Every term, explained.
Your plain-English guide to the treatments and terms you’ll hear at SK Aesthetic & Wellness — a boutique medical spa in Vienna, VA, serving Tysons, McLean, and Northern Virginia. Jump to a letter, or explore by treatment.
A
Ablative laser
A resurfacing laser that removes the skin’s outer layers to smooth texture and tone. HALO is a hybrid that’s partly ablative. See treatment →
Aesthetician (Licensed Medical)
A licensed skincare professional trained in medical-grade treatments — at SK, that’s Shima Karimi. See treatment →
B
BBL (BroadBand Light)
Light therapy that targets sun damage, redness, and uneven pigmentation for clearer, brighter skin. See treatment →
Biostimulator
An injectable that prompts your own collagen to rebuild gradually over several months. See treatment →
Botox
A neuromodulator that softens lines by relaxing specific muscles — dosed for movement, so you look rested, never frozen. See treatment →
C
Chemical peel
A personalized blend of acids that resurfaces skin for smoother texture, even tone, and fewer fine lines. See treatment →
Collagen
The protein that keeps skin firm and plump. Many treatments work by prompting your skin to make more of it.
Collagen induction therapy
Another name for microneedling — controlled micro-injuries that stimulate new collagen. See treatment →
D
Dermal filler
A hyaluronic-acid gel placed to restore volume and shape — quiet contour, never the overfilled look. See treatment →
Dermaplaning
Gentle removal of dead skin and peach fuzz for an instantly smoother, brighter complexion. See treatment →
DiamondGlow
A patented resurfacing facial that cleanses, exfoliates, and infuses serums in one treatment. See treatment →
Downtime
The recovery time after a treatment. Many of ours have little to none; we’ll always tell you what to expect.
E
EZ Gel
A form of PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) made from your own blood, used as a natural filler and skin booster. See treatment →
F
Full-face balancing
A plan across areas — temples, cheeks, jaw, lips — for harmony, done gradually rather than all at once. See treatment →
Fractional laser
A laser that treats skin in tiny columns for effective resurfacing with faster healing. HALO is a hybrid fractional laser. See treatment →
H
HALO
A hybrid fractional laser that resurfaces for tone and texture — full skin revitalization with manageable downtime. See treatment →
Hyaluronic acid (HA)
A naturally occurring sugar that holds water in the skin. It’s the base of most dermal fillers. See treatment →
Hyperpigmentation
Darker patches from sun, hormones, or inflammation. Treated with lasers, peels, and targeted skincare. See treatment →
I
Injectable
Any treatment delivered by a fine needle — Botox, dermal filler, PRF, and biostimulators. See treatment →
IV hydration
Vitamins and minerals delivered directly into the bloodstream for hydration, energy, and recovery. See treatment →
J
Jaw & chin definition
Sculpting a cleaner jawline and chin through injector technique — shape, not just volume. See treatment →
L
Laser hair removal
Permanent hair reduction using targeted laser energy, safe for a range of skin types. See treatment →
Lip filler
Subtle hydration and definition for the lips — refined, and still looks like you. See treatment →
Lip flip
A few units of Botox that gently roll the upper lip outward for a fuller look, without filler. See treatment →
M
Medical spa (med spa)
A clinic that blends spa treatments with medical-grade care under licensed providers — like SK. See treatment →
Melasma
Stubborn brown patches, often hormonal. Managed carefully with the right lasers, peels, and skincare. See treatment →
Microneedling
Fine controlled micro-injuries that prompt your skin to build collagen for smoother, firmer texture. See treatment →
Microneedling RF
Microneedling paired with radiofrequency energy for deeper collagen remodeling and tightening. See treatment →
N
NAD+
A coenzyme added to IV therapy, associated with energy, recovery, and cellular repair. See treatment →
Natural results
Our north star: enhancements that look like a rested, refreshed you — never overdone.
Neuromodulator
The category of injectables (like Botox) that soften lines by relaxing specific muscles. See treatment →
P
Photofacial
A light-based treatment (BBL) that evens tone and clears sun damage and redness. See treatment →
PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation)
Dark marks left after acne or irritation. Treated with peels, lasers, and pigment-focused care. See treatment →
PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin)
A natural rejuvenator made from your own blood — used to refresh skin with zero synthetics. See treatment →
R
Radiofrequency (RF)
Energy that heats deeper skin to tighten and stimulate collagen, often paired with microneedling. See treatment →
Resurfacing
Renewing the skin’s surface — with lasers, peels, or facials — for smoother texture and tone. See treatment →
S
Scar camouflage
A specialized laser that softens scars, stretch marks, and pigment so they blend with surrounding skin. An SK signature. See treatment →
Skin tightening
Firming loose skin by stimulating collagen — often with radiofrequency microneedling or lasers. See treatment →
Sun damage
Spots, redness, and rough texture from UV exposure. BBL and HALO are our go-to fixes. See treatment →
T
Texture
The smoothness (or roughness) of the skin’s surface — improved with resurfacing treatments.
Tox
Everyday shorthand for neuromodulators like Botox. See treatment →
W
Wellness drip
An IV blend of hydration, vitamins, and add-ons like NAD+ to help you feel your best. See treatment →
Not sure where to start?
Bring your goals, your skin, and your skepticism. We’ll tell you honestly what we can do — and we’ll say no if a treatment isn’t right for you.
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