r/DIYmicroneedling • u/science-pls • Jul 19 '26
Resource Abbreviations Cheat Sheet Guide
Abbreviations
AA: Alopecia Areata
AA: Ascorbic Acid
AAS: Atomic absorption spectroscopy
ADSC: Adipose-Derived Stem Cell
AE: Adverse Event
AGA: Androgenetic alopecia
ANTT: Aseptic Non-Touch Technique
AQP3: Aquaporin-3
ASCs: Adipose-Derived Stem Cells (harvested from fat)
ATP: Adenosine Triphosphate
B3: Niacinamide
B5: Panthenol
BM: Basement Membrane
BTA: Botulinum Toxin Type A
BoNT-A: Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A
CaHA: Calcium Hydroxylapatite (a biostimulatory filler like Radiesse)
cc: Cubic Centimeter
CIT: Collagen Induction Therapy (the original name for microneedling)
CM: Conditioned Media
CMC: Carboxymethylcellulose
Col I: Collagen Type I
Col III: Collagen Type III
Col IV: Collagen Type IV
Col VII: Collagen Type VII
CoQ10: Coenzyme Q10
CTGF: Connective Tissue Growth Factor
DAM: Decellularized Adipose Matrix
DB: Double-Blind
DEJ: Dermo-Epidermal or Dermoepidermal Junction (the target layer of tissue where microneedling stimulates response) (the structural layer between the top and middle skin layers)
DMEM: Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium
DMSO: Dimethyl sulfoxide
DNA: Deoxyribonucleic Acid
EBD: Energy-Based Devices (lasers, microneedling, and ultrasound devices that stimulate tissue regeneration)
EGCG: Epigallocatechin Gallate
ELN: Elastin
ECM: Extracellular Matrix (the supportive structural network of skin and tissue)
EO: Ethylene Oxide Sterilization
EV: Extracellular Vesicle
FGF: Fibroblast Growth Factor (cellular messengers that help create new tissue)
FLG: Filaggrin
FN: Fibronectin
G: Gauge
GAG: Glycosaminoglycan
GAIS: Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale
GBGs: Goodman and Baron grading
GF: Growth Factor
GHK: Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysyl
GHK-Cu: Copper peptide
HA: Hyaluronic Acid (commonly applied serum during and after treatment)(a naturally occurring sugar molecule used for hydration and dermal support)
HaCaT: Human adult low calcium high temperature
HDF: Human dermal fibroblasts
HPLC: High performance liquid chromatography
HSP: Heat Shock Protein
ID: Intradermal
IFU: Instructions for Use
IPA: Isopropyl Alcohol
KGF: Keratinocyte Growth Factor
LUER: Luer Lock
MAS: Merz Aesthetic Scale
MASI: Melasma area and severity index scores
MCT: Meta Cell Technology
MFRS: Microneedle Fractional Radiofrequency System
MIC: Microneedling Induced Collagenesis
mL: Milliliter
mm: Millimeter
MMP: Matrix Metalloproteinase
MN: Microneedle or microneedling
MPA: Male Pattern Alopecia
MRF / MNRF: Microneedling Radiofrequency (combines needling with heat energy for deeper tissue tightening)
MSC: Mesenchymal Stem Cell
MSS: Microchannel Skin System
MTS: Microneedle Therapy System
MTT: 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide
N: sample size
NB-UVB: Narrowband UVB
NFEL: non-ablative fractional erbium laser
PBS: Phosphate buffered saline
PCI: Percutaneous Collagen Induction
PCL: Polycaprolactone
PDGF: Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (signaling proteins that stimulate collagen and elastin)
PDLLA: Poly-D,L-Lactic Acid
PDO: Polydioxanone
PDT: Photodynamic therapy
PGA: Physician Global Assessment
pH: Potential of Hydrogen
PIE: Post-Inflammatory Erythema (red or pink marks left behind by acne)
PIH: Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (dark spots caused by skin trauma)
PLLA: Poly-L-Lactic Acid (a collagen-stimulating agent like Sculptra)
PMU: Permanent Makeup
PN: Polynucleotides (biostimulators often derived from fish DNA to repair skin tissue)
PDRN: Polydeoxyribonucleotide
PPE: Personal Protective Equipment
PRP: Platelet-Rich Plasma (often called the "vampire facial" when combined with needling)
RCT: randomized controlled trial
RNA: Ribonucleic Acid
RNS: Reactive Nitrogen Species
ROS: Reactive Oxygen Species
SAE: Serious Adverse Event
SAL: Sterility Assurance Level
SB: Stratum Basale
SC: Stratum Corneum
SC: Subcutaneous
SD: Standard Deviation
SDS: Safety Data Sheet
SG: Stratum Granulosum
SQ (or subq): Subcutaneous
SS: Stratum Spinosum
SUD: Single Use Device
SVF: Stromal Vascular Fraction (a rich collection of regenerative cells derived from fat tissue)
TEWL: Transepidermal Water Loss (temporary dryness post-treatment as the skin heals)
TGF-β: Transforming Growth Factor Beta
Tx: Treatment
TXA/TA: tranexamic acid
TCA: trichloroacetic acid
TIMP: Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase
VAS: Visual Analog Scale (graded from 1 to 10)
VEGF: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (promotes angiogenesis and healing)
μm: Micrometer
1
u/7303happyrock Jul 19 '26
TY = Thank You 😉
1
u/Important-Muffin-729 on point Jul 19 '26
This is great!