In this article we bring to you a compilation of terms frequently used in Plastic Surgery and other areas, usually related to aesthetics and health. We hope this glossary will help you to understand what your doctor says to you, and what you read in some publications related to these areas.

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. Also called tummy tuck

Acne: A skin condition characterized by the excess production of oil from sebaceous glands in which the hair follicles become plugged.

Acne scar: Scars due to severe acne. They can range from deep pits to scars that are angular or wavelike in appearance.

Age spots: Small flat pigmented spots that are most often seen on areas of the body that have been exposed to the sun over a period of years. Age spots usually occur after the age of 40.

Albinism: An inherited disorder in which there is no pigmentation in skin, hair or eyes, due to the absence of melanin, the substance that gives skin its color.

Alopecia: The complete or partial loss of hair.

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.

Apert Syndrome: A craniofacial abnormality characterized by an abnormal head shape, small upper jaw, and fusion of the fingers and toes.

Areola: Dark area of skin that surrounds the nipple of the breast.

Asymmetry: Lacking symmetry; parts of the body are unequal in shape or size.

Autologen: A material used in lip augmentation to produce a look of fuller lips. Autologen is derived from your own skin and then injected into the lips.

Autologous Tissue Breast Reconstruction: The use of the patient's own tissues to reconstruct a new breast mound. The common technique is the TRAM (transverse rectus abdominous muscle) flap. A TRAM flap involves removing an area of fat, skin, and muscle from the abdomen and stitching it in place to the mastectomy wound.

Azelaic Acid: A naturally occurring substance found on normal skin that can be used in skin care products to treat mild acne.

Beta Hydroxy Acid: An oil-soluble exfoliant derived from fruit and milk sugars that is commonly found in skin-care products. Beta hydroxy acid is used to treat wrinkles, blackheads and photoaging. Salicylic acid is an example of a beta-hydroxy acid.

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. Also called eyelid lift.

Breast Augmentation: 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. Also called augmentation mammaplasty.

Botox: A substance derived from botulinum toxin that works by preventing nerve impulses from reaching the muscle, causing the muscle to relax.

Brow Lift: A surgical procedure in which the skin of the forehead and eyebrows is tightened to eliminate sagging eyebrows or correct frown lines in the forehead.

Capsular Contracture: The most common complication of breast reconstruction surgery; occurs if the scar or capsule around the implant begins to tighten.

Carpenter syndrome: A birth defect that typically includes traits such as abnormally short fingers, webbed toes, extra toes, underdeveloped jaw, highly arched palate, widely spaced eyes, and/or low-set, deformed ears. Half of patients with Carpenter syndrome also have heart defects.

Chemical Peeling: 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.

Cleft Lip: An abnormality in which the lip does not completely form. The degree of the cleft lip can vary greatly, from mild (notching of the lip) to severe (large opening from the lip up through the nose).

Cleft Palate: Occurs when 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.

Collagen: The major structural proteins in the skin that give the skin its strength and resilience.

Collagen/Fat Injectable Fillers: (Also called soft-tissue augmentation. A plastic surgery technique used to correct wrinkles, depressions in the skin, and/or scarring.

Computed Tomography Scan: Also called a 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).

Contractures: An abnormal condition of a joint caused by a loss of muscle fibers or a loss of the normal flexibility of the skin.

Contracture Scar: A type of scar in which a permanent tightening of skin occurs, often in response to a burn. This type of scar may affect the underlying muscles and tendons, limiting mobility and possibly damaging the nerves.

Coronal Suture: The joining line (suture) between the frontal and parietal bones of the skull that crosses the top of the skull from temple to temple.

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery: Also called 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.

Craniofacial: Pertaining to the head (skull) and face.

Craniosynostosis: A condition in which the sutures (soft spots) in the skull of an infant close too early, causing problems with normal brain and skull growth. Premature closure of the sutures may also cause the pressure inside of the head to increase and the skull or facial bones to change from a normal, symmetrical appearance.

Crouzon's Syndrome: A birth defect characterized by abnormalities in the skull and facial bones, this syndrome often causes the skull to be short in the front and the back. Flat cheek bones and a flat nose are also typical of this disorder.

