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 hip bone to the other. Excess fat and skin are surgically removed from the middle and lower abdomen and the muscles of the abdominal wall are tightened.
Abdominoplasty Information >>

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

anesthesia - lack of a normal sensation of pain brought on by an anesthetic drug(s).

anomaly - 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 injectable wrinkle filler with a non-absorbable component (20%) by volume) used for the correction of facial smile lines and deeper wrinkles and folds.
Artefill Information >>;

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

blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) - procedure to redefine the shape of the eyes by a conservative removal of excess fat and skin from the upper and lower eyelids. 
Blepharoplasty Information >>

Botox® (Botox injection) - FDA-approved for injection to weaken the movement of the injected specific muscles. The overlying wrinkles become less prominent. Botox (miniscule amounts of Botulinum toxin) acts by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses to muscles thus weaking muscle movement.
Botox Injection Information >>

breast augmentation (augmentation mammaplasty) - procedure to enlarge the breasts.  See also breast implants below. This procedure is performed by placement of an implant either above or below the Pectoralis major muscle. There are four possible approaches: Under the breast, through the "nipple-areola", through the armpit and through the belly-button. All approaches have their advantages and dis-advantages and are not all applicable in all cases.
Breast Augmentation Information >>

breast implants - soft, pliable shells filled with either saline or cohesive silicone gel that are implanted under the breast or under the Pectoralis muscle. Breast implants are used for breast enlargement (volume augmentation).
Breast Implants Information >>

breast reconstruction - 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 lift (mastopexy), breast reduction or breast reconstruction.
Breast Surgery Information >>

brow lift (browlift) - procedure that lifts the eyebrow to restore a more youthful shape and a refreshed look to the area above the eyes. Several incision approaches are available tailored to the individual need of the patient. Also see forehead lift.
Brow Lift (browlift) Surgery Information >>

cheek implants - procedure used for enhancement of the cheek bones resulting into a more square look with higher, more prominent cheekbones frequently associated with beauty. The underlying facial bony structure (skeleton) can be enhanced with implants.
Cheek Implant Surgery Information >>

cheek lift - surgical procedure intended to resolve sagging of the face with improvement of jowls and the naso-labial folds. Cheek lift is often combined with a neck lift (a facelift) and sometimes with a mid-cheek lift.
Cheek Implant Surgery Information >>

chemical peel - application of various acidic or basis chemical solutions to improve appearance of skin surface. Depending on the type and strength of the peeling solution the treatment may improve skin texture, acne, pre-cancerous skin changes, uneven skin pigmentation, and reduce fine lines under the eyes and around the mouth. Commonly used  are glycolic and tri-chloro-acetic acids and bases such as phenol and resocrinol.
Chemical Peel Information >>

cleft palate - 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. Clefting may involve the roof of the mouth (hard palate) as well as the soft palate in the throat (oropharynx). The cleft lip may be associated with cleft palate.
Cleft Palate Surgery Information >>

chin implant (chin augmentation, mentoplasty) - procedure used for  cosmetic enhancement of the jaw line strengthening the appearance of a receding, weak chin by increasing its projection. The procedure does not affect the bite, dental occlusion or the lower jaw. Implants are commonly made out silastic and are available in multiple sizes and shapes. Chin implants may be inserted either through an incision inside the mouth   or through an external incision underneath the chin.
Chin Implant Surgery Information >>

collagen injectable fillers (soft-tissue augmentation) - family of the oldest commercially available fillers derived from purified collagen originating from various skin sources including bovine skin (Zyderm and Zyplast), human skin (Cosmoderm) and pig skin (Evolence). These substances are injected in order to plump up facial folds and fill wrinkles and scars.  These substances are nowadays much less popular than the fillers based on  hyalorunic acids.
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 and are especially useful for imaging of bones.

congenital - present at birth.

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

cool lipo - laser-based fat removal technique not currently recommended by Cosmetic Surgeon Jan Zemplyeni.

cosmetic plastic surgery (aesthetic plastic surgery) - one type of plastic surgery performed to repair or reshape otherwise normal structures of the body to improve the patient's appearance, self-esteem and beauty. Cosmetic surgery is a separate specialty that is also part of the large field of plastic and reconstructive surgery. 
Facial Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Information >>  Body Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Information >>

cosmetic surgeon - a surgical specialist with extensive training and background in cosmetic procedures, both invasive as well as minimally invasive, designed to beautify and to improve  the appearance of the face and body. Not all plastic surgeons are cosmetic surgeons, and not all cosmetic surgeons have the background training in general plastic and reconstructive surgery.  Plastic surgeons may specialize in cosmetic surgery but not all are necessarily specialists in cosmetic surgery or facial plastic surgery.  Some specialty cosmetic (plastic) surgeons have undertaken original residency and background training in other specialties such as otolaryngology, ophthalmology, dermatology, general surgery and other fields.
Cosmetic Surgeon Information >>

craniofacial - pertaining to the head (skull) and face. A branch of plastic surgery dealing with reconstruction of congential craniofacial defects in children.

