Practice Test Geeks(ABCS) American Board of Cosmetic Surgery Certification Practice Test
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Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures and Aesthetic Medicine Flashcards

7 cards from real ABCS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. Which dermal filler is composed of calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres suspended in an aqueous gel carrier?

    Answer: Radiesse

    Radiesse is composed of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres in a carboxymethylcellulose gel, providing both immediate volume and collagen stimulation.

  2. A patient presents with Tyndall effect after hyaluronic acid filler injection to the tear trough. What is the most appropriate treatment?

    Answer: Hyaluronidase injection

    Hyaluronidase dissolves hyaluronic acid filler and is the treatment of choice for Tyndall effect, which occurs when filler is placed too superficially.

  3. What is the primary mechanism of action of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) fillers such as Sculptra?

    Answer: Stimulation of fibroblasts to produce new collagen

    PLLA is a biostimulator that works by triggering a controlled inflammatory response leading to fibroblast activation and de novo collagen synthesis over several months.

  4. Which botulinum toxin serotype is used in all commercially available cosmetic neurotoxin products (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau)?

    Answer: Serotype A

    All FDA-approved cosmetic botulinum toxin products use serotype A, which cleaves SNAP-25 protein to inhibit acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction.

  5. A patient develops ptosis of the upper eyelid 1 week after botulinum toxin injection for glabellar lines. Which topical agent can temporarily improve the ptosis?

    Answer: Apraclonidine 0.5% eye drops

    Apraclonidine (Iopidine) stimulates Müller's muscle via alpha-adrenergic agonism, temporarily elevating the upper eyelid by 1–2 mm to compensate for toxin-induced ptosis.

  6. Which laser parameter describes the time required for the target chromophore to cool to half of its peak temperature after laser exposure?

    Answer: Thermal relaxation time

    Thermal relaxation time (TRT) is the time for a target to dissipate 50% of its heat, and selecting pulse durations shorter than TRT is the basis of selective photothermolysis.

  7. What is the recommended minimum interval between Sculptra (PLLA) treatment sessions to allow adequate collagen production assessment?

    Answer: 4 weeks

    Treatment sessions with PLLA are typically spaced 4–6 weeks apart, with 4 weeks being the minimum recommended interval to assess collagen stimulation before the next injection.