Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Glossary

Abdominoplasty: Commonly referred to as tummy tuck surgery, a procedure to eliminate excess skin and fat around the tummy while tightening stretched stomach muscles.

Arm lift: A procedure in which sagging skin and tissue between the underarm and elbow is removed.

Bilateral mastectomy: The removal of both breasts to prevent or treat cancer.

Breast augmentation: Surgical enhancement of the breasts using a silicone gel or saline implant.

Breast cancer: Cancer in the tissues of the breast, usually starting in the milk ducts or the milk-producing lobules of the breast.

Breast lift: A procedure to lift sagging breasts to a more natural position on the chest.

Breast reconstruction surgery: Surgery to restore breasts after breast cancer removal surgery.

Breast reduction surgery: A procedure in which overly large breasts are reduced by removing excess tissue and fat.

Capsular contracture: A tightening of the tissue capsule that forms around an implant, results in painful breasts with an abnormal appearance.

Delayed breast reconstruction: Breast reconstruction that takes place weeks, months, or years after mastectomy or lumpectomy surgery.

DIEP (deep inferior epigastric artery perforator) flap: A breast reconstruction surgery procedure in which fat and skin are removed from the abdomen in a fashion similar to a tummy tuck. The tissue is then used to encase a breast implant to rebuild the breast.

Eyelid surgery: Surgical rejuvenation of the eyes involving the removal of excess skin and fatty deposits around the eyes.

Facelift surgery: Anti-aging surgical procedure in which excess facial skin is removed and sagging skin tighten.

Fat Transfer: The removal of fat from an area of the body through liposuction that is then re-injected into another area of the body.

Forehead lift: The surgical removal of wrinkles around the upper face and lifting of a drooping brow line.

Free flap: A breast reconstruction technique in which tissue removed from the abdomen is detached from the original blood supply and reattached to the blood vessels in the chest.

Genioplasty: Chin surgery involving the augmentation or reduction of the chin.

Gynecomastia: A condition in men in which the breast tissue is overdeveloped resulting in a female-like appearance.

Immediate breast reconstruction: Breast reconstruction that takes place immediately after mastectomy or lumpectomy surgery, during the same surgical procedure.

Laser skin resurfacing: Procedure in which laser light is used to resurface the skin, eliminating signs of aging and acne scars

Liposuction: Surgical removal of excess fat deposits through suction cannulas.

Male breast reduction: Surgical removal of the fat and excess tissue from the chest of men.

Mammogram: A screening process using x-rays to detect any suspicious masses in the breast that could lead to breast cancer.

Mastectomy: The removal of one or both of the breasts in order to stop the spread of breast cancer.

Mommy makeover: An individualized combination of procedures tailored to women to restore the body to its pre-pregnancy state, usually includes breast surgery (augmentation, lift, or reduction), tummy tuck, and/or liposuction.

Neck lift: Surgical removal of sagging skin and excess tissue known as “turkey neck.”

Nipple Reconstruction Surgery: Optional procedure after breast reconstruction that uses tissue from another area of the body which is used to recreate nipple(s).

Otoplasty: A plastic surgery procedure to improve the appearance of the ears. In most cases, cosmetic ear surgery is recommended for patients who feel that their ears protrude too far out from their head or face forward rather than facing the side. However, the surgery can also be an effective option for patients who want their ears to be smaller or larger, or who have abnormally-shaped ears due to an injury or genetic defect.

Pedicled flap: A breast reconstruction technique in which tissue removed from the abdomen remains attached to its original blood supply.

Post bariatric body contouring: The shaping of underlying tissues and removal of excess skin after massive weight loss.

Prophylactic Mastectomy: Surgery in which one or both of the breasts is removed to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.

Rhinoplasty: Nose surgery used to change the nose size, shape, width, profile, nostrils, and more. Can also improve breathing through the nose.

Scarless Latissimus Dorsi Flap: Advanced Latissimus Dorsi breast reconstruction technique that uses muscle from the back to recreate breast(s) without a scar on the back.

Tummy tuck: Also known as abdominoplasty, surgical removal of extra skin and tissue around the abdomen. Can involve the tightening of weakened abdominal muscles.

Unilateral mastectomy: The removal of one breast in order to prevent or treat cancer.