dermabrasion - procedure, now used infrequently, that removes the top layers of the skin using a high-speed rotating bur or brush. It is still sometimes used to improve smaller scars. This procedure has been mostly replaced by laser resurfacing and fractionated laser resurfacing with Carbon dioxide and Erbium-Yag based lasers.
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 nose, voice box, lungs, 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) - procedure in which the physician surgically removes excess fat, skin and sometimes muscle from both the upper and lower eyelids to refine the shape of the eyes.
Eyelid Surgery  Information >>

facelift (face lift, rhytidectomy) - procedure designed to restore changes to the cheeks and neck caused by the aging process and the gravity pull.  It involves excision of excess skin from in front of the ear and behind the ear and in the scalp behind the ear. A second layer under the cheek skin called the SMAS layer is also tightened up. This procedure does not help skin wrinkling. It is often combined with other procedures to rejuvenate the eyes as well the forehead or the mid-cheek.
Facelift - Face Lift Surgery Information >>

facial implants - cosmetic facial plastic surgery to alter the contour of the chin, cheeks and the lower jaw.  This procedure is typically performed to enhance certain facial features, or to bring a certain aspect of the face into harmonious proportion with the rest of the facial structures.
Facial Implant Surgery Information >>

facial plastic surgeon - a surgical specialist with an extensive background training in cosmetic facial plastic surgical procedures.  Most facial plastic surgeons have a background training in Otolaryngology and then undergo further fellowship training in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.

facial rejuvenation - a general term that includes a variety of non-invasive, minimally-invasive and surgical procedures designed to result in a more youthful facial appearance.
Facial Rejuvenation Information >>

fat injections (fat tissue injections) - fat from the belly or the buttocks harvested as a separate procedure or during liposuction is first purified and washed. It is then used as an injectable filler substance in order to increase volume of facial structures. It may be used to build up the cheeks, lips and deeper folds such as the smile lines. Several treatment sessions are usually required to achieve long-term persistence (survival) of the fat transplant.
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 - see brow lift. A procedure that lifts the eyebrow to restore a more youthful shape and a refreshed look to the area above the eyes. Several incision approaches are available tailored to the individual need of the patient.  Procedure corrects sagging brows and helps deep furrows between the eyes. A forehead lift is often done in conjunction with a blepharoplasty, a facelift, cheek lift or a mid-cheek lift in order to create an overall rejuvenated facial appearance.
Forehead Lift Surgery Information >>

fotofacial rejuvenation (photofacial rejuvenation - photo rejuvenation) - treatment uses an intense-pulse light flash lamp that may also be coupled with radio-frequency (ELOS).  A series of four to five treatments is usually required to improve the appearance of sun damaged and aged skin. The treatments reduce skin brown pigmentation, blotchiness, dyschromia and redness such as seen with rosacea, excessive facial flushing  and "broken capillaries".
Fotofacial Rejuvenation Information >>

gynecomastia - hereditary or developmental enlargement of the male breast tissues giving the appearance of a small female breast contour. Men self-conscious about this contour anomaly may be treated successfully with liposuction of the male breast.

hair removal - any method of removing hair. Laser hair removal is a commonly used for non-surgical  hair removal usually requiring four to six treatment sessions in order to achieve a long-term clearance of hair growth.
Hair Removal Information >>

hematoma - collection of blood under the skin or in an organ.

Juvéderm® (Juvederm injection) (often mis-spelled Juviderm) - a smooth consistency gel made of hyaluronic acid—a naturally occurring substance in the skin that helps to add volume and hydration. One of several hyaluronic acid fillers used for treatment of facial wrinkles and folds.
Juvederm Injection Information >>

laser hair removal - non-surgical laser procedure designed to reduce or eliminate hair growth in the treated region. Anesthetic cream and cooling is used to increase comfort during the procedures. Four to six treatment sessions are usually necessary to achieve a long-term clearance of hair growth. Blond hair (with little or no pigment) tends to be very resistant to treatment.
Laser Hair Removal Information >>

liposuction (lipo-contouring) - procedure that removes excess fat through a suctioning process.  Although liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss it provides an excellent technique for re-contouring of body regions in a properly selected patient. Commonly suctioned areas include the abdomen, thighs, flanks and the male breast. The female breast may also be reduced in size in properly selected candidates. 
Neck Liposuction Information >>  Body Liposuction Information >>

mastectomy - surgery to remove a breast for cancer.

