Glossary of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery

Wolff & Edusei Clinic

Technical terms explained simply

Medical term for a tummy tuck. In this procedure, excess skin and fat are removed, e.g. after pregnancy or significant weight loss.

Term for hair loss. It can be caused by hormonal factors, heredity, or other influences.

Light sedation during a procedure: the patient sleeps comfortably but continues to breathe independently.

Medical term for the nipple areolae, i.e. the pigmented area surrounding the nipple.

Medical term for breast enlargement using implants.

Injection of processed fat tissue taken from the patient’s own body (e.g. from the buttocks or abdomen) for volume enhancement or skin rejuvenation, for example in the face.

Transplantation of the patient’s own fat for volume restoration, e.g. in the face, breast, or buttocks.

Refers to the armpit area, e.g. as an access route in breast surgery.

A form of non-melanoma skin cancer, usually localized and well treatable.

Stimulation of the body’s own processes such as collagen production, e.g. through specific injections.

Substances that support skin regeneration, for example by activating fibroblasts. They are used for the long-term improvement of skin structure.

Medical term for eyelid tightening – see also eyelid lift.

Targeted body shaping, usually through liposuction and, if necessary, autologous fat transfer.

Extensive tightening of the trunk area, e.g. after significant weight loss.

Active substance used for wrinkle treatment. It relaxes specific facial muscles and can be used to treat expression lines.

Tightening of sagging skin in the upper arm area.

Complete removal of one or both breasts. Usually medically indicated.

Breast volume enhancement using processed fat from the patient’s own body – entirely without implants.

Classic breast enlargement using silicone implants in various shapes and techniques.

Surgical correction of differences in breast size and shape.

Lifting and reshaping of sagging breasts – with or without volume change.

Reconstruction of the breast after mastectomy. Breast restoration can be performed using autologous tissue or implants.

Reduction of breast volume for functional or aesthetic reasons.

General term for the surgical removal of the breast.

Shaping and tightening of the buttocks, possibly combined with autologous fat.

Body’s reaction to a breast implant, in which a firm capsule forms that can harden and cause discomfort.

Tightening and reshaping of the male chest area. Often performed after weight loss or in cases of gynecomastia.

Scar that closes incompletely or reopens, e.g. due to impaired wound healing.

Mechanical removal of superficial skin layers to treat scars or uneven skin texture.

Substances such as hyaluronic acid used to treat wrinkles or volume loss in the face.

Middle layer of the skin (also called the corium). Supplies the skin with nutrients and provides both elasticity and firmness.

Terms describing excess skin on the upper eyelid or retracted nipples. Often corrected for aesthetic or functional reasons.

Outermost layer of the skin. Serves as a protective barrier against external influences.

Various treatments for severe perspiration – either conservative or surgical.

Used to remove excess skin in the eyelid area, e.g. in cases of droopy eyelids or bags under the eyes.

Tightening of sagging facial areas as part of aesthetic surgical procedures.

Shaping of the facial structure, e.g. with fillers, liposuction, or autologous fat.

General term for surgical procedures in the facial area – either aesthetic or reconstructive.

Benign skin growths. Removed if necessary for cosmetic or mechanical reasons.

Collective term for injectable substances such as hyaluronic acid or biostimulators used for volume enhancement or wrinkle treatment.

Regional types of facelift, depending on the facial area involved.

Vertical wrinkle between the eyebrows. Often treatable with botulinum toxin.

Sleep-like state induced by anesthesia: used for major surgeries where pain relief and immobility are required.

Enlargement of the male breast gland, which may be treated surgically if necessary.

Procedure using injections, e.g. with fillers or botulinum toxin, for wrinkle correction or volume enhancement.

Minimally invasive surgical method using especially small incisions, e.g. for endoscopic procedures.

Terms referring to aesthetic or functional procedures for the reduction or reshaping of the labia.

Brand name of a modern injection lipolysis used to reduce small fat deposits – without surgery.

Chronic fat distribution disorder, usually affecting the legs or arms. Typical symptoms: tenderness and symmetrical swelling.

Medical term for injection with processed autologous fat, e.g. for volume enhancement in the breast, face, or buttocks.

Fat removal procedure for targeted body contouring. Commonly performed on the abdomen, hips, thighs, or chin.

Local numbing: only the area to be treated is made pain-free by injecting an anesthetic, while the patient remains fully conscious.

Techniques for skin regeneration using fine needles. Used to treat scars, wrinkles, or pigmentation irregularities.

Pigmented skin lesions. Removed if suspicious or for cosmetic reasons.

Colloquial term for the combination of several aesthetic surgical procedures after pregnancy, e.g. breast lift and abdominoplasty in one session.

The area above the pubic bone. Can be reduced or tightened if desired.

Fold running from the nostril to the corner of the mouth. Often treatable with fillers.

Surgical adjustment of the shape, size, or position of the nipples, e.g. in cases of inverted nipples or asymmetry.

Fine vertical wrinkles above the upper lip. Often caused by facial expressions or smoking.

Discolorations caused by UV exposure or skin aging. Often treatable with laser, peeling, or microneedling.

Congenital malformation of the chest area, usually involving underdevelopment of one breast.

Modern biostimulators for skin rejuvenation. They can promote long-term collagen regeneration.

Separation of the straight abdominal muscles. Common after pregnancy and can be corrected surgically.

Wavy implant contours visible under the skin. A rare complication after breast augmentation.

Colloquial term for fat deposits on the outer thighs. Often treated with liposuction.

Different types of prominent scars that can be treated surgically or non-surgically.

Imaging medical technique used to visualize tissue, fluids, or implants. Commonly applied in diagnostic examinations.

Subcutaneous fat tissue and connective tissue layers. Important anatomical structures in surgical procedures.

Terms referring to treatments of the lower eyelid to remove swelling or excess skin.

Method used for targeted coagulation of tissue, e.g. in cases of excessive sweating.

Deep wrinkles in the center of the forehead. Often caused by tense facial expressions.

Colloquial terms describing a congenital breast shape variant with a narrow base and a usually pronounced, protruding gland. It can be surgically corrected, for example as part of a breast shape adjustment.

Solution used for liposuction containing a local anesthetic. VAL is a tissue-sparing technique.

Light sedation used during procedures: the patient is relaxed but not completely unconscious.

Special incision methods for tension-free scar revision or skin repositioning.

Terms from aesthetic breast surgery used to describe shape changes or implant displacement after breast augmentation. Depending on the extent, these changes can also be corrected surgically.