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Cosmetic Surgery Definitions
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Plastic Surgery Glossary Terms

Abdomen Liposuction - a type of liposuction used to remove stubborn fat resistant to exercise and dieting from the abdominal region.
 
Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) - a procedure to remove excess skin and fat and achieve a tighter, flatter stomach area. An abdominoplasty can also tighten weakened abdominal muscles and, in some cases, improve stretch marks.
 
Accent Laser - a non-invasive, laser treatment for cellulite reduction, it uses a combination of radio frequency signals and laser light to heat the targeted area, kill the fat cells and tighten loose skin.
 
Age Spot Removal - also called liver spots, these marks can be treated with freezing, acids, skin sanding, electric needle and other tested methods which remove the top layer of the skin.
 
Alloderm Inserts - injectable fillers which can be used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles or add fullness to any area of the face.
 
Alpha Hydroxy Acids - acids derived from foods such as fruits and milk, which can improve the texture of skin when used to remove layers of dead cells and encourage cell regeneration.
 
Anesthesia - the loss of 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.
 
Areola - the dark area of skin that surrounds the nipple of the breast.
 
Arm Liposuction - a procedure in which excess fat is removed under a general anesthetic, improving the appearance of upper arms.
 
ArteFill - a gel injectable filler consisting of millions of synthetic microspheres suspended in purified bovine collagen.
 
Asymmetry - a lack of symmetry. Parts of the face or body unequal in shape or size are known as asymmetrical.
 
Augmentation Mammoplasty - (see Breast Augmentation)
 
Autologous tissue breast reconstruction - the use of the patients own tissues to reconstruct a new breast mound. The Transverse Rectus Abdominous Muscle flap involves removing an area of fat, skin, and muscle from the abdomen and connecting it to the mastectomy site.
 
Back Liposuction - a liposuction process targeted at removing excess fat from the patients back, reducing the areas where such fat can be problematical, for example around the bra area.
 
Bariatric Surgery - generalized term describing any number of surgical weight-loss procedures.
 
Bilateral Gynecomastia - (male breast reduction) - a condition of over-developed or enlarged breasts affecting both breasts in men. See also Male Breast Reduction.
 
Blepharoplasty - (eyelid surgery) - a plastic surgical procedure on the eyelid designed to reduce excess tissue and to correct defects. See also Eyelid Surgery.
 
Body Lifts - a body lift is surgery performed to correct excess loose and sagging skin. Surgical body lifting improves the shape and tone of the underlying tissue that supports fat and skin.
 
Body-Sculpting Liposuction (suction-assisted lipectomy, suction lipectomy, lipoplasty) - a plastic surgery procedure that is ideal for contouring specific body areas with localized fatty deposits.
 
Body Thermage - a non-invasive, non-surgical procedure that works to tighten, contour and rejuvenate skin to help restore a more youthful appearance. See also Thermage Skin Tightening.
 
Botox - a highly purified preparation of Botulinum Toxin A is injected, in very small amounts, into specific muscles. It works by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses to muscles and so paralyzing the muscles.
 
Botox Injections - using a micro-needle, minute amounts of Botulinum Toxin are injected into specific facial muscles and stops them forming lines and wrinkles, resulting in a more youthful appearance.
 
Botulinum Toxin - a toxin produced by bacterium in the body, more commonly known by the brand name Botox, which is injected to temporarily relax facial muscles to eliminate wrinkles for three to six months.
 
Brachioplasty - (see Arm Lift) a surgical procedure in which excess fat and sagging skin are removed from the upper part of the arm to give a firmer and more youthful look.
 
Breast Augmentation (augmentation mammaplasty) - a surgical procedure to increase the size of the breast using artificial implants, filled with either a saline solution or silicone.
 
Breast Enhancement (augmentation mammaplasty) - see Breast Augmentation.
 
Breast Enlargement (augmentation mammaplasty, mastoplexy) - a surgical procedure to increase size of the breasts by the insertion of artificial implants. See also Breast Implants and Breast Augmentation.
 
