Plastic Surgery Definitions

A

• Arm Lift – Medical name brachioplasty.  A procedure that removes excess skin and fat from upper arms.
• Artecoll® – Also known as ArteFil®.  A cosmetic substance used as facial filler.

B

• BOTOX ® – A cosmetic procedure that involves injecting BOTOX® into the skin to reduce wrinkles, crow’s feet, and frown lines.
• Breast Augmentation – Medical name, augmentation mammoplasty.  A surgical procedure that enlarges breast size using implants filled with silicone or a saline solution.
• Breast Lift – Medical name, mastopexy.  A surgical procedure that raises breast height.
• Breast Reconstruction – A surgical procedure that involves the use of breast implants to replace or reshape breasts usually following a mastectomy (removal of breast).
• Breast Reduction – Medical name, reduction mammoplasty.  A procedure that reduces breast size.
• Brow Lift – Also known as an eyebrow lift or forehead lift.  A surgical correction of the upper facial region for drooping brows, upper eyelids and forehead skin.

C

• Calf Implant – A surgically inserted implant that is used to increase the size and shape of calf muscles.
• Cheek Implant – Medical name, malar augmentation.  A surgical procedure entailing the use of a facial implant to enhance the shape, contour and balance of the face.
• Chemical Peel – Also called a facial peel.  A non-surgical skin rejuvenation treatment that employ chemical substances designed to renew the appearance of skin.
• Chin Augmentation – Medical name, mentoplasty.  A surgical procedure entailing the use of an implant to reshape the chin.

D

• Dermabrasion – A non-surgical skin refinishing treatment.

E

• Ear Surgery – Medical name, otoplasty.  A cosmetic or a reconstructive procedure that     reshapes the ear.
• Eyelid Surgery – Medical name, blepharoplasty. Corrects drooping eyelids and bags under the eye

F

• Facelift – Medical name, rhytidectomy.  A surgical procedure that enhances facial appearance by eliminating the sagging skin of the neck and face.
• Facial Fillers – Medical name, dermal fillers.  Used in many different cosmetic and surgical procedures to shape desired areas.
• Facial Implants – Implants that are used in cheeks, chin, jaw, or even nose.
• Fat Grafting – Medical name, autologous fat transfer or fat injections.  Fat is extracted from one area of the body and transferred by injection into another.

G

• Gastric Bypass – Medical name, gastrointestinal surgery or commonly known as weight loss surgery.  A surgical procedure used to combat obesity that decreases the size of the stomach and allows food to bypass part of the small intestine.

H

• Hair Transplant/Replacement – A surgical procedure that transfers plugs of hair follicles from a healthy donor area to a balding or hairless area, usually on the head.

I

• Injectable Fillers – Medical names, dermal or facial fillers.  Fillers used to plump and contour a body part, usually the face and lips.  Examples are Restylane®, Juvederm®, and collagen.

J

• Jaw Implant – Medical name, mandibular augmentation.  A surgically inserted implant that is used to add prominence and balance to a face.

L

• Laser Skin Resurfacing – Medical name, laser peel.  A non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatment that employs the use of lasers to resurface the skin.
• Lip Augmentation – A procedure that uses facial fillers like Restylane® or collagen to enlarge or contour the lips.
• Liposuction – Medical names, suction-assisted lipectomy, suction lipectomy, lipoplasty.  An invasive procedure that uses suction to remove excess fat from many areas of the body.

M

• Male Breast Reduction – A surgical procedure that reduces the size of a male breasts caused by gynecomastia (breast enlargement).
• Microdermabrasion – A non-surgical, skin rejuvenation treatment sometimes referred to as a lunchtime peel.
• Mini Facelift – Also referred to as an S lift or mid-face lift.  A surgical procedure that reduces signs of aging in the lower half of the face.

N

• Nose Surgery – Medical name, rhinoplasty.  A surgical reshaping or reconstruction of the nose.

S

• Skin resurfacing – Medical name, laser peel.  A non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatment.
• Scar Revision – A procedure that improves the appearance of a scar.  Scars can be treated in a variety of ways.
• Spider Veins – Medical name, sclerotherapy. A procedure that removes the appearance of spider veins either through the injection of certain materials through the skin or by the use of a laser.

T

• Tummy Tuck – Medical name, abdominoplasty.  A surgical procedure that decreases the size of the abdomen and mid-section.

Having difficulty adjusting to those unforgiving signs of aging? Finding it hard to keep your makeup from running in the creases? Hate that bump on the bridge of your nose? Wish you looked like a girl in your bikini instead of the boy next door? Feeling good about the weight you’ve lost, but hate the sagging skin? Think you would be promoted if you didn’t have that double chin? Tired of hearing people ask you if you store acorns in your cheeks?

