Glossary of Cosmetic and Plastic Surgical Terms
Abdominoplasty ("Tummy Tuck")
Abdominoplasty tightens the abdominal muscles and, in some instances, improves stretch marks by removing excess skin and fat. This procedure helps to improve weakened abdominal muscles or skin laxity that occurs from multiple pregnancies or after large weight loss. Generally, an incision is made across the pubic area and around the umbilicus (navel). If skin laxity and muscle weakness is confined to the lower part of the abdomen, a modified abdominoplasty that limits tissue removal and muscle repair may be performed. This usually leaves a shorter scar and no scarring around the navel.
Aesthetic Surgery
Is an expression synonymous with Cosmetic Surgery.Anaesthetic
The administration of which either numbs the area by injection(local anaesthetic) or puts the patient into a sleeplike state(general anaesthetic)
Anaesthetist
A specialist doctor who administers the anaesthetic and monitors the patients vital signs whilst the operation is progressing.
Areola
Dark area of skin which surrounds the nipple of the breast.
ASAPS
Australian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
ASPS
Australian Society of Plastic Surgery
Assymetry
Lacking symmetry-parts of the body are unequal in shape or size.
Augmentation
To enhance or improve usually by an increase in size.
Augmentation Mammoplasty (see Breast Augmentation)
Breast augmentation is typically performed to enlarge small breasts, underdeveloped breasts or breasts that have decreased in size after a woman has had children. It is accomplished by surgically making an incision either under the breast, around the areola (the pink skin surrounding the nipple) or in the armpit. A pocket is created for an appropriate breast implant either behind the breast tissue or behind the muscle between the breast and the chest wall.Blepharoplasty (see Eyelid Surgery)
A procedure in which the doctor surgically removes excess fat,muscle, and skin from both the upper and lower eyelids to redefine the shape of the eyes.
Botulinum Toxin
A purified bacterial protein that can partially and temporarily paralyse muscles. It can be used to reduce wrinkles in the face.
Brassiere
A soft bra is used after Brest Augmentation to support the breasts. After 6 weeks, an underwire bra may be worn.Bravia System
The Bravia System is a special Brassiere that is worn for approximately 2 months prior to fat grafting to the breast. Fat Grafting to the breast is becoming increasingly common although the technique is, as yet, in its infancy. The long term results of fat grafting to the breasts have not yet been demonstrated and it may be many years before this technique will replace Breast Augmentation with silicone implants.
Brazilian
A Brazilian is a type of implant made in Brazil. It is made of silicone but is covered in a polyurethane foam. This type of implant is reputed to have very low rates of capsular contracture(as can any implant).
Breast Augmentation (Augmentation Mammoplasty)
Breast augmentation is typically performed to enlarge small breasts, underdeveloped breasts or breasts that have decreased in size after a woman has had children. It is accomplished by surgically making an incision either under the breast, around the areola (the pink skin surrounding the nipple) or in the armpit. A pocket is created for an appropriate breast implant either behind the breast tissue or behind the muscle between the breast and the chest wall.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
Frequently, a woman elects to have this surgery after losing a considerable amount of weight, or losing volume and tone in her breasts after having children. The plastic surgeon relocates the nipple and areola (the pink skin surrounding the nipple) to a higher position, repositions the breast tissue to a higher level, removes excess skin from the lower portion of the breast and then reshapes the remaining breast skin. Scars are around the areola, extending vertically down the breast and horizontally along the crease underneath the breast. Variations on this technique, in some cases, may result in less noticeable scarring.
Breast Implants (Textured-Surface)
The shell of textured-surface breast implants are made with the same silicone elastomer that is used for the shell of other types of breast implants, but a special manufacturing process creates a textured or roughened surface.
Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammoplasty)
Breast reduction is a reconstructive procedure for oversized breasts which interfere with lifestyle and physical activity. There is a further aesthetic component to the operation as the plastic surgeon can improve the shape of the breasts during the surgical procedure. Breast reduction involves removing excess breast tissue and skin, repositioning the nipple and areola (the pink skin surrounding the nipple) and reshaping the remaining breast tissue.
Brow Lift (Forehead Lift)
The forehead lift is designed to correct or improve skin wrinkling, as well as loss of tone and sagging of the eyebrows that often occurs as part of the aging process. The procedure may also help to smooth horizontal expression lines in the forehead and vertical frown lines between the eyebrows. Incisions are placed behind the hairline above the ear and pass over the top of the head. In some cases, incisions may be placed in front of the hairline. Some are procedures performed with the use of an endoscope, requiring much shorter incisions. Improvements are made beneath the skin and on the deep muscles; skin and muscle are then tightened to give a fresher, more youthful appearance.
