Medical Spas Glossary

genetic testing
The investigation of DNA to identify possible predisposition to disease as well as to confirm a purported individual or familial irregularity. Carrier testing can be used to discern whether couples carry a recessive gene for inherited disorders and thus risk passing these disorders on to their children. Predictive gene testing-tests to identify whether individuals are at risk for a certain disease based on DNA analysis - is a burgeoning field.

glycolic peel
Use of glycolic acid, a natural, gentle acid, to exfoliate and moisturize skin, stimulate the production of collagen (to soften the appearance of skin), and treat acne and rosacea. See chemical peel.

health care professionals
An umbrella designation that applies to a wide range of people involved in healing occupations, from Western medical doctors (M.D.s) to nutritionists and dieticians to massage therapists and naturopaths. The term "health care professional" implies no particular training regimen or level of experience.

herbalist
A person who studies herbal medicine, the healing properties of plants, as it is practiced in traditional Chinese, Western, and Ayurvedic indigenous models and in modern clinical phytotherapy.

homeopathic medicine
An alternative medical system. In homeopathic medicine, there is a belief that "like cures like," meaning that small, highly diluted quantities of medicinal substances are given to cure symptoms, when the same substances given at higher or more concentrated doses would actually cause those symptoms.
Source: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

homeopathy
Medical practice based on the idea that disease can be treated with small doses of drugs known to produce in patients the symptoms of said disease. Homeopathy is a mainstream practice outside of the United States but is considered alternative medicine in the U.S.

hormone therapy
Treatment that results in the raising or lowering of hormone levels. See anti-aging hormone therapy.

Hylaform
A dermal filler formulated to mimic the skin's natural hyaluronic acid, a sugar that helps to maintain skin volume. Hylaform injections provide instantaneous results that may require repeat treatments every few months. See injectables.

imaging tests
Medical tests that produce pictures or images of the body's insides. Some of these tests use different types of radiation, X-rays, or gamma rays. Others use sound waves or radio waves and magnetic fields.

injectables (also known as fillers and filler substances)
Substances used in anti-aging cosmetic treatments to fill in or plump up areas of the skin such as the forehead, furrows, lines in eyebrow area, lines between nose and lips, to the side of the mouth, etc. Fillers include Botox (a controlled toxin), collagen (made from cow protein), fat (from one's own body), Alloderm, Artecoll, Cymetra, Pore-Ex, Restylane, Goretex and others.

integrative medicine
Care that combines mainstream medical therapies and CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) therapies for which there is some high-quality scientific evidence of safety and effectiveness. See complementary medicine and alternative medicine.
Source: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

invasive
A medical procedure involving incision or puncture of the skin or insertion of a foreign object into the body. See non-invasive.

lonithermie
A multi-purpose skin treatment, with goals that range from visible-cellulite reduction to skin detoxification. Lonithermie involves the application of two types of mild electrical current (faradic and galvanic), as well as creams, lotions, and a thermal mask that carries the current.

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
See photo facial treatment.

Iridology
Study of the iris of the eye in order to diagnose disease and correct any "imbalances" with vitamins, minerals and other supplements. To date, the study of iridology is unsubstantiated by research.

Isolagen
A process whereby collagen-producing cells are taken from a patient’s skin, cultured and stimulated to create tens of millions of new cells, and then injected back into the patient to reduce signs of aging. It is hoped that the use of autologous cells (cells originating in the patient’s own body) will carry long-term benefits that other substances, such as bovine collagen, may not. See injectables.

lab tests
Medical tests that are performed at a medical laboratory and whose results are provided to the prescribing practitioner as a diagnostic tool. Test results are usually evaluated through comparison to a "reference range," which is established by examining the results of a large group of healthy people.

laser hair removal
The permanent reduction of hair growing in an area of the body - usually during a course of several sessions in which laser light is used for the selective targeting of melanin in hair follicles. (The FDA insists that manufacturers can promise only permanent reduction, not permanent removal). Most effective on candidates who are fair- skinned and whose hair is darker than the surrounding skin.

laser resurfacing
See laser skin treatment.

laser skin treatment (also laser resurfacing)
An anti-aging procedure to treat fine lines and wrinkles and also scars, brown spots, and other discolorations. It is a controlled burn of the superficial layers of the skin and a very precise alternative to chemical peels and dermabrasian.

laser vein removal
A procedure that delivers pulsed laser energy to varicose veins or spider veins, sealing them and causing them to shrink. An average of three treatments are required at three-month intervals.

lipoplasty
See liposuction.

liposuction (also lipoplasty and suction lipoplasty)
A surgical procedure that removes unwanted fat from such areas as abdomen hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, chin, cheeks and neck

lymphatic draining
Massage technique designed to aid the movement of lymphatic fluid (which drains away tissue fluid and metabolic waste). May be used to treat lymphoderma, a swelling that causes disfunction and discomfort and may result from cancer surgery or treatment. May be used pre-operatively to drain and stimulate the system and make incision easier and post-operatively to prevent infection and reduce pain, spasm, and scarring.

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