Glossary of Cosmetic Surgery and Plastic Surgery Terms

abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) - procedure that minimizes the abdominal area. In abdominoplasty, the surgeon makes a long incision from one side of the hipbone to the other. Excess fat and skin are surgically removed from the middle and lower abdomen and the muscles of the abdomen wall are tightened.
Abdominoplasty Information >>

aesthetic plastic surgery (cosmetic plastic surgery) - a type of plastic surgery performed to repair or reshape otherwise normal structures of the face and body - primarily to improve the patient's appearance and self-esteem.
Facial Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Information >>  Body Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Information >>

anesthesia - lack of a normal sensation brought on by an anesthetic drug.

anomaly - a health problem or feature not normally present in a healthy individual - a deviation from the normal.

areola - dark area of skin that surrounds the nipple of the breast.

Artefill ® (Artefill injection) - FDA-approved non-resorbable injectable wrinkle filler for the correction of facial wrinkles known as smile lines.
Artefill Information >>;

asymmetry - lacking symmetry; parts of the body are unequal in shape or size.

blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) - \procedure in which the physician surgically removes excess fat, muscle, and skin from the eyelids to redefine the shape of the eye.
Blepharoplasty Information >>

Botox ® (Botox injection) - FDA-approved for injection, in very small amounts, into specific muscles. It acts by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses to muscles and so paralyzing the muscles. Botox is a brand name that has passed into popular usage as a synonym for Botulinum toxin.
Botox Injection Information >>

breast augmentation (augmentation mammaplasty) - a procedure to reshape the breast in order to make it larger. The procedure can also be performed to reconstruct the breast following breast surgery.
Breast Augmentation Information >>

breast implants - Soft, silicone envelopes with various fillers that can be placed in the body for simulated breast tissue.
Breast Implants Information >>

breast reconstruction: A surgical procedure generally performed to rebuild (reconstruct) a removed breast.
Breast Reconstruction Information >>

breast surgery - Any procedure performed on the breast, such as breast augmentation, breast reduction or breast reconstruction.
Breast Surgery Information >>

brow lift (browlift) - A procedure that restores a more youthful, refreshed look to the area above the eyes. Also see Forehead lift.
Brow Lift (browlift) Surgery Information >>

cheek implant - Procedure used for either cosmetic or reconstructive enhancement of the jaw line.  High, prominent cheekbones are one of the facial features most frequently associated with beauty. Today, this underlying facial structure can be created with implants.
Cheek Implant Surgery Information >>

cheek lift - Surgical procedure intended to resolve sagging lower eyelids.
Cheek Lift Surgery Information >>

chemical peel - Procedure which uses a chemical solution in order to improve the skin's appearance. It can reduce or eliminate fine lines under the eyes and around the mouth, correct uneven skin pigmentation, remove pre-cancerous skin growths, and soften acne or treat the scars caused by acne.
Chemical Peel Information >>

cleft palate - An abnormality in which the roof of the mouth does not completely close, leaving an opening that can extend into the nasal cavity. The cleft may involve either side of the palate. It can extend from the front of the mouth (hard palate) to the throat (soft palate). The cleft may also include the lip.
Cleft Palate Surgery Information >>

chin implant (chin augmentation, mentoplasty) - Procedure used for either cosmetic or reconstructive enhancement of the jaw line. Can strengthen the appearance of a receding chin by increasing its projection. The procedure does not affect the patient's bite or jaw. There are two techniques: one is performed through an incision inside the mouth and involves moving the chinbone, then wiring it into position; the other approach requires insertion of an implant through an incision inside the mouth, between the lower lip and the gum, or through an external incision underneath the chin.
Chin Implant Surgery Information >>

collagen injectable fillers (soft-tissue augmentation) - A plastic surgery technique used to correct wrinkles, depressions in the skin, and/or scarring.
Collagen Injection Information >>

computed tomography scan (CT or CAT scan.) - a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays.

congenital - present at birth.

congenital anomaly - a health problem present at birth (not necessarily genetic).

cosmetic plastic surgery (aesthetic plastic surgery) - one type of plastic surgery performed to repair or reshape otherwise normal structures of the body, primarily to improve the patient's appearance and self-esteem.
Facial Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Information >>  Body Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Information >>

cosmetic surgeon (plastic surgeon)- Surgeon that performs cosmetic plastic surgery to reshape the bone, cartilage, muscle, fat, and skin.
Cosmetic Surgeon Information >>

craniofacial - pertaining to the head (skull) and face.

dermabrasion - a procedure that removes fine wrinkles and/or minimizes scars on the skin; involves the surgeon utilizing a high-speed rotating brush to remove the top layer of skin. The size and depth of the scars, as well as the degree of wrinkling, determine the appropriate level of skin that will be surgically sloughed.
Dermabrasion Information >>

endoscope - small, flexible tube with a light and a lens on the end used to look inside an organ or cavity such as the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, colon, or rectum.

