Aesthetic medicine – from A to Z.

Colloquial term for very low-dose botulinum toxin that only softens facial movement rather than stopping it. Not a separate product.

A protein that inhibits the signal from nerve to muscle for a few months. In aesthetics it is used in small doses against expression lines; medically for hyperhidrosis, bruxism and chronic migraine, among others. 'Botox' is a brand name.

Grinding or clenching the teeth, often at night. Leads to jaw pain, dental damage and a thickened masseter; botulinum toxin is a treatment option alongside a night guard and physiotherapy.

Diagonal lines on the sides of the nose bridge that appear when laughing or scrunching the nose; treated with small doses of botulinum toxin.

A needle without a sharp tip that lets filler be distributed over an area from one entry point. Reduces the risk of injuring vessels and usually causes fewer bruises.

The structural protein of the skin, which decreases with age. Microneedling, PRP, polynucleotides and some skin boosters aim to stimulate new formation.

Chemical linking of the hyaluronic acid chains. The stronger the cross-linking, the firmer and longer-lasting the gel – structure for chin and cheeks; soft for lips and fine lines.

Fan-shaped lines at the outer corner of the eye, caused by the eye's ring muscle when smiling.

German Society for Aesthetic Botulinum Toxin Therapy – a professional society with certification and continuing-education standards for treating physicians.

Collective term for injectable substances that add volume or cushion wrinkles. In this practice exclusively hyaluronic acid – no permanent fillers.

Vertical lines between the eyebrows caused by the muscles that pull the brows together. The most common botulinum toxin area.

The German scale of fees for physicians: the legal basis on which medical services are invoiced privately in Germany. That is why prices are 'from' guide prices, not fixed prices.

The law regulating advertising for medical treatments. Among other things it bans before/after images for Botox and filler treatments and promises of success.

A sugar molecule that occurs in the body and binds water. As a cross-linked gel it serves as a filler for volume and contours; in soft form as a skin booster for hydration. Broken down over months and can be dissolved with hyaluronidase.

An enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid within hours. Used to dissolve filler in cases of over-correction, nodules or – as an emergency – vascular occlusion.

Pathologically heavy sweating, usually of the armpits, hands or feet. Botulinum toxin blocks the sweat-gland nerves for several months.

The legally required conversation before every treatment about effect, risks, alternatives and costs. Texts on this website do not replace it.

Intravenous administration of vitamins, minerals or amino acids after medical examination. Does not replace a balanced diet and is only carried out where there is a sensible indication.

Injection of a substance (usually deoxycholic acid) that dissolves small, local fat deposits – for example under the chin. Several sessions are usual; not a substitute for weight loss.

The line of the jaw from chin to jaw angle. Can be defined with firm hyaluronic acid; with muscle pull, botulinum toxin on the platysma in addition.

Line from the corner of the mouth to the chin that makes the face look serious or tired. Treated with hyaluronic acid, occasionally complemented by botulinum toxin.

The large chewing muscle at the jaw angle. Botulinum toxin there eases teeth grinding (bruxism) and can make a wide lower face look slimmer.

Fine needles create controlled micro-injuries in the skin and stimulate repair and collagen formation. For skin texture, pores and scars; can be combined with PRP.

The fold from the side of the nose to the corner of the mouth. An anatomical structure that becomes more pronounced with mid-face volume loss; often treated indirectly via the cheek.

Use of a licensed medicine outside its officially licensed indication, after medical judgement and specific information. Common in aesthetic medicine, e.g. botulinum toxin on the neck.

The flat neck muscle whose edges become visible as vertical bands. Botulinum toxin there ('Nefertiti lift') dampens the downward pull.

Building blocks derived from salmon DNA, injected to support skin regeneration. Used for skin quality, the eye area and weakened skin; usually several sessions.

A practice without statutory-insurance accreditation: treatments for privately insured and self-paying patients, invoiced per GOÄ. Aesthetic treatments are not covered by statutory insurance anyway.

Plasma obtained from your own blood, enriched with platelets and growth factors. Introduced into the scalp (hair loss) or facial skin, often with microneedling. Colloquially 'autologous blood therapy' or 'vampire facial'.

Soft, lightly cross-linked hyaluronic acid introduced across the skin. The goal is hydration and skin quality, not volume.

The hollow between lower eyelid and cheek that emphasises dark circles and tiredness. Treated with small amounts of soft hyaluronic acid.

Botulinum toxin is dosed in units. They are not directly comparable between products; the physician doses by muscle strength and goal.

Rare, serious filler complication: material enters a blood vessel and interrupts blood supply. Recognisable by pain and white-bluish skin; must be treated immediately with hyaluronidase.