Crows Feet: The fine lines found around the eyes. They are often caused by sun exposure, however, smoking also contributes to their formation.

Debriding: The process of removing dead or devitalized tissue prior to reconstructive or cosmetic surgery.

Depilation: The removal of hair.

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.

Dermalogen: A product derived from human donor tissue that is used in lip augmentation to produce a look of fuller lips.

Dermatitis: An inflammation of the skin caused by an allergic reaction or contact with an irritant. Typical symptoms of dermatitis include redness and itching.

Dermatologist: A doctor who specializes in the treatment and diagnosis of skin and skin-related problems.

Dermaplaning: A plastic surgery technique used to treat deep acne scars with a hand-held instrument called a dermatome.

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 or other facial defects.

Dermis: The middle layer of the skin, the dermis is a complex combination of blood vessels, hair follicles, and sebaceous (oil) glands. Here, you’ll find collagen and elastin. The dermis is also where wrinkles occur.

Deviated septum: A condition in which the septum (the wall inside the nose that divides it into two sides) is not located in the middle of the nose where it should be. The condition is commonly treatable with surgery.

Ectropion: Turning outward of an edge; generally refers to a rare condition of the eyelid in which the lining of the eyelid is exposed.

Eczema: A skin condition characterized by itchy, irritated, inflamed skin. Eczema comes in many forms and can be triggered by a variety of factors, including allergies, environmental factors, or family history. The raised, inflamed skin can appear anywhere on your body, including your face, legs, arms or neck.

Elastin: A protein found with collagen in the dermis that is responsible for giving structure to your skin and organs.

Electrolysis: A hair removal procedure in which chemicals or heat is used to destroy the hair follicle.

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.

Ephelides: See freckles

Epidermis: The outer layer of the skin. The epidermis is also the thinnest layer, responsible for protecting you from the harsh environment. The epidermis is made up of five layers of its own: stratum germinativum, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum and stratum corneum.

Exfoliate: To remove the top layer of skin. Chemical peels and dermabrasion are examples of methods in which the skin is exfoliated.

Expander/Implant Breast Reconstruction: The use of an expander to create a breast mound, followed by the placement with a permanently filled breast implant.

Eye lift: See blepharoplasty

Face lift: See rhytidectomy

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.

Fascia: A type of connective tissue used in lip augmentation to produce fuller lips. This product is made from human donor tissue.

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.

Freckle: A light or moderately brown spot that appears on the skin as a result of exposure to sunlight. Freckles are most common in people with fair complexions.

Grafting: A procedure in which healthy skin and/or muscle is removed from one area of the body to another area damaged by disease or injury.

Gynecomastia: A condition in which the male's breast tissue enlarges.  It literally means "woman breast." This increase in tissue usually occurs at times when the male is having hormonal changes, such as during infancy, adolescence, and old age.

Hemangioma: A type of birthmark characterized by concentrations of small blood vessels. They commonly referred to as strawberry marks and often disappear after a few months or years.

Hematoma: Blood that collects under the skin or in an organ.

Hypodermis: The fatty layer of skin, home of sweat glands and fat and collagen cells. The hypodermis is responsible for conserving your body’s heat and protecting your vital inner organs.

Hyperpigmentation: A skin condition in which there is excessive pigmentation, often seen as dark spots on the skin such as café-au-lait spots.

Hypertrophic Scar: A raised and red scar, similar to a keloid scar, but different in that it stays within the boundaries of the injury site.

Hypopigmentation: A skin condition in which there is a lack of pigmentation

Keloid Scar: A type of scar that continues to grow beyond what is needed at the site of an injury. This type of scar is caused by too much collagen forming while the skin is being repaired. The tendency to develop keloid scars is genetic.

Keratin: This dominant protein is your skin’s main material, as well as in hair and nails. Keratin is what forms the rigidity of your skin.

Kojic Acid: A skin treatment product derived from a fungus that studies have shown is effective as a lightening agent and in inhibiting the production of melanin.

