Medical glossary
Terms used in plastic and aesthetic surgery, explained in plain language. The explanations are for general information and do not replace a medical consultation.
A
Abdominoplasty
The medical term for a tummy tuck: excess skin and fatty tissue on the abdomen are removed and, if necessary, the abdominal muscles are tightened.
Augmentation
Enlargement of a part of the body. In breast augmentation (augmentation mammaplasty), the breasts are enlarged with silicone implants or the patient's own fat.
B
Bichectomy
Removal of part of the buccal fat pad through a small incision inside the mouth, known internationally as buccal fat removal.
Blepharoplasty
Eyelid surgery: surgical tightening of the upper or lower eyelid in which excess skin and, if necessary, fatty tissue are removed.
Botulinum
An active substance that temporarily inhibits signal transmission between nerve and muscle. It is used, among other things, to treat expression lines and in migraine therapy.
Brachioplasty
The medical term for an arm lift: slack skin on the inner side of the upper arms is removed and the contour is tightened.
C
Capsular contracture
Hardening of the connective tissue capsule that the body forms around every implant. It can lead to a feeling of tightness, pain or a change in shape and is classified into so-called Baker grades.
D
Dual-plane technique
An implant position in breast augmentation in which the implant is covered by the pectoral muscle at the top and by the breast gland at the bottom.
F
Filler
A filling material, usually hyaluronic acid, that is injected under the skin to fill wrinkles or build up volume.
G
General anaesthesia
A deep sleep induced by medication with complete elimination of pain, administered and monitored by a specialist in anaesthesia.
Gynaecomastia
Benign enlargement of the male breast gland. It is distinguished from pseudogynaecomastia, in which mainly fatty tissue enlarges the breast.
H
Hyaluronic acid
A substance found in the body that binds water. As a filler, it is used to treat wrinkles and build up volume and is gradually broken down by the body over time.
Hyperhidrosis
Excessive sweating beyond what is needed to regulate body temperature, often in the armpits, on the hands or on the feet.
I
Inframammary fold
The fold beneath the breast. It is a common access route for breast implants because the scar is usually well hidden there.
L
Labiaplasty
The medical term for correcting the labia, usually a reduction of the inner labia.
Liposuction
The removal of local fat deposits by suction through thin cannulas.
Local anaesthesia
Numbing of only the treatment area, so that it cannot feel pain. You stay awake during the procedure.
M
Mastopexy
The medical term for a breast lift: the breast is lifted and reshaped, and excess skin is removed.
O
Otoplasty
Surgical correction of the outer ear, usually pinning back protruding ears.
P
PRP
Platelet-rich plasma: plasma obtained from your own blood with a high concentration of platelets, used in PRP treatment.
Ptosis
Sagging of tissue, for example of the breast (breast ptosis) or of the upper eyelid (eyelid ptosis).
R
Reduction mammaplasty
The medical term for a breast reduction: glandular tissue, fatty tissue and skin are removed and the breast is reshaped.
Rhinoplasty
The medical term for nose surgery, which can change the shape and proportions of the nose and, depending on the findings, also improve nasal breathing.
T
Twilight sedation
Light sedation with medication, in which you are relaxed and drowsy but breathe on your own. It is often combined with local anaesthesia.