Here at about.com, your guides to health topics try to write content in terms that anyone can understand, avoiding medical jargon when at all possible. However, use of medical terms is occasionally necessary for clarity and accuracy. Therefore, I offer you this glossary of commonly used terms relating to plastic surgery.
Definition of Abdominoplasty
Definition of actinic keratosis
Definition of Biocompatible
Definition of Blepharoplasty
Definition of Brachioplasty
Learn the definition of cannula and how it is used during cosmetic body contouring liposuction surgery.
Definition of Capsular Contracture
The most common complication of breast augmentation is capsular contracture. One of the ways to fix the problem is capsulectomy.
Complications following breast augmentation sometimes require breast revision surgery. One common complication, capsular contracture, is sometimes improved with a procedure called capsulotomy.
Definition of the Co2 Carbon Dioxide laser
Definition of Contraindication
Definition of Corrugator Myectomy
Definition of dermabrasion
Definition of Dermatography
The dermis is where wrinkles start, so let's learn more about what the dermis is and what it does for your skin.
Definition of deviated septum
Definition of deviated septum
Definition of Diastasis Recti
Definition of diode laser
Your doctor may say that she'll be using an endoscope during your surgery. Learn the definition of an endoscope.
The epidermis is the human body's first line of defense against the environment.
What are fibroblasts and what do they have to do with the structure and support of the skin?
Definition of fractional laser - Fraxel
When talking to your doctor about a surgery you need, she may tell you that you'll require general anesthesia. What is general anesthesia? Learn the definition.
Learn about the definition, characteristics, cause, and treatment of granuloma.
Definition of Gynecomastia
Definition of Hyperpigmentation
Definition of Hypertrophic Scar
What is the hypodermis? You've probably heard of the top two layers of skin, the dermis and the epidermis, but many people have never heard of the layer of connective tissue and fat known as the hypodermis.
Definition of hypopigmentation
When you get a surgical procedure done, you may require intravenous sedation (IV sedation). What does IV sedation entail? Learn the definition.
Lipoatrophy is a generally undesirable cosmetic condition which can be treated with injection of dermal fillers. Learn more about the definition of lipoatrophy.
Definition of lipodissolve
Definition of Local Anesthesia
Definition of Malrotation
Definition of marionette lines
Medpor is a material used in facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Learn the definition of Medpor.
What is Mentoplasty? Learn the definition of Mentoplasty.
Definition of mesotherapy
Definition of Micropigmentation
Your dermatologist may recommend Mohs surgery if you are diagnosed with skin cancer, especially if the skin cancer is located on a prominent area like the face. What is Mohs surgery? Learn the definition of Mohs surgery.
Definition of Nasolabial Fold
When is a tummy tuck more than a tummy tuck? When it's the post-bariatric surgery called a panniculectomy.
Definition of pectus excavatum
Definition of port wine stain.
Definition of pulsed dye laser.
What is a Q-switched laser and how can it help you look better? Learn the definition of Q-switched laser and how it has advanced the world of cosmetic laser procedures.
Definition of quill threads
Definition of reconstructive Surgery
Definition of Rhytidectomy
Definition of scar tissue
Selective photothermolysis is the key to success in laser tattoo removal and other cosmetic laser procedures. In fact, it's one of the main reasons today's technological advances in plastic surgery and cosmetic dermatology are possible. Learn what selective photothermolysis is and how it works.
Definition of smart lipo, a cosmetic procedure
SMAS is a term used often when discussing face lift techniques. Learn what the SMAS is and why it's important if you are considering having face lift surgery.
Definition of spider nevus.
Ever heard the terms unaboob or breadloafing in relation to breast implants? That's symmastia. Learn more about this undesirable potential result of breast implant surgery.
Definition of thermage, a cosmetic procedure
Definition of Tissue Glue
What is a topical anesthetic? Well, if you're considering any sort of non-invasive or minimally invasive procedure, you are probably going to want to know a little something about what they are and how they work.
Trigonocephaly is a congenital developmental defect which may at some point require craniofacial reconstructive surgery.
Definition of tumescent liposuction
What are venous ulcers? (also called varicose ulcers or stasis leg ulcers)
