Glossary of Cosmetic Surgery Terms

Abdominoplasty: A surgical procedure done to flatten your abdomen by removing extra fat and skin, and tightening muscles in your abdominal wall. This procedure is commonly referred to as a tummy tuck. For more information on Abdominoplasty please go to: abdominoplasty Surgery

Acne scar: Scars due to severe acne. They can range from deep pits to scars that are angular or wavelike in appearance.  For more information on Acne Scar Treatments please go to TCA-Easy-Peel

Acne: A skin condition characterized by the excess production of oil from sebaceous glands in which the hair follicles become plugged. For more information on Acne Treatments please go to TCA-Easy-Peel.

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. For more information on Age spot treatments please go to: Laser-Skin-Rejuvenation.

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

Anaesthesia: Lack of a normal sensation brought on by an anesthetic drug.

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. For more information on Lip treatments please go to: Restylane-A-Natural-Beauty-Lift.

Azelaic acid: A naturally occurring substance that can be used in skin care products to treat mild acne.

Benzoyl peroxide: An antibacterial medication used to combat the bacteria that aggravate acne.

Beta hydroxy acid: An oil-soluble exfoliant that is commonly found in skin-care products. Beta hydroxy acid (salicylic acid) is used to treat wrinkles, blackheads and photo-aging. For more information on skin care please go to: non-surgical Treatments

Blepharoplasty: A primarily cosmetic surgical procedure that reduces bagginess from lower eyelids and raises drooping upper eyelids. The procedure involves the removal of excess skin, muscle and underlying fatty tissue. For more information on Eye Lid Surgery please go to: eyelid-surgery.

Botox: A substance derived from botulinum toxin that works by preventing nerve impulses from reaching the muscle, causing the muscle to relax. For more information on Non-Surgical Treatments please go to: non-surgical Treatments

Breast augmentation: A surgical procedure done to increase breast size. For more information on Breast Surgery please go to: Breast Enlargement

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. For more information on Brow Lift please go to: brow-lift Surgery

Buccal Fat: Buccal fat pads are located above the jaw line near the corner of the mouth. They can be removed in individuals with excessively round faces to give a more contoured look. For more information on Face Lift Surgery please go to face-lift Surgery

Buttock Lift: Excess fat and loose skin in the buttock area can be reduced by performing a buttock lift in combination with liposuction. For more information on Liposuction please go to: liposculpture Surgery

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. For more information on Cosmetic Surgery please go to:

Cannula: A hollow tube attached to a high-vacuum device used to remove fat through liposuction. For More Information on Liposuction please go to: Liposculpture Surgery

Capsular contracture: The most common complication of breast surgery, it occurs if the scar or capsule around the implant begins to tighten.

Chemexfoliation: See “chemical peel”

Chemical peel: A process in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin to remove dead skin cells and stimulate the production of new skin cells. This process is also called a chemexfoliation. For more information on Skin Treatments please go to : Treatments for Skin

Cholasma: See “melasma”

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

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.

Copper Peptide: A common ingredient found in skin care products, copper peptide is used to promote and produce collagen and elastin in the skin. For more information on Skincare Treatments go to: Treatments for Skin

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 surgical procedure in which a patient’s skin, scarred from acne, pox, or other causes, is frozen and then removed using a high-powered rotating brush.

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.

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.

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.

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. For more information on Skin Care go to: Treatments for Skin

Eye lift: A primarily cosmetic surgical procedure that reduces bagginess from lower eyelids and raises drooping upper eyelids. The procedure involves the removal of excess skin, muscle, and underlying fatty tissue. For more information on Eye Lift Surgery go to: Eye Surgery

Face lift: This surgical procedure is done to eliminate the sagging, drooping, and wrinkled skin of the face and neck. For more information on Face Lift Surgery go to: Face-lift Surgery

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

Fat injections: A plastic surgery technique used to correct wrinkles, depressions in the skin, and/or scarring. For more information on Wrinkle Correction please go to: Treatments for Skin

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.

rafting: A procedure in which healthy skin and/or muscle is moved from one area of the body to another. This is normally due to damage by disease or injury.

Gynecomastia: A condition in which the male’s breast tissue enlarges. This increase in tissue usually occurs at times when the male is having hormonal changes, such as during infancy, adolescence, and old age; sometimes it can just be a case of extra fat.

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.

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

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

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.

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 a form of Vitamin C.

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”. For more information on Lipoplasty please go to: Lipoplasty Surgery

Liposelection: Same treatment as liposuction though the fat is broken down before removal using ultrasonic sound waves.

Liposuction: A cosmetic procedure in which a special instrument called a cannula is used to break up and suck out fat from the body. This procedure is also known as lipoplasty. For More Information on Liposuction please go to: liposuction Surgery

Macrodactyly: A condition that affects children in which the fingers or toes grow abnormally large.

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. For more information on Mammoplasty Surgery please go to: Breast Reduction Surgery

Mastectomy: The surgical removal of part or the entire breast.

Mastopexy: Also called a breast lift, this procedure removes excess skin in order to lift up sagging or drooping breasts. For more information on Mastopexy please go to: Breast Uplift Surgery

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).

Mini tummy tuck: This procedure is ideal for individuals who have fat deposits limited to the area below the navel. For more information on Tummy Tuck Surgery please go to: Abdominoplasty Surgery

Nasal: Relating to the nose.

Neoplasm: A tumor

Nevus flammeus: See “port-wine stain”

Otoplasty: A surgical procedure done to correct misshaped or protruding ears. For more information on Otoplasty please go to: Ear Correction Surgery

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

Pinnaplasty: Also known as otoplasty, a surgical procedure done to correct misshaped or protruding ears. For more information on Pinnaplasty please go to: Ear Correction Surgery

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 tumours. This type of surgery is usually performed to improve function, but may also be performed to approximate a normal appearance. For more information on Reconstructive Surgery please go to: Cosmetic Surgery.ie

Retinol: A derivative of Vitamin A commonly found in many skin care creams. For more information on skin care treatments please go to: Skincare Treatments

Rhinoplasty: A cosmetic procedure used to enhance or change the appearance of the nose. Rhinoplasty is commonly referred to as a nose job. For more information on Rhinoplasty please go to: Nose Reshaping Surgery

Rhytidectomy: Commonly called a facelift, this surgical procedure is done to eliminate the sagging, drooping, and wrinkled skin of the face and neck. For more information on Rhytidectomy please go to: Facelift Surgery

Rosacea: A skin disease of unknown causes that causes an array of symptoms, including redness and puffiness on several areas of the face, including the 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.

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.

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. For more information on Nose Surgery please go to: Nose Reshaping Surgery

Septorhinoplasty: A form of rhinoplasty that is performed to reconstruct the nasal passage or to relieve obstructions inside the nose to correct breathing problems; the obstruction is removed through internal incisions and the interior of the nose is restructured. For more information on Surgery please go to: Nose Reshaping Surgery

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.

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

Varicose vein: Enlarged, twisted veins found near the surface of the skin.

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

Winter itch: A condition in which the skin becomes irritated due to a loss of moisture. Winter itch is common in the winter when the air is drier, thus its name.