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PrintA glossary of terms for cosmetic surgery
Helpful definitions for cosmetic procedures.
Abdominoplasty: Also known as a tummy tuck, this surgical procedure flattens the abdomen by removing extra fat and skin while also tightening muscles in the abdominal wall.
Autologen: This substance is derived from a person’s skin and injected into lips during a lip augmentation to create fuller lips.
Blepharoplasty: A surgical procedure that reduces bagginess from lower eyelids and lifts drooping upper eyelids by removing excess skin, muscle and underlying fatty tissue.
Breast augmentation: A surgical procedure in which implants are used to increase breast size, or enhance and contour the existing tissue.
Botox: This popular product is derived from botulinum toxin and prevents nerve impulses from reaching the muscle, causing it to relax.
Brow lift: By tightening the skin of the forehead and eyebrows in this surgical procedure, eyebrow sagging is eliminated and frown lines are corrected.
Chemical peel: Also known as chemexfoliation, this process includes applying a chemical solution to the skin, which removes dead skin cells and stimulates new cell production.
Dental implants: An implant that replaces a missing tooth.
Dermabrasion: Upper layers of skin, whether scarred from acne, pox or other causes, are frozen and removed by a high-powered rotating brush in this procedure. This procedure is more invasive than microdermabrasion.
Deviated septum: The septum, the wall that divides the inside of the nose into two sides, is not in the desired location inside the nose. This can be corrected with surgery.
Electrolysis: Chemicals or heat is used to remove hairs and destroy hair follicles.
Gum lift: A procedure to achieve a more even smile and remove excessive or uneven gums.
Lip augmentation: Commonly performed through injections or implants, this procedure improves lips that have begun to droop, sag or deflate. It can also correct lips’ symmetry and reduce fine lines and wrinkles near the area.
Liposuction: A cannula, a special tool used in this cosmetic procedure, breaks up and sucks out fat from the body. This procedure is also known as lipoplasty.
Mastopexy: A procedure, commonly known as a breast lift, that lifts sagging or drooping breasts by removing excess skin.
Micropigmentation: Permanent makeup, achieved by injecting or tattooing iron oxide pigment into the middle layer of skin.
Otoplasty: This surgical procedure corrects misshaped or protruding ears.
Restoring chipped or cracked teeth: Veneers or laminates can eliminate the appearance of chipped, cracked or worn teeth.
Rhinoplasty: Commonly known as a nose job, this cosmetic procedure alters or enhances the appearance of the nose.
Rhytidectomy: Sagging, drooping and wrinkled skin of the neck and face are eliminated during this surgical procedure, also known as a face-lift.
Sclerotherapy: Commonly sodium chloride is injected into varicose veins and “spider veins” to eliminate their appearance.
Septoplasty: While often done during a rhinoplasty, this surgical procedure improves airflow to the nose by correcting abnormal cartilage.
Teeth whitening: A procedure performed in the dentist’s office, or with dentist supervision, to lighten and whiten discolored teeth.
Tooth-colored fillings: Older fillings can be replaced with materials to virtually match the tooth’s color.
Veneers: Custom moldings made of high-tech and tooth-colored materials that cover the front of the teeth.
Sources: WebMD.com and American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