Buccal Fat Pad
Buccal fat pads are located above the jawline near the corner of the mouth. They can be removed in individuals with excessively round faces to give a more contoured look. Plastic surgeons warn that, in some individuals, removal of the buccal fat pads can lead to a drawn, hollow-cheeked look as aging progresses.
Buttock Implants
An implant is inserted into the buttocks to improve shape and contour. It is very like breast implants.Buttock Lift
Excess fat and loose skin in the buttock area can be reduced by performing a buttock lift in combination with lipoplasty (liposuction). Incisions required for skin removal can often be hidden in the fold beneath the buttocks.
Calf Augmentation
Increased fullness of the calf can be achieved using implants made of hard silicone which are inserted from behind the knee and moved into position underneath the calf muscle.
Cannula
In terms of liposuction, a cannula is a hollow tube attached to a high-vacuum device used to remove fat. The plastic surgeon manipulates the cannula within the fat layers under the skin, dislodging fat and "vacuuming" it out.
Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture is the most common problem associated with breast implants. It occurs when naturally forming scar tissue around the implant shrinks and tightens, making the breast feel firmer than normal and sometimes causing pain and an unnatural appearance of the breast.
Cellulite
Cellulite is the dimpled-looking fat that often appears on the buttocks, thighs and hips. While there is no treatment that will eradicate this problem, cosmetic and plastic surgeons are exploring new techniques which may improve the condition. One method is to cut the fibrous tissue that binds the fat down in these areas and creates the lumpy appearance, and then to inject fat withdrawn from elsewhere in the body to smooth out unevenness. Another technique, surgically removes excess skin and fat, leaving a thin scar that may extend around the full circumference of the abdomen but is placed discreetly within bikini lines.
Chemical Peel (see Peel)
Fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth and on the forehead and cheek areas may be improved with a wide range of skin treatments. A chemical peel solution is applied to the entire face or to specific areas to peel away the skin's top layers. Several light to medium-depth peels can often achieve similar results to one deeper peel treatment, with less risk and shorter recovery time.
Chin Augmentation (Mentoplasty)
Chin augmentation 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.
Collagen Injections
Collagen is an injectable protein that can be used to treat facial wrinkles. Patients to be treated with collagen should first be tested for any allergic reaction. The results of collagen injections are not permanent, and treatments must be repeated periodically to maintain results.
Computed Tomography Scan (CT or CAT Scan)
A diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-ray and computer technology to produce cross sectional images both horizontally and vertically of the body. A CT Scan shows detailed images ofany part of the body including the bones,muscles,fat and organs.
Congenital
Present at birth.
Congenital Anomaly
A health problem present at birth(not necessarily genetic).
Contour
The three dimensional appearance of an area. Contour is the most important aspect of Aesthetic/Cosmetic surgery.
Contractures
An abnormal condition of a joint caused by a loss of muscle fibres or a loss of normal flexibility of the skin.
Cosmetic Surgery
Is the surgery of skin, soft tissues and bone to enhance or improve physical appearance.
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery
Also known as Aesthetic Plastic Surgery is one type of Plastic Surgery performed to repair or reshape otherwise normal structures of the body, to improve the patients appearance and self esteem.
Dermabond
A glue produced by Johnson and Johnson(Ethicon Division) that is used in many surgeries to heal wounds. It may be used as a substitute for sutures.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is a procedure in which a high-speed rotary wheel, similar to fine-grained sandpaper, is used to abrade the skin. It may be recommended when there is extensive sun damage and heavy skin wrinkling. In addition, dermabrasion can be used to improve the texture of pockmarked skin resulting from severe acne or chicken pox. Following treatment, the skin should appear firmer and smoother, but permanent pigment changes may occur.
Dermal Fillers
Also known as soft tissue augmentation, is a plastic surgery technique used to correct wrinkles, depressions in the skin and or scarring.
Dermatome
An instrument that resembles an electric razor and has an oscillating blade that moves back and forth to evenly “skim” off the surface layers of skin that surround the craters and other facial defects.
