Cosmetic Glossary

Read the definitions of plastic surgery-related terms below or watch our cosmetic surgery video to learn more about this field of health care.

Abdominoplasty - also known as a "tummy tuck," abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess fat and skin from the abdominal area. Abdominal muscles may also be tightened during this procedure, which is performed to create a flatter, firmer stomach.

Adipose Tissue - biological tissue primarily composed of fat cells.

Alopecia - the Latin word for hair loss.

Anagen Phase - the growing phase of the hair growth cycle. The anagen phase normally lasts about four to seven years for a healthy person.

Androgenetic Alopecia - the scientific term for “male pattern baldness.” The most prevalent type of hair loss, androgenetic alopecia can be inherited from either parent. There is no scientifically proven way to reverse this type of hair loss.

Androgens - hormones (such as testosterone) responsible for the development of masculine traits. Androgens are also called male hormones.

Arm Lift – Also called a brachioplasty, an arm lift is a plastic surgery treatment that removes excess skin from the arm area.

ArteFill® - known as Artecoll® outside of the United States, ArteFill® is made of polymethylmethacrylate microspheres that are suspended in bovine collagen. ArteFill® injections reduce the appearance of facial folds and wrinkles.

Artificial Fibers - synthetic hair-like materials that can be implanted into balding areas.

Areola - the dark skin surrounding the nipple.

Asian Blepharoplasty - eyelid surgery to decrease upper eyelid fullness and to create an eyelid fold for Asians who desire this look.

Augmentation Mammaplasty - a surgical procedure performed in order to increase the size and/or alter the shape of a woman's breasts through the use of breast implants.

Bicep Implants – Implants inserted into the biceps to give the appearance of muscular arms.

Blepharoplasty - a cosmetic eye surgery procedure performed to reduce the appearance of droopy, tired, or baggy eyes. Blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper eyelid, lower eyelid, or both.

Body Lift – A cosmetic surgery procedure that removes excess skin that typically results from weight loss, aging, and pregnancy.

BOTOX® Injections - a cosmetic procedure in which Botulinum Toxin Type A is injected into facial muscles, causing the muscles to relax and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

Brachioplasty - a cosmetic surgery procedure performed to remove excess skin and fat from the upper arm.

Breast Augmentation - a surgical procedure performed in order to increase the size and/or alter the shape of a woman's breasts through the use of breast implants.

Breast Enhancement - a surgical procedure performed in order to increase the size and/or alter the shape of a woman's breasts through the use of breast implants.

Breast Enlargement - a surgical procedure performed in order to increase the size of a woman's breasts through the use of breast implants.

Breast Implant Revision - a surgical procedure involving the removal and replacement of a breast implant to correct complications that may have occurred after breast augmentation or breast reconstruction surgery.

Breast Implants - silicone rubber shells filled with either silicone gel or saline solution. These implants are used to enlarge and/or alter the shape of the breasts.

Breast Lift - also known as mastopexy, this is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to lift and reshape sagging breasts.

Breast Reconstruction - a surgical procedure designed to reconstruct a woman's breast after mastectomy (the removal of the breast in order to treat breast cancer).

Breast Reduction - also known as reduction mammaplasty, breast reduction is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to reduce the size of the breasts by removing fat, tissue, and skin.

Brow Lift - a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to raise sagging eyebrows and/or smooth forehead wrinkles.

Butt Lift - a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the buttocks, resulting in a firmer, shapelier form.

Calf Augmentation/Implants - the surgical insertion of an implant into the calf, enlarging and/or enhancing the shape of the muscle.

Cannula - a thin, flexible tube that is inserted into the body to drain fluids. A special type of cannula is used to vacuum the fat in liposuction procedures.

Capsular Contracture - a tightening of the scar tissue or capsule surrounding a breast implant.

Catagen Phase - the intermediate phase of the hair growth cycle, in which follicles prepare for the resting phase. The catagen phase, also called the “intermediate phase,” lasts about 10 days for a healthy person.

Cellulite - usually found on the thighs or buttocks, cellullite fat deposits give the skin a dimpled surface.

Cheek Implants - implants made out of silicone or some other material and designed to enhance cheek contours.

Chemical Peel - a cosmetic procedure in which a chemical solution is applied to the face. The chemicals remove the top layers of skin, revealing the younger, smoother skin underneath.

Chin Augmentation - a cosmetic surgery procedure in which an implant is placed in the chin to improve facial contours.

Chin Implant - an implant made of silicone or some other material, designed to augment the chin.