L-Ascorbic Acid: L-ascorbic acid is the only form of Vitamin C that the body or skin can use as far as topical treatments are concerned. Vitamin C is the only antioxidant that has been proven to stimulate the synthesis of collagen.

Lentigines: See age spots

Lip Augmentation: A procedure done to improve deflated, drooping or sagging lips, correct their symmetry or to reduce fine lines and wrinkles around them. This is often done through injections or implants.

Lipoplasty: See liposuction

Liposuction: 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.

Macrodactyly: A congenital problem in which there is an abnormal growth of a finger.

Macular Stain: A small birthmark that is often nothing more than a small, mild, red blemish on the skin.

Mammoplasty: Any reconstructive or cosmetic surgical procedure that alters the size or shape of the breast.

Mastectomy: Surgery to remove portions of or all of the breast.

Mastopexy: Also called a breast lift, this procedure removes excess skin in order to lift up sagging or drooping breasts.

Maxillofacial: Pertaining to the jaws and face.

Melanocytes: A pigment producing cell found in the skin, hair and eyes that gives them their color.

Melanoma: The most dangerous form of skin cancer. Melanoma can spread rapidly and be fatal if not treated or detected.

Melasma: A condition in which pigmentation of the cheeks of the face darkens into tan or brown patches. This condition occurs in half of all women during pregnancy.

Micropigmentation: A form of tattooing commonly used to apply permanent makeup by injecting iron oxide pigment into the middle layer of your skin (dermis).

Nasal: Relating to the nose.

Neoplasm: A tumor

Nevus Flammeus: See port-wine stain

Otoplasty: Also called 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.

Partial Abdominoplasty: A "mini tummy tuck." This procedure is ideal for individuals who have fat deposits limited to the area below the navel.

Pfeiffer Syndrome: A birth defect characterized by abnormalities of the skull, hands, and feet.

Photoaging: The changes that occur to the skin due to exposure to the sun. This includes wrinkles and age spots.

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.

Polydactyly: A congenital problem characterized by an increase in the number of fingers or toes.

Port-Wine Stain: A type of hemangioma characterized by a mark on the skin that resembles the rich red color of port wine. Port-wine stains are caused by an abnormal concentration of capillaries. This type of birthmark is also referred to as nevus flammeus.

Ptosis: The drooping of a body part, especially the eyelids or the breasts.

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.

Retinol: A derivative of Vitamin A commonly found in many skin care creams.

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.

Rhytidectomy: Also called 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.

Rosacea: A skin disease of unknown causes that causes an array of symptoms, including redness and puffiness on several areas of the face, including cheeks and nose. Rosacea cannot be cured, but treatment should be sought since the condition can worsen over time if not treated correctly or promptly.

Saethe-Chotzen: A birth defect characterized by an unusually short or broad head. In addition, the eyes may be spaced wide apart and have droopy eyelids, and fingers may be abnormally short and webbed.

Salicylic acid: See beta hydroxy acid

Sallowness: A term used to describe a yellowish color of the skin.

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.

Sclerotherapy: A medical procedure used to eliminate varicose veins and "spider veins." During the procedure, an injection of a solution (generally sodium chloride) in placed directly into the vein.

Sebaceous Glands: The glands of the skin that emit oil into the hair follicles.

Septoplasty: A surgical procedure done to improve the flow of air to your nose by repairing malformed cartilage and/or the bony portion. The procedure is often performed along with a rhinoplasty.

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.

Spider vein: A widened vein that can be seen through the surface of the skin.

Stratum Corneum: The outer most layer of the epidermis.

Subcutaneous: A term referring to below the skin.

Sun Protection Factor: Commonly seen on suntan ingredients as SPF, the sun protection factor is the amount of the protection a suntan product provides. The higher the SPF, the greater the protection.

Suture: The stitches used to hold tissue together or to close a wound.

Syndactyly: A congenital problem characterized by a union of fingers or toes.

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.

Tretinoin: A prescription drug related to vitamin A used to treat acne and other skin disorders.

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.

Vitiligo: A condition in which smooth white patches appear on the skin due to a loss of pigment producing cells.

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