Earlobe Reduction
A 30-minute procedure, earlobe reduction can be performed in a plastic surgeon's office or at the same time as a facelift operation. The earlobe should not comprise more than 25 percent of the total length of the ear. In cases where it exceeds this dimension, an L-shaped wedge is cut away, the earlobe edges are brought together and sutured.
Ectropion
The turning outward of an edge. Generally refers to a rare condition of the eyelid in which the lining of the eyelid is exposed.
Endoscope
A 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, duodernum, colon or rectum.
Endoscopy
Procedure in which a lighted viewing instrument is used to look inside a body cavity or organ to diagnose or treat disorders.
Expander/Implant Breast Reconstruction
The use of an expander to create a breast mound, followed by the placement with a permanently filled breast implant.
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Aesthetic eyelid surgery can brighten the face and restore a more youthful appearance by reducing the fat that causes bags beneath the eyes and removing wrinkled, drooping layers of skin on the eyelids. Blepharoplasty is often performed along with a facelift or with other facial rejuvenation procedures. Incisions follow the natural contour lines in both upper and lower lids, or can be done through the lining of the lower eyelid, providing access to skin and fatty tissue. The thin surgical scars are usually barely visible and blend into the eyes' natural lines and folds.
Facelift (Rhytidectomy)
A facelift can reduce sagging skin on the face and neck. Incisions are placed in the hairline and then pass in front of and behind the ears; the exact design of incisions varies from patient to patient and can be discussed with your cosmetic surgeon. When necessary, removal of fatty deposits beneath the skin and tightening of sagging muscles is performed. The slack in the skin itself is then taken up and the excess removed. Scars can usually be concealed by hair and makeup.
Facial Implants
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery to change the shape the chin, cheek 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.
Fat Injections/Fat Grafting
Fat withdrawn from one body site can be injected into another -- for example, to smooth lines in the face or build up other features such as the lips. In most cases, a percentage of injected fat is reabsorbed by the body, and the procedure must be repeated. Injection of fat to enlarge the breasts is a dangerous procedure and is not recommended because of the possibility of dense scarring that may seriously hinder accurate interpretation of both breast self-exams and mammograms.
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 (Brow Lift)
The forehead lift is designed to correct or improve skin wrinkling, as well as loss of tone and sagging of the eyebrows that often occurs as part of the aging process. The procedure may also help to smooth horizontal expression lines in the forehead and vertical frown lines between the eyebrows. Incisions are placed behind the hairline above the ear and pass over the top of the head. In some cases, incisions may be placed in front of the hairline. Some patients may have the procedure performed with the use of an endoscope, requiring much shorter incisions. Improvements are made beneath the skin and on the deep muscles; skin and muscle are then tightened to give a fresher, more youthful appearance.
Furry Brazilians
A type of silicone breast implant that is made in Brazil. The implant is covered in a polyurethrane foam that gives it a unique feel which has been likened to that of a furry animal. Hence the euphanism “Furry Brazilian”.
Gynaecomastia
A condition in which the males breast tissue enlarges. Gynaecomastia literally means “woman breast”. This increase in tissue usually occurs at times when the male is having hormonal changes, such as during infancy, adolescents and old age.
Hematoma
Blood that collects under the skin or in an organ. If it occurs after surgery, a return the the operating theatre may be required.
Hand
Ageing of the hands is visibly pathognomic. The appearance of the hand can however be improved by using fat grafts to fill out hollows and IPL and or chemical peels to help with pigmentation issues. The long term use of Vitamin A cream may also be beneficial.
Hydroxyapatite Granules
Hydroxyapatite granules are a bone substitute made from coral that can be used to enhance facial contours, such as forming more prominent cheekbones. The substance also has reconstructive uses in craniofacial surgery.
Implants
A surgical device that is placed permanently in the human body, often to change the shape of an area (e. g breast implant, buttock implants, cheek implants and facial implants).
IPL-Intense Pulsed Light
This machine is a variation of a Laser. In IPL however, the beam of light is across several wavelengths and not continued to just a narrow band width. Intense Pulsed Light is used to treat skin pigmentation, fine wrinkles and superficial vascular lesions (thread veins) on the face.
ISAPS
International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Jones Modification
A technical difference in placing of sutures during a facelift.
Keratin
Is the outer layer of the skin and consists mainly of dead cells.
Lasers
Lasers (as in "IPL" or Intense Pulse Light) can be effectively used to eliminate surface blood vessels on the face that become reddened and enlarged due to sun exposure. The problem is most often seen in fair-skinned individuals who cannot tan or have difficulty tanning. The use of lasers for skin resurfacing is effective in reducing the effects of sun damage. Laser resurfacing is an alternative to chemical peel for some patients.