mastopexy (breast lift) - procedure to elevate the nipple/areolar complex in women with developmentally or age-related droopy breasts.  This may be combined with breast augmentation at the same time or during a separate operation. Several varieties of breast lifts exist depending on the amount necessary to elevate the nipple/areolar complex. Resulting scars on the breast are not avoidable, and thus it often is a trade-off decision whether to undergo this procedure, especially in cases of only mild droop.
Breast Augmentation Information >>

maxillo-facial - pertaining to the upper and lower jaws (maxilla and mandible).

micro-dermabrasion - non-invasive skin-freshening technique that helps to repair facial skin and improves the texture. It renders the skin more penetrable to other useful rejuvenating creams with an ultimate goal to cause synthesis of new collagen. A series of four to five sessions is necessary for good results. 
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 >>

otolaryngology - surgical specialty that includes medical and surgical treatment of the conditions and illnesses of the ear, nose, throat, scalp, face, salivary glands, thyroid and soft tissues of the neck. In order to become a diplomat of the American Board of Otolaryngology a physician (MD) must complete of a minimum of five years of specialty training following medical school, including one year of general surgery and four years of otolaryngology (ENT), as well as pass a comprehensive oral and written examination.  For the purposes of board-certification all modern-trained otolaryngologists (ear/nose & throat doctors) are expected to have an in-depth knowledge of facial plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. The American Board of Otolaryngology is the second oldest specialty board and a founding member of the American Board of Medical Specialties. Various areas of fellowship sub-specialization,  including facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, are recognized by the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Medical Specialties.

otoplasty (ear surgery) - cosmetic plastic surgical procedure aimed at re-setting prominent ears closer to the head. Young children benefit a great deal from this surgery that reduces on the emotional scars from being accused of having "dumbo" ears.

Perlane® (Perlane injection) (often misspelled Pearlane or Perlain) -  is made from non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA) gel. The hyaluronic acid in Perlane and Restylane can be used to improve the contour of facial skin and to reduce wrinkles, folds, scars, and other facial skin depressions. This product is very similar to Juvederm.
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 uses an intense-pulse light flash lamp that may also be coupled with radio-frequency (ELOS).  A series of four to five treatments is usually required to improve the appearance of sun damaged and aged skin. The treatments reduce skin brown pigmentation, blotchiness, dyschromia and redness such as seen with rosacea, excessive facial flushing  and "broken capillaries".
Photofacial Rejuvenation  Information >>

plastic surgery - a surgical specialty that deals with the reconstruction of soft tissues of the face,  body and extremities that have been altered by disease, trauma or are congenitally deformed. Physicians certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery received in all of these areas during their residency or fellowship including cosmetic surgery but, in general, without a major emphasis on cosmetic surgery. The field of plastic surgery includes cosmetic surgery as a subset. Besides plastic surgery, many other specialties such as dermatology, otolaryngology, ophthalmology, oral/maxillofacial surgery, orthopedics and ob-gyn have made contributions to the field of cosmetic surgery.
Facial Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Information >>  Body Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Information >>

plastic surgeon - a general plastic surgeon has completed a residency and fellowship training focused on reconstructive surgery of the soft tissues of the face, body and extremities. Many, but not all, plastic surgeons also completed training in general surgery. Great majority of non-academic plastic surgeons in private practice perform cosmetic surgery and tend to specialize in cosmetic surgery of the body although some are sub-specialized in the face or other aspects of cosmetic surgery. Specialty plastic (cosmetic) may have background training in other specialties such as otolaryngology, ophthalmology, dermatology and oral/maxillofacial surgery commonly undergo further specialty fellowship and post-graduate training focused on various aspects of specialty cosmetic surgery.
Plastic Surgeon Information >>

ptosis - a word means droopiness. In cosmetic surgery it is usually applied to droopiness of the eyelid margin (blepharoptosis), droopiness of the nasal tip and drooping of the breast nipple/areolar complex.