Breast Implants (mastopexy) - a silicone rubber shell filled with either silicone gel or inflated with a saline solution used to enlarge the breast.
 
Breast Implants (textured-surface) - the shell of textured-surface breast implants are made with the same silicone elastomer that is used for the shell of other types of breast implants, but a special manufacturing process creates a textured surface.
 
Breast Implant Removal - a surgical procedure to remove implants with or without replacement; for desired changes in proportions, or due to implant-related complications.
 
Breast Lift (mastopexy) - a surgical procedure to lift the breasts, remove excess skin and raise the nipple for perkier, fuller breasts; to counteract gravity, loss of elasticity, and sagging.
 
Breast Reconstruction (mastectomy) - a plastic surgery procedure designed to restore breasts to a normal shape, appearance and size following mastectomy.
 
Breast Reduction (reduction mammoplasty) - a procedure designed to reduce breast size. The procedure removes fat, tissue, and excess skin from the breast, making the breast smaller, lighter, and firmer.
 
Breast Surgery Main (augmentation mammoplasty, mastopexy, mastectomy, reduction mammoplasty) - any numbers of surgical procedures to increase, lift, raise or reduce the size of the breasts. See also Breast Implants, Breast Lift and Breast Reconstruction.
 
Brow Lift - see Forehead Lift.
 
Buccal Fat Pad - buccal fat pads are located above the jaw line near the corner of the mouth. They can be removed to give rounded faces a more contoured look, sometimes referred to as the "waif look".
 
Buttock implants (Gluteal Augmentation) - the implant, usually made of silicone, is inserted into either the buttock cheeks to create a firmer, more desirable appearance.
 
Buttock Lift (Gluteoplasty) - reduction of excess fat and loose skin in the buttock region by performing a buttock lift in combination with liposuction (lipoplasty).
 
Calf Augmentation - increased fullness of the calf is achieved using implants made of hard silicone which are inserted from behind the knee and moved into position underneath the calf muscle.
 
Calf Implants - implants used to increase the size and shape of the calf muscles.
 
Cannula - a hollow tube attached to a high-vacuum device used to remove fat through liposuction.
 
Capsular Contracture - the most common complication associated with breast implants. It occurs when naturally forming scar tissue around the implant shrinks and tightens, sometimes causing hardening and pain in the breast.
 
Captique - fDA-approved dermal filler that can be used for cosmetic use to fill deep folds and wrinkles in the face, resulting in improved facial contours and a rejuvenated appearance.
 
CAT Scan - a Computer Tomography Scan (CAT scan) is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images of the body. A CAT scan can reveal detailed images of bones, muscles, blood vessels and organs.
 
Cellulite - the dimpled-looking fat that often appears on the buttocks, thighs and hips. Techniques to improve the condition include a cellulite lift, in which excess skin and fat are surgically removed.
 
Cheek Implant (MalarAaugmentation) - a procedure to enhance the shape, contour, and balance of face.
 
Chemical Peel (chemexfoliation, facial peel) - a non-surgical skin rejuvenation treatment, in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin. This peels the top layers of dead skin cells, stimulating the growth of fresh skin cells.
 
Chin Augmentation (Mentoplasty) - chin augmentation can strengthen the appearance of a receding chin by increasing its projection. One procedure involves the insertion of an implant; the other involves moving the chinbone and wiring it into its new position.
 
Chin Implants> - (Genioplasty, or chin surgery) - a chin augmentation in which an artificial implant is surgically placed in the chin to correct an anatomical deficiency or to achieve a more desirable appearance.
 
Coblation - relatively new technique for skin resurfacing that uses cooler radio wave energy instead of a laser to remove the outer layers of skin and cause the collagen in the skin to remold.
 
Collagen - a natural protein - the major protein of connective tissue that makes up the foundation of skin and other tissues. Used as an injectable filler for soft tissue augmentation. See also injectable fillers.
 
Collagen Treatments - a filler made up of the protein collagen is injected to treat facial wrinkles, modify defects and rejuvenate areas of the skin.
 
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.
 
