Complete Plastic Surgery Glossary: Terms Every Patient Should Know

Navigating the world of plastic surgery can feel overwhelming, especially when you encounter medical terminology that sounds unfamiliar or confusing. Understanding the key terms and procedures is essential for making informed decisions about your care. This comprehensive glossary defines over thirty of the most commonly used plastic surgery terms in simple, everyday language, organized by category so you can easily find the information you need. Whether you are researching a specific procedure or simply want to be better informed, this guide will help you speak confidently with your surgeon and understand every aspect of your treatment plan.

At Dr. Johar's Plastic Surgery Group, patient education is a cornerstone of our practice. We encourage every patient to understand the terminology and techniques involved in their procedure.

Facial Surgery Terms

Rhinoplasty — Commonly known as a "nose job," rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure to reshape, resize, or reconstruct the nose. It can address cosmetic concerns such as a dorsal hump, wide tip, or crooked bridge, as well as functional issues like a deviated septum that impairs breathing. Rhinoplasty is one of the most frequently performed plastic surgery procedures worldwide.

Blepharoplasty — Eyelid surgery that removes excess skin, fat, and muscle from the upper and/or lower eyelids. Blepharoplasty addresses drooping upper lids that may obstruct vision, under-eye bags, and puffiness that creates a tired appearance. The procedure can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both.

Facelift (Rhytidectomy) — A surgical procedure to address sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and loss of facial volume. A facelift involves tightening the underlying facial muscles (SMAS layer), removing excess skin, and redraping the skin for a smoother, more youthful contour. Modern techniques produce natural-looking results with minimal scarring.

Brow Lift (Forehead Lift) — A procedure to raise the eyebrows and smooth forehead wrinkles. A brow lift addresses drooping brows that can create a tired or angry appearance and reduces horizontal lines across the forehead. It can be performed through traditional incisions or endoscopically with smaller incisions.

Otoplasty — Ear surgery performed to reshape, resize, or reposition the ears. Otoplasty is commonly performed on children and adults who are self-conscious about protruding, asymmetrical, or misshapen ears. The procedure reshapes the cartilage to create a more natural, proportionate ear appearance.

Chin Augmentation (Genioplasty) — A procedure to enhance the size, shape, or projection of the chin using implants or surgical repositioning of the chin bone. Chin augmentation creates better facial balance and can improve the profile by correcting a weak or receding chin.

Mentoplasty — A general term for any surgical procedure performed on the chin, including augmentation, reduction, or repositioning. Mentoplasty is often performed in conjunction with rhinoplasty for comprehensive facial harmony.

Lip Lift — A surgical procedure to shorten the distance between the nose and the upper lip, creating a more youthful and defined lip appearance. A lip lift enhances the shape and fullness of the upper lip without the use of fillers, providing permanent results.

Body Contouring Terms

Liposuction — A surgical procedure that removes stubborn pockets of fat from specific areas of the body using a thin tube called a cannula. Liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure but rather a body-contouring technique that targets fat deposits resistant to diet and exercise. Common treatment areas include the abdomen, thighs, hips, arms, back, and chin.

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) — A surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tighten the underlying abdominal muscles. Abdominoplasty is particularly popular among women after pregnancy and individuals who have experienced significant weight loss. The procedure creates a flatter, more toned midsection.

Body Lift — A comprehensive body contouring procedure that addresses excess skin and fat in multiple areas, typically the abdomen, hips, thighs, and buttocks. A body lift is commonly performed after massive weight loss to remove the loose, hanging skin that remains.

Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) — A surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the upper arms, creating a more toned and contoured appearance. Arm lift surgery is popular among individuals who have significant skin laxity in the upper arms due to aging, weight loss, or genetics.

Thigh Lift — A procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the thighs, improving the contour and shape of the inner or outer thighs. Thigh lift surgery is often combined with liposuction for optimal results and is particularly beneficial after significant weight loss.

VASER Liposuction — An advanced form of liposuction that uses ultrasound technology to break up fat cells before they are removed. VASER liposuction is less invasive than traditional liposuction, causes less bruising, and can produce more precise contouring results, especially in fibrous areas.

