Plastic Surgery Glossary
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.
Granuloma
Learn about the definition, characteristics, cause, and treatment of granuloma.
Learn about the definition, characteristics, cause, and treatment of granuloma.
Lipoatrophy
Lipoatrophy is a generally undesirable cosmetic condition which can be treated with injection of dermal fillers. Learn more about the definition of lipoatrophy.
Lipoatrophy is a generally undesirable cosmetic condition which can be treated with injection of dermal fillers. Learn more about the definition of lipoatrophy.
Abdominoplasty
Definition of Abdominoplasty
Definition of Abdominoplasty
Abscess
Definition of abscess
Definition of abscess
Actinic Keratosis
Definition of actinic keratosis
Definition of actinic keratosis
Areola
Definition of areola
Definition of areola
Biocompatible
Definition of Biocompatible
Definition of Biocompatible
Blepharoplasty
Definition of Blepharoplasty
Definition of Blepharoplasty
Botox
Definition of Botox
Definition of Botox
Bottoming Out
What Is Bottoming Out
What Is Bottoming Out
Brachioplasty
Definition of Brachioplasty
Definition of Brachioplasty
Capsular Contracture
Definition of Capsular Contracture
Definition of Capsular Contracture
Capsulectomy
The most common complication of breast augmentation is capsular contracture. One of the ways to fix the problem is capsulectomy.
The most common complication of breast augmentation is capsular contracture. One of the ways to fix the problem is capsulectomy.
Capsulotomy
Complications following breast augmentation sometimes require breast revision surgery. One common complication, capsular contracture, is sometimes improved with a procedure called capsulotomy.
Complications following breast augmentation sometimes require breast revision surgery. One common complication, capsular contracture, is sometimes improved with a procedure called capsulotomy.
CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) Laser
Definition of the Co2 Carbon Dioxide laser
Definition of the Co2 Carbon Dioxide laser
Contraindication
Definition of Contraindication
Definition of Contraindication
Corrugator Myectomy
Definition of Corrugator Myectomy
Definition of Corrugator Myectomy
Dermabrasion
Definition of dermabrasion
Definition of dermabrasion
Dermatography
Definition of Dermatography
Definition of Dermatography
Dermis Definition
The dermis is where wrinkles start, so let's learn more about what the dermis is and what it does for your skin.
The dermis is where wrinkles start, so let's learn more about what the dermis is and what it does for your skin.
Deviated Septum
Definition of deviated septum
Definition of deviated septum
Deviated Septum
Definition of deviated septum
Definition of deviated septum
Diastasis Recti
Definition of Diastasis Recti
Definition of Diastasis Recti
Diode Laser
Definition of diode laser
Definition of diode laser
Double Bubble
What Is Double Bubble
What Is Double Bubble
Edema
Definition of Edema
Definition of Edema
Endoscope
Your doctor may say that she'll be using an endoscope during your surgery. Learn the definition of an endoscope.
Your doctor may say that she'll be using an endoscope during your surgery. Learn the definition of an endoscope.
Endoscopic
Definition of Endoscopic
Definition of Endoscopic
Epidermis
The epidermis is the human body's first line of defense against the environment.
The epidermis is the human body's first line of defense against the environment.
Erbium:YAG
Definition of Erbium YAG
Definition of Erbium YAG
Erythema
Definition of Erythema
Definition of Erythema
Fibroblast
What are fibroblasts and what do they have to do with the structure and support of the skin?
What are fibroblasts and what do they have to do with the structure and support of the skin?
Fractional Laser (Fraxel)
Definition of fractional laser - Fraxel
Definition of fractional laser - Fraxel
General Anesthesia
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.
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.
Gynecomastia
Definition of Gynecomastia
Definition of Gynecomastia
Hemangioma
Definition of hemangioma
Definition of hemangioma
Hematoma
Definition of Hematoma
Definition of Hematoma
Hyperpigmentation
Definition of Hyperpigmentation
Definition of Hyperpigmentation
Hypertrophic Scar
Definition of Hypertrophic Scar
Definition of Hypertrophic Scar
Hypodermis
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.
