Plastic Reconstructive Surgery Glossary
100 terms total — 24 showing — Last updated 15 Sep 2026
anthropometric measurements
Standardized body measurements used in surgical planning to assess proportions and symmetry.
Abbe flap
A cross-lip pedicled flap used for lip reconstruction that transfers tissue from one lip to reconstruct defects in the o...
abdominoplasty
Surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen, commonly called a 'tummy tuck'.
acellular dermal matrix
A processed tissue graft with cellular components removed, commonly used in breast reconstruction and hernia repair.
advancement flap
Local tissue flap moved forward in a straight line to cover a defect.
aesthetic subunit
Distinct anatomical regions of the face or body defined by consistent contour, skin quality, and natural boundaries used...
aesthetic units
Anatomical facial regions defined by natural contours and boundaries, used to guide reconstructive planning.
alar base reduction
A rhinoplasty technique that narrows the nostrils by removing tissue from the alar base to improve nasal proportions.
alar rim reconstruction
Surgical repair of the nostril margin following trauma or tumor removal.
anthropometric landmarks
Standardized anatomical reference points used for precise measurements in facial analysis and surgical planning.
anthropometric measurements
Standardized body measurements used in surgical planning to assess proportions and symmetry.
anthropometry
The systematic measurement of human body dimensions used in plastic surgery for surgical planning and outcome assessment...
autologous fat transfer
Procedure using the patient's own harvested fat cells to restore volume or contour defects.
Baker grading system
Classification system for capsular contracture severity around breast implants.
biofilm formation
Development of bacterial colonies on implant surfaces that can lead to chronic infection and implant failure.
blepharoplasty
Surgical procedure to correct drooping eyelids by removing excess skin, muscle, or fat.
buried penis
Congenital or acquired condition where the penis is concealed by surrounding tissue, requiring surgical correction.
capsular contracture
Complication of breast implants where scar tissue forms and tightens around the implant.
capsulotomy
Surgical incision of a fibrous capsule, commonly around breast implants.
cheek advancement flap
A local flap technique using cheek tissue to reconstruct facial defects while maintaining natural facial contours and ex...
cheiloplasty
Surgical reconstruction or cosmetic enhancement of the lips.
cleft lip and palate repair
Surgical reconstruction of congenital facial clefts affecting the lip, nose, and palate.
columellar strut graft
A cartilage graft placed between the medial crura of the nose to provide structural support and projection to the nasal...
commissuroplasty
Surgical reconstruction or repositioning of the oral commissure (corner of the mouth) to restore function and aesthetics...
contracture release
Surgical division of scar tissue that restricts normal range of motion.