Breast Surgery Terms

Breast Augmentation (Augmentation Mammoplasty) — A surgical procedure to increase the size, shape, or fullness of the breasts using silicone or saline implants or fat transfer. Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures worldwide, helping women achieve their desired breast size and improve symmetry.

Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammoplasty) — A procedure to reduce the size and weight of overly large breasts by removing excess breast tissue, fat, and skin. Breast reduction alleviates chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain, improves posture, and creates a more proportionate body contour.

Mastopexy (Breast Lift) — A surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. Mastopexy repositions the nipple and areola to a more youthful position and improves the overall shape and firmness of the breasts. It can be performed alone or in conjunction with augmentation or reduction.

Gynecomastia Surgery — A surgical procedure to reduce enlarged male breast tissue, creating a flatter, more masculine chest contour. Gynecomastia surgery involves removing excess fat and glandular tissue from the chest and is one of the most commonly performed procedures for male patients.

Reconstruction Mammaplasty — Breast reconstruction performed after mastectomy to rebuild the breast shape using implants, tissue flaps from other parts of the body, or a combination of both. Reconstruction mammaplasty is a critical part of the recovery process for many breast cancer survivors.

Skin and Non-Surgical Terms

Dermabrasion — A skin-resurfacing procedure that uses a rotating instrument to remove the outer layers of skin, promoting the growth of new, smoother skin. Dermabrasion is effective for treating acne scars, sun damage, and certain types of skin irregularities.

Chemical Peel — A non-surgical treatment that uses a chemical solution to remove the outer layers of skin, revealing fresher, smoother skin underneath. Chemical peels range from light to deep and can address fine lines, sun damage, uneven skin tone, and mild acne scarring.

Laser Resurfacing — A procedure that uses concentrated light energy to remove damaged skin cells and stimulate collagen production. Laser resurfacing can improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles, minimize scars, and even out skin tone. Different types of lasers are used depending on the specific concern and desired depth of treatment.

Botox (Botulinum Toxin) — A non-surgical injectable treatment that temporarily relaxes facial muscles to reduce the appearance of dynamic wrinkles caused by facial expressions. Botox is commonly used to treat forehead lines, frown lines between the eyebrows, and crow's feet around the eyes. Results typically last three to six months.

Dermal Fillers — Injectable treatments that add volume to specific areas of the face to restore fullness, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. Common filler materials include hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, and poly-L-lactic acid. Fillers are used to treat lips, cheeks, under-eye hollows, nasolabial folds, and marionette lines.

General Surgical Terms

Anesthesia — Medication administered before and during surgery to prevent pain. General anesthesia renders the patient completely unconscious, while local anesthesia numbs only the specific area being treated. Sedation, or twilight anesthesia, keeps the patient relaxed but partially aware. The type of anesthesia used depends on the procedure and the patient's needs.

Board Certification — A credential awarded to physicians who have completed specialized training in their field and passed rigorous examinations. Board certification in plastic surgery indicates that the surgeon has met the highest standards of education, training, and competency. Always verify that your plastic surgeon is board-certified.

SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) — The layer of muscle and connective tissue beneath the skin of the face. During a facelift, the SMAS layer is tightened and repositioned to create a more youthful, lifted appearance. Addressing the SMAS is essential for producing long-lasting, natural-looking facelift results.

Incision — The cut made by the surgeon during a procedure. The placement, length, and direction of incisions are carefully planned to minimize visible scarring. Many plastic surgery techniques use incisions in natural creases, along the hairline, or inside the mouth to conceal scars.

Reconstructive Surgery — Plastic surgery performed to restore form and function after injury, disease, or congenital defects. Reconstructive procedures include breast reconstruction after mastectomy, cleft lip and palate repair, burn treatment, and hand surgery. The term "plastic" in plastic surgery comes from the Greek word "plastikos," meaning to mold or shape.

Cosmetic Surgery — Plastic surgery performed solely to enhance appearance rather than to restore function or correct a medical condition. Cosmetic procedures include rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, liposuction, facelifts, and eyelid surgery. These procedures are typically elective and not covered by insurance.

For more information about specific procedures and to view educational resources, visit our patient education videos page or explore our full list of services.