Booster
Skin science
- Tyndall EffectBluish under-skin tint · Filler Tyndall · ทินดอลล์เอฟเฟกต์
- A bluish-grey discoloration that appears when HA filler is injected too superficially in thin-skinned areas (under-eye, lips). Blue light scatters more easily than red through translucent HA. Reversible with hyaluronidase; preventable with correct injection depth.
- Fitzpatrick Skin TypeFitzpatrick Scale · Skin phototype · ฟิตซ์แพทริก
- A six-category classification of human skin colour by UV response. I = palest (always burns, never tans) through VI = darkest (never burns, deeply pigmented). Determines laser-device safety: 1064 nm Nd:YAG is the only wavelength FDA-cleared as safe for IV–VI without burns or hyperpigmentation.
- GlutathioneGSH · Master antioxidant · กลูตาไธโอน
- A tripeptide (cysteine-glutamate-glycine) and the body's primary antioxidant. In aesthetic medicine, intravenous glutathione is used for skin brightening — it inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme that produces melanin. Pharmacological doses 1,200–1,800 mg per session.
- Open-Box ProtocolLot-number verification · เปิดขวดต่อหน้า · ตรวจล็อต
- A patient-safety practice where the clinic opens every injectable vial or device packaging in front of the patient — exposing the seal, lot number, and expiry date. The strongest single trust signal against counterfeit injectables (a documented issue in Thailand's aesthetic market). Standard practice at Waleerat Clinic since 2013.
Related servicesVolume Filler
Related servicesLaser Hair Removal — Permanent
Related servicesNeoWhite Glutathione IV Drip
Anatomy & imaging
- SMAS layerSuperficial Musculoaponeurotic System · ชั้น SMAS
- Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System — a fibromuscular sheet beneath the skin and subcutaneous fat that surgeons traditionally lift in a face-lift. HIFU and certain thread-lift protocols target the SMAS non-surgically.
Weight management
- GLP-1 (receptor agonist)Semaglutide · Liraglutide · Weight-loss pen · ปากกาลดน้ำหนัก
- Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 receptor agonist — a class of medications that mimic the body's GLP-1 hormone. Suppress appetite, slow gastric emptying, and improve insulin sensitivity. Brands: Wegovy (semaglutide, weekly), Saxenda (liraglutide, daily). Typical loss: 10–15% body weight over 6–12 months under physician supervision.
Related servicesWeight-Loss Pen (Wegovy / Saxenda)
Each definition is written for patients, not specialists. If you want clinical detail, our physicians explain it during your consultation — free, no obligation.