FAC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield FAC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. The 'rule of fifths' divides the face horizontally into five equal segments. Which landmark anchors the outer boundaries of this division? → The outer edges of the ears
2. What is a stakeholder analysis in Facial Aesthetics Certification planning? → Identifying and assessing the interests and influence of affected parties
3. Which color corrector is best used to neutralize post-procedure redness from laser resurfacing? → Green
4. Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers can be reversed using which enzyme? → Hyaluronidase
5. How has social media most significantly altered patient expectations in facial aesthetics? → Patients arrive with specific filtered or AI-edited reference images as treatment goals
6. The aesthetic ideal of the 'phi ratio' (approximately 1:1.618) in facial analysis is used primarily to assess: → Ideal proportional relationships between facial widths and lengths
7. A patient with active cold sores (herpes labialis) presents for a perioral laser resurfacing procedure. What is the correct course of action? → Postpone treatment and prescribe prophylactic antiviral therapy
8. What information must be included in post-treatment written aftercare instructions provided to a facial aesthetics patient? → Signs of complications to watch for and how to contact the clinic urgently
9. What is the primary goal of infection control in facial aesthetics? → Prevent cross-contamination and ensure safety
10. The orbicularis oris muscle is responsible for: → Puckering and compressing the lips
11. A patient has a documented history of cold sores (herpes simplex virus). What pre-treatment protocol is recommended before perioral laser resurfacing? → Prescribe antiviral prophylaxis prior to treatment
12. Which of the following is a contraindication for most facial aesthetic injectable procedures? → Active skin infection at the treatment site
13. How does collaboration enhance Materials & Techniques in Facial Aesthetics Certification? → It brings diverse perspectives and improves outcomes
14. Which complication is specifically associated with superficial placement of hyaluronic acid filler in the periorbital region? → Tyndall effect causing bluish discoloration
15. During facial mapping for botulinum toxin, the procerus muscle is responsible for which specific movement? → Pulling the nose downward and creating horizontal nasal dorsum lines
16. Which file format is most commonly used for storing standardized clinical photographs in an EMR-integrated aesthetics practice? → TIFF or JPEG
17. What does 'off-label' use of a medical product mean in the context of facial aesthetics? → Using a product outside its licensed indications
18. A patient presents with a recessed chin and full lips. Using design principles, which correction would best restore overall facial balance? → Augment the chin to balance the lower third with the upper face
19. Which disinfection level is required for semi-critical items (e.g., ultrasound probes used on intact skin) in an aesthetics clinic? → Intermediate-level disinfection
20. What is the importance of staying current with trends in Color Theory & Application for Facial Aesthetics Certification? → It ensures practices remain effective and relevant
21. What is the purpose of a feasibility study in Facial Aesthetics Certification project planning? → To determine if a project is viable and worth pursuing
22. The Tyndall effect in aesthetic medicine most commonly manifests as which color change visible through the skin? → Blue or bluish-gray discoloration from superficially placed filler
23. What does a positive patch test for chlorhexidine imply for pre-injection skin preparation? → Substitute with an alternative antiseptic such as 70% isopropyl alcohol or povidone-iodine
24. In photographic documentation of aesthetic outcomes, which backdrop color is recommended to avoid altering the perceived skin tone of the patient? → Medium gray (18% gray)
25. Which skill is most important for success in Color Theory & Application within Facial Aesthetics Certification? → Continuous learning and adaptation
26. What is the primary purpose of conducting a thorough pre-treatment consultation before a facial aesthetic procedure? → To identify contraindications and establish realistic expectations
27. What is the primary purpose of a medical history questionnaire completed before a facial aesthetic consultation? → To identify contraindications and tailor treatment safely
28. What is active listening in the context of Facial Aesthetics Certification? → Fully concentrating on and understanding the speaker's message
29. When selecting a blush color for a patient post-cheek filler to enhance the result, which guideline applies to patients with cool-toned (pink-red) undertones? → Cool-toned pink or mauve blush to harmonize with undertone
30. The principle of 'repetition' in facial aesthetics design is best demonstrated by: → Using repeating curves or angles across multiple features to create cohesion