Conventional Liposuction (lipoplasty) - a surgical procedure which removes localized collections of fatty tissue from the legs, buttocks, abdomen, back, arms, face and neck using a high vacuum device.
 
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 - 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.
 
Dermabrasion - a surgical procedure in which the surface layers of skin, scarred from acne or other causes, is frozen and then removed using a high-powered rotating brush, giving the skin a more youthful appearance.
 
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 scars or other facial defects.
 
Earlobe Reduction - earlobe reduction is a simple procedure which can be performed in a plastic surgeon's office. It involves cutting an L-shaped wedge from the lobe to reduce its size.
 
Earlobe Repair - procedures to correct any abnormal appearance of earlobes including torn, split or stretched earlobes.
 
Ear Surgery (Otoplasty) - a procedure to reshape the ears, such as pinning back prominent ears or correcting abnormalities in shape and appearance.
 
Endoscope - a 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 - a procedure in which a lighted viewing instrument (endoscope) is used to look inside a body cavity or organ to diagnose or treat disorders.
 
Expander/implant breast reconstruction - the use of an expander to create a breast mound, followed by the placement of a permanently filled breast implant.
 
External Ultrasonic Liposuction - ultrasound is applied to the exterior of the body prior to liposuction. The ultrasound separates body fat and oil from other tissue so that it can be suctioned away.
 
Eyelid Surgery (blepharoplasty) - procedure designed to correct problems with eyelids, for example drooping eyelids and bags.
 
Face and Neck Surgery Main - any number of surgical or non-surgical procedures designed to improve, alter and change the appearance of the face and neck.
 
Face Lift (Rhytidectomy) - a surgical procedure to rejuvenate the appearance of the face and neck which reduces jowls under the cheeks and improves the jaw line by repositioning muscle and removing excess skin.
 
Facial implant - a cosmetic plastic surgery procedure undertaken to enhance certain facial features, such as the cheek, chin or jaw, or to bring one aspect of the face into proportion with the rest of the facial structure.
 
Fat Injections - techniques in which fat withdrawn from one body site can be injected into another, for example to smooth lines in the face or build up the lips. Also used to correct scars and other depressions in the skin.
 
Facial Reconstruction - surgery to repair or reconstruct facial features in victims of cancer, facial trauma and birth defects.
 
Facial Rejuvenation - the general term given to a variety of treatments used to give a more youthful, fresher facial appearance.
 
Facial Vein Removal - treatments which eliminate facial veins which have become prominent due to, for example, aging, heredity, or the facial flushes associated with rosacea.
 
Fibrel - fibrel is a synthetic substance which is used as an alternative to collagen and fat injections for the treatment of facial wrinkles.
 
Filler Injections - procedures in which substances are injected into the skin to plump facial areas or to fill wrinkles.
 
Flap surgery - surgery that involves transporting healthy, live tissue from one part of the body to another, often to repair areas that have lost skin, fat, muscle movement and/or skeletal support.
 
Forehead lift - a surgical procedure that eliminates wrinkles, creases, and signs of aging on the forehead by removing excess fat and skin and tightening the muscles. It is often done in conjunction with a facelift.
 
Fractional Resurfacing (photothermolysys) - a treatment to eliminate lines and wrinkles, repair sun damaged skin, and remove age spots and blemishes. It can also treat acne scars and hyper pigmentation (patches of darker skin).
 
Fraxel (Fractional laser treatment) - a type of laser used in cosmetic procedures which effectively removes the topmost layers of small areas of skin, and is used to treat problems such as acne scars and uneven pigmentation.
 
Gastric Bypass - weight loss surgery procedure which creates a small pouch at the top of the stomach so that food bypasses most of the stomach and some of the intestine. This greatly restricts the amount of food which can be eaten and the calories absorbed.
 
Gynecomastia - a condition in which the male's breast tissue enlarges, gynecomastia literally means "woman breast." This increase in tissue usually occurs at times of hormonal changes, such as adolescence and old age.
 