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.
Hypopigmentation
Definition of hypopigmentation
Definition of hypopigmentation
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
Definition of IPL
Definition of IPL
Intravenous Sedation
When you get a surgical procedure done, you may require intravenous sedation (IV sedation). What does IV sedation entail? Learn the definition.
When you get a surgical procedure done, you may require intravenous sedation (IV sedation). What does IV sedation entail? Learn the definition.
Keloid Scar
Definition of Keloid
Definition of Keloid
LED
Definition of LED
Definition of LED
Lipodissolve
Definition of lipodissolve
Definition of lipodissolve
Local Anesthesia
Definition of Local Anesthesia
Definition of Local Anesthesia
Malrotation
Definition of Malrotation
Definition of Malrotation
Marionette Lines
Definition of marionette lines
Definition of marionette lines
Mastopexy
Definition of mastopexy
Definition of mastopexy
Medpor
Medpor is a material used in facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Learn the definition of Medpor.
Medpor is a material used in facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Learn the definition of Medpor.
Melasma
Definition of melasma.
Definition of melasma.
Mentoplasty
What is Mentoplasty? Learn the definition of Mentoplasty.
What is Mentoplasty? Learn the definition of Mentoplasty.
Mesotherapy
Definition of mesotherapy
Definition of mesotherapy
Micropigmentation
Definition of Micropigmentation
Definition of Micropigmentation
Mohs Surgery Definition
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.
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.
Nasolabial Fold
Definition of Nasolabial Fold
Definition of Nasolabial Fold
Nd:YAG
Definition of Nd YAG
Definition of Nd YAG
Necrosis
Definition of necrosis
Definition of necrosis
Otoplasty
Definition of Otoplasty
Definition of Otoplasty
Panniculectomy
When is a tummy tuck more than a tummy tuck? When it's the post-bariatric surgery called a panniculectomy.
When is a tummy tuck more than a tummy tuck? When it's the post-bariatric surgery called a panniculectomy.
Pectus Excavatum
Definition of pectus excavatum
Definition of pectus excavatum
Port Wine Stain
Definition of port wine stain.
Definition of port wine stain.
Ptosis
Definition of Ptosis
Definition of Ptosis
Pulsed Dye Laser
Definition of pulsed dye laser.
Definition of pulsed dye laser.
Q-Switched Laser Definition
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.
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.
Quill Threads
Definition of quill threads
Definition of quill threads
Reconstructive Surgery
Definition of reconstructive Surgery
Definition of reconstructive Surgery
Rhytid
Definition of Rhytid
Definition of Rhytid
Rhytidectomy
Definition of Rhytidectomy
Definition of Rhytidectomy
Rosacea
Definition of rosacea.
Definition of rosacea.
Scar Tissue
Definition of scar tissue
Definition of scar tissue
Selective Photothermolysis Definition
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.
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.
Smart Lipo
Definition of smart lipo, a cosmetic procedure
Definition of smart lipo, a cosmetic procedure
Spider Nevus
Definition of spider nevus.
Definition of spider nevus.
Sutures
Definition of Sutures
Definition of Sutures
Symmastia
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.
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.
Thermage
Definition of thermage, a cosmetic procedure
Definition of thermage, a cosmetic procedure
Tissue Glue
Definition of Tissue Glue
Definition of Tissue Glue
Topical Anesthetic Definition
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.
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
Trigonocephaly is a congenital developmental defect which may at some point require craniofacial reconstructive surgery.
Trigonocephaly is a congenital developmental defect which may at some point require craniofacial reconstructive surgery.
Tumescent Liposuction
Definition of tumescent liposuction
Definition of tumescent liposuction
Venous Ulcer
What are venous ulcers? (also called varicose ulcers or stasis leg ulcers)
What are venous ulcers? (also called varicose ulcers or stasis leg ulcers)