Lip Augmentation
A permanent method of augmenting the lips is accomplished by surgically advancing the lip forward, with incisions placed inside the mouth. A dermal-fat graft, taken from the deeper layers of the skin, may then be positioned under the mucosa (the lining of the lip) to add additional "plumpness." Injecting fat collagen or other substances for lip augmentation is another alternative. The correction is not permanent, and injections must be repeated periodically to maintain results.
Lip Lift
A technique that surgically lifts the corners of the aging mouth can eliminate the pronounced droop and unhappy facial expression that often develops with advanced age. By cutting away small diamonds of skin just above the corners of the mouth, the vermilion (border of the lips) is raised into a slight smile.
Liposculpture
Is a variation on the term Liposuction and whilst it implies a more superficial removal of fat , the procedures vary little.
Lipostructure
This is a term used to describe the procedure of harvesting fat from a distant site(usually the abdomen) and moving it to the face or hands to improve facial or hand ageing.
Liposuction/Ultrasonic
During the course of a liposuction or liposculpture procedure, an ultrasonic probe is used to break up or emulsify the fat prior to its removal with the liposuction cannula-see cannula.
Lip Reduction
To reduce the lips, a small strip of the mucosa (the lining of the lip) is surgically removed to narrow the lips to the desired proportion. The small scars on the outside of the lips are barely noticeable.
Lipoplasty (Liposuction)
Lipoplasty allows the plastic surgeon to remove localized collections of fatty tissue from the legs, buttocks, abdomen, back, arms, face and neck using a high vacuum device. The procedure leaves only minute scars, often as short as one-half inch in length or less. The use of refined equipment allows removal from delicate areas such as calves and ankles. Lipoplasty removes fat, but it cannot eliminate dimpling or correct skin laxity. If a patient's skin has lost much of its elasticity, the cosmetic surgeon may recommend a skin tightening procedure such as a thigh lift, buttock lift or arm lift, all of which leave more extensive scars than what is described above.
Malar (Cheekbone) Augmentation
The cheekbones may be built up by placing an implant over them. This is usually performed through an incision within the mouth, but it may be done through a lower eyelid or brow lift incision.
Mastectomy
Surgery to remove portions of or all of the breast.
Mastopexy (Breast Lift)
Frequently, a woman elects to have this surgery after losing a considerable amount of weight,or losing volume and tone in her breasts after having children. The Plastic Surgeon relocates the nipple and areola (the pink skin surrounding the nipple) to a highter position, repositions the breast tissue to a higher level, removes excess skin from the lower portion of the breast and then reshapes the remaining breast skin. Scars are around the areola,extending vertically down the breast and horizontally along the crease underneath the breast. Variations on this technique, in some cases, may result in less noticeable scarring.Maxillofacial
Pertaining to the jaws and face.
Nasal
Relating to the nose.
Nasion
An anatomical term for a surface feature of the nose.
Neck Lift
A procedure to remove excessive fat from the neck, tighten muscles, remove excess skin and greatly improve contour(see Platysma).
Oral
Pertaining to the mouth.
Orbicularis Oculis
A muscle around the eye that, as we age, may become lax and stretch the skin. A Blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) may then be required.
Orbicularis Oris
Is a muscle around the mouth that with over usage such as in smoking may cause deep wrinkles to form on the upper lip. These wrinkles are difficult to treat but Botulinium Toxin, Vitamin A creams and Dermabrasion/chemical peels may help over time.
Otoplasty
The ears are positioned closer to the head by reshaping the cartilage (supporting tissue). This is usually accomplished through incisions placed behind the ears so that subsequent scars will be concealed in a natural skin crease. Otoplasty can be performed on children as early as age seven.Platysma
The muscle which, when tight and firm, gives the neck underneath the chin and jawline its youthful contour. The platysma muscle can be tightened during a facelift or as a separate procedure.
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.
Reduction Mammoplasty ( Breast Reduction)
Breast Reduction is a reconstructive procedure for oversized breasts which interfere with lifestyle and physical activity. There is a furgther aesthetic component to the operation as the Plastic Surgeon can improve the shape of the breasts during the surgical procedure. Breast Reduction involves removing excess breast tissue and skin, repositioning the nipple and areola (the pink skin surrounding the nipple) and reshaping the remaining breast tissue.Retin-A
Retin-A cream may be applied to enhance the overall texture of the skin and is often prescribed as a pre-treatment prior to a facelift or chemical peel.