Hair Removal - the most effective form of hair removal is surgical laser hair removal. The laser beams energy passes down the hair shaft and works on hair follicles that are in the active growth phase. See also Laser Hair Removal.
 
Hair Restoration/ Replacement - procedures that transfer healthy hair follicles from donor areas to the hairless areas.
 
Hair Transplantation - a thin strip of hair-bearing scalp is removed, separated into pieces of 1 to 5 hair follicles, and then implanted into hairless areas.
 
Hand Surgery - procedures performed to treat traumatic injuries or loss of function resulting from such diseases as advanced arthritis of the hand.
 
Hematoma - blood that collects under the skin or in an organ.
 
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) - a treatment used to replace hormones that a womans body is no longer producing because of the menopause.
 
Hyaluronic Acid (dermal fillers, injectable fillers) - hyaluronic acid is a natural fluid present in the human body. It is used in cosmetic procedures as injectable filler to, for instance, plump out wrinkles and improve the appearance of acne scars.
 
Hydroxylapatite Granules - hydroxylapatite granules are a bone substitute made from coral that can be used to enhance facial contours. The substance also has reconstructive uses in craniofacial surgery.
 
Injectable Fillers - a non-invasive procedure designed to restore a more youthful appearance to skin. Injectables are comprised of fluids naturally produced in the body such as collagen and Hyaluronic acid. See also Hyaluronic acid.
 
IPL Hair Removal (Intense Pulsed Light) - treatment in which the doctor or specialist shoots a beam of light down to the base of the skin allowing the root of the hair to absorb the light while burning it from the inside.
 
Jaw Implants - implants can be added surgically to improve and enhance the appearance of the jaw line.
 
Juvaderm - injectable filler that consists of non-animal stabilized Hyaluronic acid.
 
Labiaplasty (vaginal rejuvenation) - a cosmetic genital surgical procedure designed to reduce the size of and/or improve the shape of the labia minora (lips) of the vagina, or the larger labia majora.
 
Laceration Repair - laceration repair mends a tear in the skin to stop bleeding, prevent infection, preserve function, and restore appearance. The goal is to achieve optimal cosmetic results with minimal scarring.
 
Lap Band Surgery - a laparoscopic gastric band acts like a belt around the top section of the stomach, creating a small pouch and reducing food intake. It is fitted using keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery.
 
Large Volume Liposuction (suction-assisted lipectomy, suction lipectomy, lipoplasty) - a surgical procedure which removes large amounts of fat, usually more than 8-10 liters, from under the skin through the use of a cannula and vacuum.
 
Large Volume Surgery (circumferential) - after dramatic weight loss, patients with a large amount of excess skin and tissue may opt for circumferential surgery. This radical operation reshapes and tightens the mid-torso by cutting away the extra skin and tissue.
 
Laser Hair Removal - in this treatment a laser beam is targeted at the melanin found in the hair follicles beneath the surface of the skin, destroying the follicle and preventing further growth.
 
Laser Resurfacing (Skin Rejuvenation) - laser skin resurfacing removes damaged outer layers of skin and stimulates the production of collagen and new skin cells in the underlying layers, to produce younger-looking skin.
 
Laser Scar Revision - the properties of laser light make it an effective method for reducing the appearance of certain types of scars. Experts can advise on the type of laser and the type of treatment required.
 
Laser Skin Resurfacing (laser peel) - a non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatment which eliminates or modifies skin defects by concentrating the laser on damaged areas, leaving surrounding tissues undamaged.
 
Laser Skin Tightening - a skin rejuvenation procedure to improve the tone, firmness and smoothness of the skin. It is also used to treat age spots, pigmentation, melasma, rosacea, high colour and wrinkles.
 
Laser Spider Vein Treatment - laser energy is used to make spider veins, also called telangiectasias, coagulate and shrink. The laser is applied to the skin directly over the veins.
 
Lip Augmentation - a procedure that increases the size and definition of the lips, using temporary or permanent facial fillers or implants.
 
Lip Lift - a technique that surgically lifts the corners of the mouth to eliminate the droop that often develops with age. It involves cutting away small diamonds of skin just above the corners of the mouth.
 
