Pharmacology & Medications in Aesthetics Flashcards

What is the primary mechanism of action of botulinum toxin type A in aesthetic treatments?

Answer: Blocks acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction

Botulinum toxin type A cleaves SNAP-25 protein, preventing acetylcholine vesicle fusion and release at the neuromuscular junction, resulting in temporary muscle paralysis.

Which enzyme is the antidote used to dissolve hyaluronic acid filler complications such as vascular occlusion?

Answer: Hyaluronidase

Hyaluronidase degrades hyaluronic acid chains and is the only enzymatic reversal agent available for HA-based dermal fillers.

The maximum recommended dose of lidocaine WITH epinephrine for local anesthesia in aesthetic procedures is approximately:

Answer: 7 mg/kg

Lidocaine with epinephrine has a maximum safe dose of approximately 7 mg/kg because epinephrine-induced vasoconstriction slows systemic absorption and reduces toxicity risk.

Which topical depigmenting agent is considered the FDA-recognized gold standard for treating post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation?

Answer: Hydroquinone 4%

Hydroquinone 4% is the gold standard depigmenting agent, working by inhibiting tyrosinase to reduce melanin synthesis in melanocytes.

EMLA cream provides topical anesthesia through a eutectic mixture of which two local anesthetics?

Answer: Lidocaine and prilocaine

EMLA (Eutectic Mixture of Local Anesthetics) contains lidocaine 2.5% and prilocaine 2.5%, which together achieve a lower melting point and better skin penetration than either agent alone.

Tretinoin (retinoic acid) exerts its primary aesthetic benefits by:

Answer: Binding nuclear retinoic acid receptors to promote keratinocyte turnover and collagen synthesis

Tretinoin binds nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RARs), upregulating genes that accelerate epidermal turnover and stimulate dermal fibroblasts to synthesize new collagen.

Epinephrine is added to local anesthetic solutions in aesthetic procedures primarily to:

Answer: Prolong anesthesia duration and reduce systemic absorption via vasoconstriction

Epinephrine causes local vasoconstriction, which slows vascular uptake of the anesthetic, prolongs its duration of action, reduces bleeding, and lowers the risk of systemic toxicity.