Cohesive Silicone Gel Implants - silicone produced in a semisolid/semiliquid state, used as a filling in breast implants, similar in consistency to a normal breast. One advantage of cohesive silicone gel is that it will not leak if the implant shell ruptures.

Collagen - a fibrous protein contained in connective tissue. Collagen becomes gelatinous when boiled.

Collagen Injections - bovine collagen can be injected into the face to thicken lips or reduce the appearance of wrinkles. The effects are temporary, as most of the collagen is eventually absorbed by the body.

Cortex - the main structure of the hair shaft. The cortex gives hair its color, texture and strength.

CosmoDerm™/CosmoPlast™ - contains a highly purified form of human collagen. Injections are used to reduce the appearance of facial imperfections such as wrinkles and scars.

Cuticle - the outermost layer of the hair shaft, made up of six to eight layers of dead cell remnants. The cuticle serves as a protective barrier for the inner layers of hair.

Dermabrasion - this cosmetic procedure involves the use of an abrasive tool or material to remove the surface layer of facial skin. Dermabrasion is effective at smoothing blemishes such as acne scars.

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) - the primary male hormone responsible for balding. Dihydrotestosterone is a potent derivative of testosterone. The exact mechanism that causes DHT to alter hair growth is not known.

Donor Area - scalp area that provides hair grafts to be implanted in balding regions.

Donor Strip - a narrow piece of scalp removed from the donor area. The donor strip may be divided into smaller grafts for implantation.

Ear Pinning/Surgery - also known as otoplasty, ear pinning is a common surgical procedure performed to set the ears back closer to the side of the head.

Face Lift - also called rhytidectomy, facelift is a plastic surgery procedure used to remove facial wrinkles, sagging skin, fat deposits, or other visible signs of aging for cosmetic purposes.

Facial Implants - implants made out of silicone or some other material, designed to enhance facial contours.

Fat Injections - use of one's own fat to thicken lips or reduce the appearance of wrinkles. The effects can be temporary, as fat can be reabsorbed by the body.

Flap - a hair-bearing section of scalp removed from one area, then used to replace bald skin where needed.

Flap Surgery - a form of breast reconstruction surgery that uses transplanted skin to create a pocket for a breast implant.

Follicular Unit - a functional unit of two to four hair follicles.

Follicular Unit Transplantation - a hair transplant procedure in which follicular units are preserved and implanted as intact individual units.

Forehead Lift - a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to raise sagging eyebrows and/or smooth forehead wrinkles.

Growth Phase - also called the “anagen phase,” the growth phase is the longest phase of the hair cycle and lasts about four to seven years in a healthy person.

Gynecomastia - an abnormal enlargement of the breasts in males. Gynecomastia can be treated with male breast reduction surgery.

Hair Bulb - the terminal part of the hair follicle situated under the skin. The hair bulb is composed of active cells that grow the horn-shaped hair fibers that form hair.

Hair Extension - a type of external hair or hair-like synthetic material that is fused to the existing hairs to cover bald areas.

Hair Fibers - horn-shaped pieces of keratin that are the primary component of hair.

Hair Follicle - a depression in the scalp from which hair emerges. Balding occurs when hair follicles are damaged, blocked, or rendered inactive.

Hair Grafting - a surgical hair replacement procedure that involves removing sections of scalp and grafting them to balding areas.

Hair Loss - the shedding of scalp hair. There are several types of hair loss, the most common of which is androgenetic alopecia.

Hair Loss Pattern - the genetically determined pattern of the balding process. Patterns of hair loss are classified according to the Norwood Classification System.

Hair Restoration - a general term for a number of methods used to restore hair to balding areas. Hair restoration can involve topical, oral, and surgical treatments.

Hair Root - the part of the hair buried in the follicle under the skin.

Hair Shaft - the part of the hair seen above the skin.

Hair Systems - any external hair or hair-like synthetic material that is added to existing hair or scalp to cover baldness.

Hair Transplantation - the surgical transfer of hair, hair follicles, or sections of scalp from one part of the head to another.

Hylaform® - a clear, colorless gel synthesized from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance found in the human body. Hylaform® injections are used to fill in wrinkles for smoother and younger looking skin.

Incision - a cut into a body tissue or organ, especially one made during surgery.

Intermediate Hair - a type of hair that shows the characteristics of both vellus and terminal hairs.

