If you are reading this then you are one of the millions of women each year who are interested in changing their lives through cosmetic surgery. But with all the information that is available there can be confusion, and uncertainty. We want to make it easy for you to understand the basics of cosmetic surgery, commonly used words and definitions to help educate and guide you through this process.



We want you to know that it is important not to rush into anything. Read as much as you can, get the opinion of a board-certified cosmetic surgeon and be clear on what you are hoping to achieve and what the realistic expectations will be for your unique situation.

When done for the right reasons, the benefits of cosmetic surgery may be very significant. When we improve our appearance, we tend to feel more confident, in social situations or even career paths, and even increasing our self-esteem. This is true of both males and females.

Terms you need to know.

Abdominoplasty: (Tummy Tuck) Repair of the abdominal muscle, and remove excess fat and skin/ especially beneficial after pregnancy or weight loss.

Axillary: Referring to the armpit

BAM: (Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty) Enlargement of the breasts using an artificial implant.

Breast Implants: A silicone rubber shell filled with either silicone gel or inflated with a saline solution used to enlarge the breast. They come in three basic shapes: the moderate profile, the moderate-plus profile and the high-profile implant.

Breast Implant Removal: (Remove and Replace) Surgery to remove implants with or without replacement; for desired changes in proportions, or due to implant-related complications and may or may not be replaced.

Capsular Contracture: Shrinkage of the scar tissue around an implant that causes hardness, distortion, and sometimes pain.

CRNA: Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

Dog Ear: A mound of excess skin located at the ends of an incision.

DVT: (Deep Venous Thorombosis) A blood clot, usually originating in the deep veins of the leg; increased risk of DVT after surgery or periods of inactivity.

Fascia: Fibrous tissue found throughout the body and beneath the skin the and closes muscles and groups of muscles, and separates and anchors several tissue layers of the body.

Fat Injections: Fat withdrawn from one body site and injected into another to smooth lines in the face or build up other features such as the lips.

Infra-mammary Fold: The crease below the breast.

Liposuction: Removal of localized collections of fatty tissue using a high vacuum device.

Mastopexy: (Breast Lift) A surgery to remove excess skin, breast and fatty tissue for lifted, shapely breasts.

Mommy Makeovers: Are designed to counteract the physical effects of childbearing and to enhance your appearance after pregnancy and breastfeeding has left its mark. A mommy makeover typically includes a tummy tuck, breast lift (with or without breast implants), and liposuction.

PBBS: (Post-Baby Body Syndrome) The name given to the mothers who have persistent, pregnancy-induced body changes that cause them embarrassment, anxiety, and fear. Those feelings can and most often do cause the disruption of normal daily functions and social settings.

Rhinoplasty: (Nose re-shaping) Surgery of the nose to re-shape the nose for a more aesthetically desirable appearance.

Thigh Lift: Is performed to tighten sagging muscles and remover excess skin in the thigh area.

Tuberous Breast: A condition in which the bottom part of the breast remains attached to the chest wall, causing the breast to grow forward rather than dropping down. Because of the forward growth of the beast, it is said to resemble a "tube."

The most important step to take is to schedule a consultation and get the recommendations of one of our Board-Certified cosmetic surgeons.

Write a list of questions down before you arrive and make sure you ask them, even if they seem embarrassing. We strongly encourage you to bring a friend or family member with you, they might think of questions you don't. By bringing someone with you, there is the benefit of having the opinion of someone you trust.

Get as much information as you can about the procedures you are interested in. As your surgeon what you can expect to achieve by having anything done, and make sure that you are both clear on what you want to achieve with cosmetic surgery.

We hope that this article has given you a better understanding of the basics of cosmetic surgery and please contact a Board-Certified cosmetic Surgeon.

Copyright (c) 2008 Dr. Robert Kenevan