Lipodissolve - a treatment involving a series of minuscule injections of chemicals which dissolve localized areas of fat deposits in areas of the body such as the thighs, hips, arms and face.
 
Lipoplasty - a procedure that allows the plastic surgeon to remove localized collections of fatty tissue from the legs, buttocks, abdomen, back, arms, face and neck using a high vacuum device.
 
LipoSelection - a new, gentle technology similar to ultrasound liposuction that allows the safe and precise removal of areas of unwanted fat.
 
Liposuction Main (suction-assisted lipectomy, lipoplasty, suction lipectomy) - fat lying under the skin is removed through the use of a cannula and vacuum. The procedure can help sculpt the body by removing unwanted fat from specific areas.
 
Lip Reduction - to reduce the lips, a small strip of the mucosa (the lining of the lip) is surgically removed to narrow the lips to the desired proportion. The small scars are barely noticeable.
 
Lower Eyelid Surgery (blepharoplasty) - a procedure to correct drooping eyelids or bags. See also blepharoplasty.
 
Macrolane - using the filler Hyaluronic acid to contour the body, it can be used for many purposes, including creating a more defined chest in men and redefining and contouring the breasts and buttocks.
 
Malar augmentation (cheek Implant) - the cheekbones are enhanced or built up by placing an implant over the existing cheekbones. See also Cheek Implant.
 
Male Breast Reduction - a procedure to reduce over-large breasts in the male, the condition known as gynecomastia.
 
Male Hair Restoration - a procedure in which healthy hair follicles are transplanted from healthy donor area to the area lacking in hair.
 
Male Pectoral Enlargement - implants are inserted into the pectoral area to give the appearance of a muscular chest.
 
Male Procedures Main - any surgical or non-surgical procedure which seeks to improve, alter, or change the size or appearance of the male body.
 
Mastectomy - a general term for the surgery to remove parts of or the entire breast. The surgery is usually carried out to remove cancerous tissue; in some cases, women believed to be at high risk of breast cancer have the operation to prevent the disease occurring.
 
Mastopexy - (see Breast Lift)
 
Maxillofacial - pertaining to the jaws and face.
 
Mentoplasty (chin surgery) - the restructuring and reformation of the "mentum" region of the face, whether the chin is considered overly prominent or receding. See also Chin Implants.
 
Mesotherapy - a series of injections of homeopathic medicine into the fat layer beneath the skin for cellulite reduction and weight loss.
 
Microdermabrasion - a skin care treatment which involves passing a collection of fine crystals over the skin to smooth the surface through a process of exfoliation. It can help treat wrinkles, acne scars and sun damage.
 
Mini-Or-Micro-Grafting - a hair replacement technique where transplanted pieces of hair-bearing skin are placed between the original plugs to refine the overall appearance.
 
Mini Tummy Tucks - a procedure to remove excess fat and skin from around the middle to produce a flatter body profile and younger-looking abdomen. It is similar to a full abdominoplasty but the navel does not need re-positioning.
 
Nasal surgery (rhinoplasty, nose surgery, nasal reconstruction) - reshaping and/or resizing of the nose. See also Rhinoplasty.
 
Neck Lift> (cervicoplasty) - surgery to remove excess skin to raise the neckline, correct "turkey neck", and improve the profile.
 
Nipple Augmentation - a surgical procedure to alter nipple size in both men and women. This surgery is often performed with another plastic surgery procedure, mostly breast augmentation.
 
Non-Invasive Procedures - non-surgical procedures which offer quick results without the complexities and inconvenience of an operation.
 
Orthognathic Surgery - surgery to alleviate problems with a patient's bite or jaw alignment (performed in cooperation with a patient's dentist, orthodontist or oral maxillofacial surgeon).
 
Otoplasty - surgery of the ear to pin back prominent ears or reduce and reshape overly large or malformed ears.
 
Partial Abdominoplasty - a "mini tummy tuck." This procedure is ideal for individuals who have fat deposits limited to the area below the navel.
 
