Glossary of Terms
Definitions of Medical Terminology
We have included this section as a quick reference
guide to defiining common terms used in plastic
surgery and by our Practice. We hope you find it
useful.
We believe that understanding medical terms helps
to remove the mystery from medicine and facilitates
effective communication between you and your physician.
If you're searching for a term not present in our
glossary, please let us know.
actinic: Pertaining to changes
caused by the ultraviolet rays in sunlight.
anesthesia: Partial or complete
loss of sensation, most often to prevent pain or
discomfort during surgery.
anesthesiologist: A physician who
specializes in administering anesthesia.
anesthetist: One who administers
anesthetics, especially for general anesthesia;
may be an anesthesiologist or specially trained
nurse.
anticoagulant: Delaying or preventing
the process of the clumping together of blood cells
to form a clot.
asymmetry: Lack of symmetry (symmetry:
similarity of form).
blepharoplasty 1. Any operation
for the correction of a defect in the eyelid 2.
Surgery upon the eyelid.
Botox: Treat used to temporarily inactivate
the muscles that create wrinkles (commonly in the
glabella (frown line), forehead creases, and crow's
feet (smile lines around eyes).
Botulism Toxin Type A: The purified protein
derived from Clostridium Botulinum used to treat
certain areas (above).
Crow's Feet: Wrinkles (lines formed around
the eyes) often from squinting and smiling.
deformity: 1. Alteration in the
natural form of a part of organ; 2. Distortion of
any body part or general disfigurement of the body.
A deformity may be acquired such as the result of
injury, disease, or disorder or it may be congenital
(congenital: present at birth).
degeneration: 1. Deterioration
(or impairment) of cells, tissues or an organ 2.
A worsening of qualities
dermabrasion: A surgical procedure for
removal of acne scars, nevi (nevi: skin blemish),
tattoos, or fine wrinkles by using special abrasive
tools on the epidermis (epidermis: outer layer of
the skin).
embolism: Obstruction (blockage)
of a blood vessel by foreign substances. The foreign
substance could be fat, an air bubble or any of
a number of substances. Blood clots are the most
common type of embolus.
endoscopy: Examination of a body
cavity by use of a endoscope (endoscope: see below).
endoscope: A lighted tubelike instrument
that can be inserted into a body cavity (body cavity:
a hollow place in the body such as the abdominal
cavity).
excision: The act of cutting away
or taking out.
flap: A mass of partially detached
tissue. A skin flap contains only skin. Flaps of
hair-laden scalp can be used to treat baldness.
glabella: The area between the
eyes (frown lilne) where Botox is often injected.
graft (punch): A full thickness
graft, usually circular, for transplanting skin
containing hair follicles to a bald area (such as
a scalp).
hemangioma: A reddish-purple birthmark.
Flat types are also known as port wine stains.
hematoma: A swelling or mass of
blood (usually clotted) confined to an organ or
tissue. It is caused by a broken blood vessel.
incision: A cut made with a knife,
especially for surgical purposes.
lesion: An injury or wound.
malar: Of the cheek or cheekbone.
mammoplasty: Cosmetic plastic surgery
of the breast.
mammogram: X-ray of the breast.
mastopexy: Correction of a pendulous
breast by surgery. A pendulous breast appears droopy
and positioned lower than normal.
mentoplasty: Surgery of the chin,
whereby its shape and/or size is changed.
otoplasty: Surgery of the ear.
pigment (blood): Any organic coloring in
blood or a derivative of it. Hemoglobin (a protein
that contains iron) when combined with oxygen gives
blood its red color.
pigmentation: Coloration caused
by deposits of pigment.
procedure: A particular way of
accomplishing a desired result.
ptosis: Dropping or drooping of
an organ or body part.
pulmonary: Concerning or involving
the lungs.
rhinoplasty: Surgery of the nose
to improve appearance and/or function.
rhytidectomy: A procedure to reduce
wrinkles and sagging skin on the face and neck.
Commonly referred to as a face-lift.
sclerotherapy: A way of treating
varicose veins by injecting a solution into the
vein.
seroma: A mass or swelling caused
by the localized accumulation of serum (serum: clear,watery
fluid) within a tissue or organ.
superficial: Pertaining to or situated
near the surface.
surgeon: A physician (physician:
commonly refers to a doctor of medicine, M.D.) who
specializes in the treatment of disease, injury
or other disorders by performing operations that
involve cutting body tissue, such as the skin or
other organs. Look for the "F.A.C.S." designation. It refers to Fellowship in the American
College of Surgeons.
suture: The closing of a surgical
incision or a wound by sutures (stitches) to hasten
the healing process.
telangiectasia: An increase in
the number and size of blood vessels in an area
of the skin. It is often caused by overexposure
to sunlight.
tissue: A group or collection of
similar cells that perform a particular function.
An example of tissue is skeletal muscle tissue which
is made up of special long, thin cells called muscle
fiber.
ulcer: An open sore, lesion of
the skin or mucous membrane accompanied by sloughing
of inflamed dead skin. Canker sores are an example
of an ulcer commonly found in the mouth.
varicosities: The condition of
being varicose (varicose: distended, swollen, visible
veins).
vascular: Pertaining to or composed
of blood vessels (blood vessels: commonly refers
to arteries, veins and capillaries).
venous: Pertaining to the veins
or blood passing through them.A tiny needle is used
to inject a small amount of the medication into
the muscles responsible for the wrinkles. The procedure
takes about 10 minutes. You see your results in
about 2 -10 days. It lasts about 3-6 months. No
dressings or garments or band-aids are needed.
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