Plastic Surgery Specialists



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A B C D E G L M R S T

Abdominoplasty

Also called a tummy tuck. A surgical procedure designed to minimize, tighten and firm the abdominal area. In abdominoplasty, the surgeon makes a long incision across the abdomen, from one hipbone to the other. Excess fat and skin are removed from the middle and lower abdomen, and the muscles of the abdomen wall are tightened.

Ablate

a general term for the excision of tissue during surgery, commonly used to describe vaporization of of tissue with the excimer laser.

Ablation Zone

the area of tissue that is removed during laser or other types of surgery.

Abscess(ab'ses)

A collection of pus "trapped" anywhere inside the body. Virtually all abscesses need to be incised and drained because this concentrated collection of large numbers of bacteria is resistant to antibiotics

Acne

An inflammatory disease of the sebaceous glands (oil-producing glands), characterized by blackheads, whiteheads and pimples especially on the face, back and chest, and, in severe cases, by cysts and nodules, resulting in scarring. Hair follicles become plugged with sebum (oil produced by the sebaceous glands), bacteria and dead cells. Acne is seen primarily in adolescents, and tends to be slightly more common and more severe in males.

Aesthetics

Appreciation of beauty

Age Spots

Brown spots found on sun-exposed areas of the skin resulting from a localized cluster of pigment-producing cells (melanocytes). Also known as solar lentigos, or, by the common name of liver spots, these age spots are visible evidence of accumulated, long-term sun-damage. They are treated with lasers.

Aging spots

Darker skin spots caused by the gathering of skin pigment cells into patches. Occurs as a result of aging and sun exposure, most commonly on the back of the hands. They are best treated with 1 or 2 ruby or yag Q-switched laser treatments. These treatments can be performed with local or topical anesthetic. If large areas of the face are involved, the CO2 or erbium laser may be chosen, since these also provide the extra benefit of overall facial rejuvenation.

Alopecia

Medical term for hair loss.

Anesthesia

Partial or complete loss of sensation, brought on by an anasthetic drug, most often to prevent discomfort during surgery.