Pectoral (Chest) Enlargement - male pectoral enlargement is a cosmetic procedure where chest implants made of solid silicone are inserted inside the chest to increase chest size and shape.
 
Peel - Buffered Phenol - an option for severely sun-damaged skin. One formula uses olive oil, among other ingredients, to diminish the strength of the phenol solution.
 
Phenol - the chemical phenol is sometimes used for full-face peeling when sun damage or wrinkling is severe. It can also be used to treat limited areas of the face, such as deep wrinkles around the mouth.
 
Photofacial Rejuvenation - a treatment that uses pulses of light to combat the effect of aging and skin damage, helping to improve fine lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores , irregular pigmentation and the effects of rosacea.
 
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.
 
Platysma - the muscle which, when tight and firm, gives the neck underneath the chin and jaw line its youthful contour. The muscle can be tightened during a facelift or as a separate procedure.
 
Polydactyly - a congenital problem characterized by an increase in the number of fingers or toes.
 
Polymethyl-Pethacrylate Microspheres (PMMA) - non-biodegradable, relatively non-toxic and chemically inert dermal filler used under the brand of ArteFill (ArteColl).
 
Post Bariatric Surgery - the general term for the group of operations to deal with the excess skin, unwanted scars, stretch marks and folds after massive weight loss. The commonest procedures include thigh lifts, arm lifts, and total body-lifts.
 
Radiesse - a dermal filler made of calcium-based microspheres suspended in a water-based gel which is injected into the skin and can help restore a healthy and youthful appearance.
 
Reconstructive Plastic Surgery - a 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.
 
Reduction Mammoplasty - (see Breast Reduction)
 
ReFirme (skin resurfacing) - a treatment combining radiofrequency (RF) with infrared (IR) light. The two work simultaneously to gently heat the skin, resulting in tightening and firming of the skin.
 
Restylane - a soft tissue filler made of hyaluronic acid, which adds volume to minimize wrinkles and lines.
 
Retin-A - retin-A cream or lotion may be applied to enhance the overall texture of the skin and is often prescribed as a pre-treatment prior to a facelift or chemical peel.
 
Reviderm Intra - an injectable dermal filler comprised of non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid with suspended carbohydrate complex microspheres.
 
Rhinoplasty (nasal surgery, nose surgery, nose reconstruction) - the surgical repair of a defect of the nose, including reshaping or resizing the nose.
 
Rhinoplasty - Open - a small incision is made outside the nose enabling the plastic surgeon to turn the outer tissue of the nose back, providing visualization of the structures inside. This can benefit patients needing complex nasal correction.
 
Rhytidectomy (facelift) - a surgical procedure that involves the removal of excess facial fat, the tightening of facial muscles, and the stretching of facial skin, in order to achieve a smoother, firmer appearance.
 
Scalp Flap Surgery - a hair replacement method that involves rotating strips of hair-bearing scalp from the side and back of the head to the front and top.
 
Scalp Reduction Surgery - surgery to reduce the size of the bald area.
 
Scar - the body's natural way of healing and replacing lost or damaged skin. A scar is usually composed of fibrous tissue and may be formed as a result of infections, surgery, injuries, or inflammation.
 
Scar Revision Surgery - any of a variety of procedures to improve the appearance and/or orientation of scars.
 
Sculptra - an injectable volumising treatment made of poly-L-lactic acid which smoothes out lines and wrinkles and restores lost facial volume.
 
Septoplasty - the surgical correction of defects and deformities of the nasal septum (the partition between the nostrils).
 
Septorhinoplasty - a form of rhinoplasty that is performed to reconstruct the nasal passage or to relieve obstructions inside the nose to correct breathing problems.
 
Skin Grafts - this surgical procedure involves removing healthy portions of skin from one part of the body to restore normal appearance and/or function to another, damaged, part.
 
Skin Resurfacing - removal of the outer layer of the skin using abrasion, chemicals or a laser, resulting in smoother and less wrinkled skin.
 