endoscopy - procedure in which a lighted viewing instrument (endoscope) is used to look inside a body cavity or organ to diagnose or treat disorders.
Endoscopy  Information >>

eyelid surgery (eyelid lift, blepharoplasty) - a procedure in which the physician surgically removes excess fat, muscle, and skin from both the upper and lower eyelids to redefine the shape of the eye.
Eyelid Surgery  Information >>

facelift (face lift, rhytidectomy)- firming and tightening the skin of the face and neck all in one step.
Facelift - Face Lift Surgery Information >>

facial implant - cosmetic plastic surgery to change the shape of the chin, check, or jaw. This procedure is typically done to enhance certain facial features, or to bring a certain aspect of the face into proportion with the rest of the facial structures.
Facial Implant Surgery Information >>

facial rejuvenation - includes varieties of major permanent and long-term plastic surgery, less invasive mid-range surgical procedures, and non-invasive temporary skin treatments.
Facial Rejuvenation Information >>

fat injections (fat tissue injections) - Like other injectables, fat injections help reduce or eliminate wrinkles.
Fat Injections Information >>

flap surgery - one type of surgery that involves transporting healthy, live tissue from one location of the body to another - often to areas that have lost skin, fat, muscle movement, and/or skeletal support. There are several different types of flap surgery methods that may be utilized, depending upon the location of the flap and the structures that need to be repaired.

forehead lift - the surgical removal of excess fat and skin, as well as a tightening of the muscles in the forehead area. It can correct sagging brows or deep furrows between the eyes. It is often done in conjunction with a facelift in order to create a smoother facial appearance overall.
Forehead Lift Surgery Information >>

fotofacial rejuvenation (photofacial rejuvenation - photo rejuvenation) - Treatment is a series of full face, gentle pulsed light treatments intended to improve the appearance of sun damaged and aged skin, as well as reduce facial and neck redness and flushing.
Fotofacial Rejuvenation Information >>

hair removal - Any method of removing hair. Laser hair removal is a commonly used non-surgical procedure for permanent hair removal.
Hair Removal Information >>

hematoma - Blood that collects under the skin or in an organ.

Juvederm ® (Juvederm injection) (often misspelled Juviderm) - A smooth consistency gel made of hyaluronic acid—a naturally occurring substance in your skin that helps to add volume and hydration.
Juvederm Injection Information >>

laser hair removal - Laser hair removal is a commonly used non-surgical procedure for permanent hair removal.
Laser Hair Removal Information >>

liposuction (lipocontouring) - A procedure that removes excess fat through a suctioning process. Although liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss, it is a way of changing the body's shape and contour.
Neck Liposuction Information >>  Body Liposuction Information >>

mastectomy - surgery to remove portions of or all of the breast.

maxillofacial - pertaining to the jaws and face.

microdermabrasion - A skin-freshening technique that helps repair facial skin that takes a beating from the sun and the effects of aging.
Microdermabrasion Information >>

nasal - relating to the nose.

nasal surgery (nose surgery) - Includes any surgery performed on the outside or inside of the nose. This includes functional nasal surgery (treatments designed to improve nasal breathing or to improve function of the sinuses) and cosmetic nasal surgery (rhinoplasty) to repair or enhance the appearance of the nose.
Nasal Surgery (functional) Information >>   Nasal Surgery (cosmetic) Information >>

nevi (moles) - the most common growths in humans. They can be present at birth or acquired throughout life. The incidence of moles/nevi increases throughout childhood, peaks in adolescence, and typically wanes in older adulthood.
Microdermabrasion Information >>

nose surgery (nasal surgery) - Includes any surgery performed on the outside or inside of the nose. This includes functional nasal surgery (treatments designed to improve nasal breathing or to improve function of the sinuses) and cosmetic nasal surgery (rhinoplasty) to repair or enhance the appearance of the nose.
Nose Surgery (functional) Information >>   Nose Surgery (cosmetic) Information >>

otoplasty (ear surgery) - a type of cosmetic plastic surgery procedure aimed at setting prominent ears closer to the head, or reducing the size of larger ears.

Perlane ® (Perlane injection) (often misspelled Pearlane or Perlain) -  is made from non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA) gel. The hyaluronic acid in Perlane can be used to improve the contour of facial skin and to reduce wrinkles, folds, scars, and other facial skin depressions.
Perlane Injection Information >>

permanent hair removal - The word "permanent" in the term permanent hair removal often means being able to go a year or more after your hair removal treatments without having to use another method of hair removal.
Permanent Hair Removal  Information >>

photofacial rejuvenation (photofacial - photofacial rejuvenation) - Treatment is a series of full face, gentle pulsed light treatments intended to improve the appearance of sun damaged and aged skin, as well as reduce facial and neck redness and flushing.
Photofacial Rejuvenation  Information >>

plastic surgery - the surgical specialty that deals with the reconstruction of facial and body tissue that requires a reshaping or remolding due to disease, a defect, or disorder - in order to approximate a normal appearance or to repair working ability.
Facial Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Information >>  Body Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Information >>

plastic surgeon (cosmetic surgeon) - Surgeon that performs cosmetic plastic surgery to reshape the bone, cartilage, muscle, fat, and skin.
Plastic Surgeon Information >>