Radiesse® (Radiesse injection) - a synthetic soft-tissue filler and a volumizer containing  calcium hydroxy-apatite and a carrier gel.  Calcium hydroxy-apatite is a naturally occurring substance found in bones. This filler tends to have a longer duration than hyalorunic acid, but it needs to be injected into a deeper plane into the dermis or under the skin.
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 somewhat tightened appearance without enduring downtime.
ReFirme Treatment Information >>

Restylane® (Restylane injection) - the first filler based on hyalorunic acid available in the United States. It is now one of several facial soft tissue fillers used to augment facial wrinkles, lines and grooves of in order to help restore more youthful facial appearance.
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 re-sculpting of the bone and cartilage.
Rhinoplasty Information >>

rhytidectomy (facelift) - procedure designed to restore changes to the cheeks and neck caused by the aging process and the gravity pull.  It involves excision of excess skin from in front of the ear and behind the ear and in the scalp behind the ear. A second layer under the cheek skin called the SMAS layer is also tightened up. This procedure does not help skin wrinkling. It is often combined with other procedures to rejuvenate the eyes as well the forehead or the mid-cheek.
Facelift - Face Lift Surgery, Rhytidectomy Information >>
 

scar - body's natural way of healing and replacing lost or damaged skin with collagen with different properties and appearance than the collagen present in native, non-scarred tissue.  Scars are more firm, fibrous, smooth and pale.  Scars may be formed for many different reasons, including as a result of infections, surgery, injuries, or inflammation of tissue.  Numerous techniques are available to camouflage or improve scar appearance though none can completely erase an existing scar.

Sculptra® (Sculptra injection) - volumizer and inducer of collagen injected into facial soft tissue in several sessions to restore the natural fullness of youth to the face. Sculptra is a suspension (cloudy slurry) of injectable, dissolvable poly-L-lactic acid in sterile water.
Sculptra Injection Information >>

septoplasty - surgical correction of a deformity of the nasal septum (the partition wall between the left and right inside nasal passage).  It is usually performed to correct nasal obstruction due to the deviation of this dividing wall made out of cartilage and bone.

skin care - numerous procedures designed to improve skin health, appearance and to reduce on acne, blackheads and whiteheads.  Procedures promote 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. Skin care 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. Obstructive sleep apnea is always associated with heavy snoring.  Patients with untreated sleep apnea tend to suffer from sleep deprivation resulting into fatigue, poor school or work performance, driving hazard, etc. Sleep apnea is a risk factor for serious heart disease and its risk is separate from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, tobacco abuse and coronary artery disease. 
Sleep Apnea Treatment Information >>

Smart lipo^R - the first laser-assisted technique for removal (melting) of fat associated with some tightening of the overlying skin.  The technique was first implemented in Europe and has been used in South America prior to the FDA clearance in 11/06 for use in the USA. Laser-assisted liposuction may be used separately or in conjunction with other, more conventional liposuction techniques. The potential advantage of laser-assisted liposuction is the tightening of the overlying skin beyond that achievable in some patients with conventional liposuction. Laser-assisted liposuction is also useful for removal of fat in very fibrous areas such as the male flanks or male breast.  As a technique for pure fat removal in most patients (in contrast to overlying skin tightening),  laser liposuction is currently slower than the conventional method and does not yield better results than other older methods. 
Smart Lipo Treatment Information >>

snoring - vibration of throat structures, especially the soft palate and uvula, due to partially-obstructed air movement during breathing while sleeping. Resulting is loud sound  often disruptive for bed partners. 
Snoring Treatment Information >>

spider veins - small, dilated blood vessels (capillaries) near the surface of the skin red or purple in color and occurring in clusters usually on the legs
Spider Vein Treatment Information >>

Thermage^R - non-invasive method to accomplish some tightening soft tissues and skin using mono-polar radio-frequency current leading to an unpredictable amount of improvement in contour and new collagen synthesis.
Thermage Information >>

tumescent liposuction - areas of excess fat to be lipo-suctioned are first injected with a large amount of a dilute anesthetic fluid before liposuction is performed.  The injected fluid makes the compartments of fat to become swollen and firm or "tumesced."  The injected solution provides for pain control and markedly decreases on the amount of blood loss in the aspiration of fat.  The expanded fat compartments allow the liposuction cannula to travel smoothly beneath the skin as the fat is removed and a new contour is achieved. Pure tumescent liposuction is performed under local anesthesia with the patient fully awake. A very useful and powerful combination consists of  tumescent liposuction combined with "twilight sleep" moderate conscious sedation anesthesia.
Tumescent Liposuction Information >>

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

varicose veins - twisted, widened veins caused by a genetic tendency toward sludging of blood within the outer veins of the legs due to increased pressure.  The veins enlarge (dilate) due to a weakening in the wall and internal valves.Pregnancy and prolonged standing in one position without moving tends to exacerbate this condition. swollen or enlarged blood vessels.

wrinkle treatment - generic term for a variety of methods for reducing the appearance of  facial wrinkles and folds.
Wrinkle Treatment Information >>