Intermediate Phase - the intermediate phase of the hair growth cycle, in which follicles prepare for the resting phase. The intermediate phase, also called the “catagen phase,” lasts about 10 days for a healthy person.

IPL™ Photofacial/Fotofacial - a 30-minute procedure involving a machine that emits intense pulses of light to penetrate all layers of the skin. Used to treat redness caused by acne and other factors, as well as fine lines and wrinkles.

Keratin - a protein that is resistant to wear and tear. Hair and nails are composed of keratin.

Kinerase® - the main ingredient in these skin care products is the plant-based extract kinetin. In nature, kinetin is what prevents plant leaves from withering. The same principal applies to skin care and the Kinerase® formula.

La Roche-Posay - based in Europe, La Roche-Posay is today one of the most highly regarded facial skin care product lines in the world. Products range from cleansers to sun protection to luxurious lotions and creams designed to restore the body's youthful radiance.

Laser Hair Removal - a new treatment designed to remove and prevent further growth of hair by using a laser to deactivate hair follicles.

Laser Skin Tightening - a minimally invasive, nonsurgical process that uses an infrared light source (a laser) to tighten the skin.

Laser Skin Resurfacing - this cosmetic procedure involves the use of a laser to remove the top layers of skin, revealing the smoother, younger-looking skin underneath.

Laser Stretch Mark Removal - a beam of light removes thin layers of skin around the stretch marks. Once laser stretch mark removal is complete, the treatment area will heal and new layers of skin will form, reducing the appearance of stretch marks.

Laser Tattoo Removal – the high energy light from the laser breaks up the tattoo ink into tiny particles. These particles are then gradually absorbed by the skin and dispersed by your body’s natural cleaning mechanism.

Lip Augmentation - a general term that encompasses a number of cosmetic procedures, from implants to injections, all of which are designed to give the lips a fuller, more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Lipodissolve™ - involves injections of mild medications into areas with unwanted fat. The injections cause the fat to dissolve and are naturally flushed out of the system.

Lipoplasty - also called liposuction, lipoplasty refers to the surgical removal of fatty deposits using a suction device.

Liposculpture - a cosmetic surgery procedure in which fat is transplanted from one spot on the body to another. This procedure allows the surgeon to "sculpt" new body contours.

Liposuction - also called lipoplasty, liposuction refers to the surgical removal of fatty deposits using a suction device.

Mammaplasty - a general term for altering the size and/or shape of the breasts.

Mastectomy - the removal of a woman's breast in order to treat breast cancer.

Mastopexy - also known as a breast lift, mastopexy is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to raise and reshape sagging breasts.

M.D. FORTÉ® - skin care products that contain glycolic acid with a pH that is closer to that of normal skin, making the products gentle and irritation free.

Mentoplasty - a cosmetic surgery procedure in which the shape of the chin is altered to improve facial contours.

Mesotherapy – involves the use of tiny injections of amino acids, medications, and holistic compounds to dissolve fatty tissue.

Microdermabrasion – a special microdermabrasion "sandblaster" sprays tiny crystals onto the surface of the skin, mixing this gentle abrasion with light suction to remove the outer skin layer.

Micrograft - a small piece of hair-bearing skin (1-2 mm in diameter) with 1-2 hairs.

Minigraft - a small piece of hair-bearing skin with 3-4 hairs.

Neck Lift - a cosmetic surgery procedure performed to remove excess skin and fat from the neck - resulting in a tighter, younger appearance.

Nose Job - a plastic surgery procedure performed to alter the shape and/or size of one's nose.

Obagi® - a leading provider of facial products and skin care treatments. The product line includes Obagi® Advanced Skin Care Systems, Obagi Nu Derm® System, and Obagi Blue Peel®.

Otoplasty - also known as ear pinning, otoplasty is a common surgical procedure performed to set the ears back closer to the side of the head.

Pec Implants – Implants inserted into the pectoral area to give the appearance of a muscular chest.

Perlane® - an injectable cosmetic filler that consists of hyaluronic acid gel that helps reduce wrinkles, folds, and crow's feet.

Physiologic Alopecia - hair loss that is due to normal life events such as birth, childbirth, or puberty.

Portrait® Plasma Skin Regeneration - creates a resurfacing and rejuvenating effect by harnessing thermal energy which naturally occurs around us all the time. Used to treat skin damage and wrinkles.

Plug (macrograft) - a cylindrical or elliptical skin piece (4-5 mm in diameter) containing about 10 to 20 hairs.

Ptosis - sagging. Breast ptosis is usually the result of normal aging and the pull of gravity or changes caused by pregnancy or weight loss.