Rhinoplasty: Open
The open rhinoplasty technique can sometimes benefit patients who need more complex correction or are undergoing a secondary rhinoplasty procedure. A small incision is made outside the nose across the columella (the tissue that divides the two nostrils). This enables the plastic surgeon to turn the outer tissue of the nose back, providing visualization of the structures inside. Additional incisions, like those used in the traditional closed approach, are made inside the nose as well. The scar resulting from the incision on the outside of the nose eventually becomes barely visible.
Rhinoplasty (Nose Reshaping)
Rhinoplasty is usually performed to alter the size and shape of the bridge and tip of the nose. Reshaping is generally done through incisions inside the nose, but there may also be an incision passing across the central portion of the nose between the nostrils. It is sometimes necessary to narrow the base of the nose or reduce the size of the nostrils, which involves removing small wedges of skin at the base of the nostrils. The nose is reduced, or sometimes built up, by adjusting its supporting structures, which is done either by removing or adding bone and cartilage. The skin and soft tissues then redrape themselves over this new "scaffolding."
Rhytidectomy ( Facelift)
A facelift can reduce sagging skin on the face and neck. Incisions are placed in the hairline and then pass in front of and behind the ears. The exact design of incisions varies from patient to patient and can be discussed with your surgeon. When necessary, removal of fatty deposits beneath the skin and tihtening of sagging muscles is performed. The slack in the skin itself is then taken up and the excess removed. Scars can ususally be concealed by hair and makeup.Scar
The bodys 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 tissues.
SMAS
The superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) is a layer of tissue that covers the deeper structures in the cheek area and is in continuity with the superficial muscle covering the lower face and neck, called the platysma. Some facelift techniques lift and reposition the SMAS as well as the skin.
Superficial Syringe Liposculpture
Use of a syringe to withdraw fat, instead of vacuum suctioning pumps, allows for less blood loss and speedier postoperative recovery. Superficial syringe liposculpture is performed on the layer of fat just beneath the skin.
Tattooing (Cosmetic)
Cosmetic tattooing, or micropigmentation, can be used for permanent eyeliner, eyebrows or lip color. It can also be used for permanent blush and eyeshadow, though this is infrequent. Other uses by plastic surgeons include recreating the coloration of the areola around the nipple following breast reconstruction; restoring the color of dark or light skin where natural pigmentation has been lost through such factors as vitiligo, cancer, burns or other scarring; and eliminating some types of birthmarks or previous tattoos. Micropigmentation should be performed only under medical supervision by appropriately trained personnel.
TCA (see Chemical Peel)
Trichloroacetic acid is used for peeling of the face, neck, hands and other exposed areas of the body. It has less bleaching effect than phenol, and is excellent for "spot" peeling of specific areas. It can be used for deep, medium or light peeling, depending on the concentration and method of application.
Thigh Lift
A thigh lift can be performed to tighten sagging muscles and remove excess skin in the thigh area. A thigh lift is not a frequently performed procedure as it leaves noticeable scars in the inner thigh area which many patients find undesirable.
Tissue Expansion
A surgical procedure that involves inserting a balloon like device called an expander under the skin. The expander then slowly secretes liquid into the area to be repaired to actually stretch and expand the skin. This serves the function of “growing” extra skin to repair nearby lost or damaged skin.
Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty
Transconjunctival blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is performed by making an incision from inside the lower eyelid. It avoids any scarring on the lower lid. It is a useful technique when only fat, and not skin or muscle, needs to be removed from the eyelid area.
Ultrasonic Liposuction
A technique where a probe omitting ultrasound waves(rather like sonar) will break up fat by emulsifying it prior to removal by liposuction.
Vaser Liposuction
A form of ultrasonic liposuction. Vaser, being the name of the machine used in the procedure.
www.vaser.com
Vegan
Vegans exclude all protein of animal origins from their diet. Wound healing after surgery might be a problem. Tell your surgeon if you are a vegan.
Vegetarian
Vegetarians only eat foods of vegetable origin. Tell your surgeon if you are a vegetarian.
Source: The above is an edited version from The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) the leading organization of plastic surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) who specialize in cosmetic surgery of the face and the entire body.
 |
 |
 |
 |