S-Lift (Short Scar Face Lift) - a short-scar facelift repositions the skin and soft tissues of the face that have been affected by the aging process, and is specifically designed to cause minimal scarring.
 
SmartLipo - a non-invasive technique, not requiring the use of a general anesthetic. The procedure involves the use of a laser that dissolves the fat and tightens the surrounding skin.
 
SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) - a layer of tissue that covers the deeper structures in the cheek area and links to the superficial muscle covering the lower face and neck. Some deeper facelift techniques lift and reposition the SMAS as well as the skin.
 
Soft tissue fillers - these are used to correct various facial lines and folds. Fillers are placed in areas that have lost 'scaffolding', and aim to achieve a natural lifting and tightening of the skin.
 
Superficial Syringe Liposculpture - use of a syringe to withdraw fat from the layer just beneath the skin, instead of vacuum suctioning. This should result in speedier post-procedure recovery.
 
Surgical Scar Revisions - no scar can be removed completely, but plastic surgeons can often improve the appearance through the injection or application of steroid medications or through surgical procedures.
 
Syndactyly - a congenital problem characterized by a union of fingers or toes.
 
Tattooing (Cosmetic) - also known as Micropigmentation, it can be used by plastic surgeons to restore skin color damaged by cancer, vitiligo or other factors, and to eliminate some types of birthmarks or unwanted tattoos. Eyeliner, eyebrows or lip color can be permanently applied.
 
Tattoo Removals - a special laser beam is focused on the unwanted tattoo and the intense light gradually breaks up the ink particles so they can be naturally absorbed by the body. Around 8 to 10 treatments are usually required.
 
TCA - trichloroacetic acid is used for peeling of the face, neck, hands and other exposed areas of the body. It has less bleaching effect than phenol, and is particularly used for "spot" peeling of specific areas.
 
Thermage Skin Tightening - a non-invasive procedure that uses radio frequency to help smooth, tighten and contour skin on various parts of the body for a younger-looking appearance.
 
Thigh Lift - a thigh lift is performed to tighten sagging muscles and remove excess skin in the thigh area.
 
Threadlift - a non-surgical, no scar facelift performed using tiny surgical sutures (called threads) to lift and support droopy elements of the face, cheeks, neck and brow.
 
Tissue Expansion - a technique in which skin or other tissue is stretched using inflatable balloons. It can be of particular value in performing breast reconstruction, breast enlargement or treatment of male pattern baldness.
 
Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) - this procedure involves making an incision from inside the lower eyelid. It is a useful technique when only fat, and not skin or muscle, needs to be removed from the eyelid area.
 
Tumescent Liposuction - the tumescent technique contours such areas as the waist, hips, thighs and buttocks.
 
Tummy Tuck (abdominoplasty) - a surgical procedure which removes excess fat and skin around the abdomen area. It is especially beneficial after pregnancy or weight loss.
 
Ultrasonic Liposuction (ultrasonic assisted liposuction) - a procedure used in conjunction with tumescent liposuction techniques; it works by converting ultrasonic energy into heat and melting the fat cells ready for suction.
 
Upper Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) - a surgical procedure to remove loose skin and excess fat deposits in the upper arm and improve the contour of the arm following weight loss.
 
Varicose veins - these twisted, widened veins are caused by swollen or enlarged blood vessels. The blood vessels have enlarged due a weakening in the vein's wall or valves.
 
Velashape - a non-invasive procedure designed to combat cellulite. Treatment combines powerful energies to reduce the volume of fat tissues and the appearance of dimpling.
 
Velasmooth - a non-invasive, cellulite reduction procedure that is FDA approved. Infrared light heats the target area and conducted radio frequency penetrates to heat the fat cells below the surface of the skin and promote fat cell metabolism.
 
 
Most popular procedures on Perfect Yourself: liposuction, breast augmentation, face lifts, rhinoplasty, tummy tucks
 
Be sure to also visit our Expert Advice page where you can find great questions from real visitors, Answered by real Doctors. If you ready for cosmetic surgery then check out our cosmetic surgery financing section for great rates on your next procedure.
 

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