Radiesse™ - formerly known as Radiance™, Radiesse™ is an injectable filler used to reduce the appearance of facial lines, wrinkles, folds, scars, and chin dimples.

Resting Stage - the phase of the hair cycle in which the hair is shed and the hair follicle becomes inactive. Also called the “telogen phase,” the resting stage lasts about 100 days in a healthy person.

Restylane® Injections - a relatively new type of wrinkle-smoothing facial injection, Restylane® is a brand name for hyaluronic acid, which can be injected like collagen and reportedly lasts longer.

Rhinoplasty - more commonly known as a nose job, rhinoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure performed to alter the shape and/or size of one's nose.

Rhytidectomy - also called facelift, rhytidectomy is a plastic surgery procedure used to remove facial wrinkles, sagging skin, fat deposits, or other visible signs of aging for cosmetic purposes.

Rosacea – a skin condition that results in redness around the cheek and nose area.

Saline Implants - silicone rubber shells filled with saline solution. These implants are used to enlarge and/or alter the shape of the breasts. The benefit of saline implants is that saline solution is easily reabsorbed by the body if they leak.

Scalp Expansion - part of a hair restoration procedure that involves expanding the hair bearing portions of the scalp using inflatable implants.

Scalp Reduction - a hair restoration procedure that involves removing a section of bald scalp. The remaining scalp is then stretched and sutured together.

Sclerotherapy- a procedure performed to reduce or eliminate spider veins and/or varicose veins in the legs. This treatment involves injections of a chemical solution into the veins.

Sculptra® - an injectable polylactic acid formula used to treat facial wasting, especially in HIV/AIDS patients. Scupltra® can be used to enhance facial volume and restore a more natural and youthful look.

Sebaceous Gland - a gland in the skin that opens into a hair follicle and secretes an oily substance called sebum.

Sebum - the oily secretion of sebaceous glands.

Silicone Implants - silicone rubber shells filled with silicone gel. These implants are used to enlarge and/or alter the shape of the breasts.

SkinCeuticals - skin care products that provide the fundamental elements of a skin care regime: prevention, protection, and correction.

Skin Expansion - the use of a balloon expander to create a pocket for a breast implant in breast reconstruction surgery.

Super-Wet Liposuction - a liposuction technique in which the area to be suctioned is injected with an anesthetic saline solution of roughly the same volume as that to be removed. This technique is safer than early liposuction techniques because the risks of excessive bleeding and tissue damage are reduced.

Suture - closure of an incision or wound with stitches.

Symmastia - when two breast implants rub up against one another, over the top of the breastbone.

Telogen Phase - the shedding or “resting phase” of the hair cycle. The telogen phase lasts about 100 days in a healthy person.

Terminal Hair - long hair that grows on the scalp or, in many people, on the body. Terminal hair has large, darkly pigmented hair fibers. Balding is the loss of these terminal hairs.

Testosterone - the primary male hormone responsible for the development of masculine traits.

Thermage® - involves the use of a heated laser that causes the patient’s collagen to tighten and melts unwanted fat away.

Thigh Lift/Thighplasty – A plastic surgery procedure used to remove excess skin and fat from the thigh area.

Thread Face Lift - thin threads are insterted into the face through small incisions. The threads attach to the tissue of the skin and then are pulled back to lift and smooth the face.

Titan™ - a skin tightening system that tones, lifts, and tightens facial and body skin and stimulates the rebuilding of collagen under the skin's surface.

Tumescent Liposuction - a liposuction technique in which the area to be suctioned is injected with an anesthetic saline solution of double or triple the volume to be removed. This technique is safer than early liposuction techniques because there is less bleeding and damage to surrounding tissue.

Tummy Tuck - also known as abdominoplasty, tummy tuck is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess fat and skin from the abdominal area. Abdominal muscles may also be tightened during this procedure, which is performed to create a flatter, firmer stomach.

Ultrasonic-Assisted Liposuction - this liposuction technique involves the use of a cannula equipped with a special ultrasound-emitting tip. The ultrasound liquefies the fat and makes it easier to suction. This technique is especially effective at removing smaller, targeted fat deposits.

Vein Therapy - therapy to treat unsightly spider veins and/or varicose veins. Methods include sclerotherapy, lasers, and surgery. The form of therapy used depends on the size, severity, and location of the site to be treated.

Vellus Hair - fine, soft, short hair that is one to two centimeters long. It contains little pigmentation.