Radiesse ® (Radiesse injection) - One of several facial soft tissue fillers used to fill lines and grooves of the face as well as to restore the natural fullness of youth to the face.
Radiesse Injection Information >>

reconstructive plastic surgery - one type of plastic surgery that is performed on abnormal structures of the body that may be caused by trauma, infection, developmental abnormalities, congenital defects, disease, and/or tumors. This type of surgery is usually performed to improve function, but may also be performed to approximate a normal appearance.

ReFirme ® - A FDA cleared non-invasive Skin Tightening procedure featuring the elōs™ technology that enables you to comfortably achieve a more youthful, toned and lifted appearance without enduring downtime.
ReFirme Treatment Information >>

Restylane ® (Restylane injection) - One of several facial soft tissue fillers used to fill lines and grooves of the face as well as to restore the natural fullness of youth to the face.
Restylane Injection Information >>

rhinoplasty - the surgical repair of a defect of the nose, including reshaping or resizing the nose. Rhinoplasty may be performed to change the size of the nose, change the shape of the nose, narrow the nostrils, and/or change the angle between the nose and lips. Rhinoplasty involves the resculpting of the bone and cartilage.
Rhinoplasty Information >>

rhytidectomy (facelift) - a surgical procedure that involves the removal of excess facial fat, the tightening of facial muscles, and the stretching of facial skin - to approximate a smoother, firmer appearance. The procedure takes place on either the face, neck, or both.
Rhytidectomy Information >>

scar - the body's natural way of healing and replacing lost or damaged skin. A scar is usually composed of fibrous tissue. Scars may be formed for many different reasons, including as a result of infections, surgery, injuries, or inflammation of tissue.

Sculptra ® (Sculptra injection) - One of several facial soft tissue fillers used to fill lines and grooves of the face as well as to restore the natural fullness of youth to the face. Sculptra is a cloudy slurry of injectable poly-L-lactic acid and sterile water.
Sculptra Injection Information >>

septoplasty - the surgical correction of defects and deformities of the nasal septum (the partition between the nostrils).

skin care - Procedures include: exfoliation of the outer layers of skin (controlled shedding of damaged cells); promote formation of new collagen in the deeper layer of the skin; protect the skin from harmful sun damage; moisturize. Such products expose a new, fresh layer and cause formation of new collagen giving the skin a younger, smoother, tighter and more lustrous appearance.
Skin Care Information >>

skin grafts - a skin graft may be used to cover skin that has been damaged and/or is missing. This surgical procedure involves removing healthy portions of skin from one part of the body to restore normal appearance and/or function to another portion of the same body. The location where the skin is removed is called the donor site. There are various types of skin grafts that may be utilized, depending upon the size and location of needed skin.

skin tightening - Generic term for any procedure that delivers tighter skin, renewed facial contours and healthier collagen.
Skin Tightening Information >>

sleep apnea - is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Information >>

smart lipo (smart liposuction) - is a method for removing fat with the assistance of a laser. The technique was first implemented in Europe and has recently been approved for use in the USA. The technique has been used extensively in Europe, South America and Asia. The technique involves the use of a laser to dissolve the fat and tighten the surrounding skin.
Smart Lipo Treatment Information >>

snoring - is the vibration of respiratory structures and the resulting sound, due to obstructed air movement during breathing while sleeping.
Snoring Treatment Information >>

spider veins - are small dilated blood vessels near the surface of the skin; usually they measure only a few millimeters.
Spider Vein Treatment Information >>

thermage - procedure is a non-invasive treatment that delivers tighter skin, renewed facial contours and healthier collagen.
Thermage Information >>

tumescent liposuction - areas of excess fat are injected with a large amount of anesthetic liquid before liposuction is per-formed. The liquid causes the compartments of fat to become swollen and firm or "tumesced." The expanded fat compartments allow the liposuction cannula to travel smoothly beneath the skin as the fat is removed.
Tumescent Liposuction Information >>

tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) - a procedure that minimizes the abdominal area. In abdominoplasty, the surgeon makes a long incision from one side of the hipbone to the other. Excess fat and skin are surgically removed from the middle and lower abdomen and the muscles of the abdomen wall are tightened.
Tummy Tuck Information >>

varicose veins - twisted, widened veins caused by swollen or enlarged blood vessels. The blood vessels have enlarged due a weakening in the vein's wall or valves.

wrinkle treatment - Generic term for a variety of methods for reducing/removing wrinkles.
Wrinkle Treatment Information >>