Plastic Surgery Glossary
100 terms total — 24 showing — Last updated 15 Sep 2026
pectoral muscle
Chest muscle that may be positioned above or below breast implants.
hematoma
Collection of blood outside blood vessels, a common post-operative complication.
high SMAS
Advanced facelift technique targeting the superficial musculoaponeurotic system at a more superior anatomical level.
hypertrophic scar
Raised, thickened scar that remains within the boundaries of the original wound.
implant rotation
Turning of shaped breast implant from its intended orientation.
informed consent
Legal and ethical requirement ensuring patients understand surgical risks, benefits, and alternatives before treatment.
inframammary crease
The natural fold beneath the breast where it meets the chest wall.
inframammary fold
Natural crease where the lower breast meets the chest wall, important landmark in breast surgery.
keloid
Raised, thickened scar that extends beyond the original wound boundaries and tends to recur.
lateral displacement
Outward movement of breast implant toward the armpit area.
Le Fort fracture
Classification system for midface fractures based on anatomical patterns described by René Le Fort.
lipectomy
Surgical excision and removal of excess skin and fat tissue.
liposuction
Surgical procedure to remove localized fat deposits through suction-assisted cannulation.
malar augmentation
Surgical procedure to enhance or restore volume to the cheek area using implants or fat transfer.
malar eminence
Prominence of the cheekbone that contributes to midface projection and aesthetic contour.
mammoplasty
Surgical procedure involving breast reconstruction, augmentation, or reduction.
mastopexy
Surgical procedure to lift and reshape sagging breasts without significantly changing breast size.
mentoplasty
Surgical procedure to alter the shape or size of the chin through implants or bone modification.
microsomia
Congenital underdevelopment of facial structures, particularly affecting one side of the face.
microstomia
Abnormally small mouth opening, often requiring surgical correction for functional and aesthetic improvement.
microsurgery
Surgical technique using operating microscopes and specialized instruments for procedures on very small anatomical struc...
microtia
Congenital malformation characterized by underdevelopment of the external ear.
midface lift
Surgical procedure targeting the middle third of the face to address volume loss and sagging in the cheek area.
nipple-areolar complex
Anatomical unit comprising the nipple and surrounding pigmented areola, critical in breast surgery planning.
orthognathic surgery
Corrective jaw surgery to treat skeletal discrepancies and improve facial harmony.