Most people have one or two things they would change about their physical appearance if they could. Would you, if you could? There seem to be two camps of opinion on plastic surgery: the “don’t-mess-with-mother-nature” side and the “if-its-broken-fix-it group.”

Studies have shown that people with receding chins are perceived by others as weak, those with sagging eyes are thought to be tired and individuals with hooked noses are described as being untrustworthy. If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, is it any wonder that those on the receiving end of misconceptions like these might struggle with self-esteem issues and want to level the playing field by correcting their physical appearance?

Like it or not, right or wrong, the reality is we live in a world obsessed by physical appearance. Even though you can’t fix a troubled marriage with bigger boobs or goof off at your job and expect a promotion because you had a nose job, self-esteem issues affect self-confidence which in turn influences nearly everything you do. In a world that worships at the altar of self-improvement, “be all that you can be” and “just do it” are phrases that resonate through to the world of plastic surgery.

If you are considering having plastic surgery, there are some things you should know before beginning a self-improvement campaign. First, surgery of any kind should never be taken lightly. Second, to make an informed decision you need to arm yourself with information.

What Do You Know About the Field of Plastic Surgery?

The field of plastic surgery is divided into two areas: reconstructive and cosmetic. Some physicians specialize in one area or the other; some straddle both fields to varying degrees. Both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery can improve physical appearance and enhance self-esteem, but there are differences.

Reconstructive Surgery – Generally speaking, reconstructive surgery improves the function and or the physical appearance of abnormal body structures. In some cases, a new body part, such as a missing ear, is created to achieve a more desirable appearance. Candidates for reconstructive surgery may have congenital or developmental abnormalities or deformities caused by disease and trauma. An example of a congenital anomaly (also referred to as a birth defect) that commonly requires surgical repair is a cleft lip. Trauma victims may require surgery for everything from minor scar revisions to extensive facial reconstruction. Generally speaking, reconstructive surgery is covered by most health insurance companies, although you should always check first to prevent unwanted surprises.

Cosmetic Surgery – Cosmetic surgery aims at reshaping existing body parts like redefining a nose or removing fat from buttocks or knees. Cosmetic surgeons also perform non-surgical procedures like injecting fillers to plump up thin lips or the cosmetic material BOTOX® to reduce frown lines and wrinkles. They also offer various skin rejuvenation services such as skin resurfacing, thermage (a non-surgical technology that utilizes radio-frequency energy to promote collagen deposition and skin tightening) and laser and light based therapies aimed at addressing problem areas in the superficial layer of the skin. Cosmetic procedures are considered elective and generally are not covered by most health insurers.

2008 Cosmetic Surgery Statistics

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), an organization restricted to physicians who are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a leader in cosmetic surgery research, offers the following surgical statistics for 2008:

• Over ten million cosmetic procedures, both surgical and non surgical, were reportedly performed in the United States. Of the total, 17% were surgical events.
• The most common procedures were: breast augmentation (355,671), liposuction (341,144), eyelid surgery (195,104), rhinoplasty or surgery on the nose (152,434) and abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as a tummy tuck (147,392).
• The majority of cosmetic procedures (surgical and non-surgical) or a whopping 92% were performed on women.
• Among women, the most popular surgical procedures (in order from most requested to least requested) were: breast augmentation (enlargement), liposuction (removal of fat), eyelid surgery, tummy tuck and breast reduction.
• For men, the top surgical procedures (in order from most requested to least requested) were: liposuction, rhinoplasty (surgery on the nose), eyelid surgery, breast reduction for enlarged male breasts, and hair transplantation.
• Percent of total procedures by age group:
  35-50 yrs. – 45%
  51-64 yrs. – 26%
  19-34 yrs. – 22%
  65 and over – 6%
  18 and younger – 2%

For a complete list of statistics and emerging trends see www.surgery.org/press/statistics-2008.php.

Fees for Cosmetic & Reconstructive Procedures

Fees for surgical and non surgical procedures vary according to the type of procedure requested and the surgeon involved.

Procedure – The type of procedure you require determines the other elements that will be included in your total fee. Elements that may be included in a bill are: local or general anesthesia fee; assisting technician fee; anesthesiologist fee; surgical center or hospital fee; recovery facility (office surgical center or hospital) fee; charges for drugs, pre-and post-operative lab tests and x-rays; cost of facial or breast implants and so on.

Surgeon – Fees charged by surgeons are not standardized. Physicians in demand because of their expertise, reputation and years of experience tend to charge more per procedure than less seasoned surgeons. Another factor affecting the fee charged by a physician is the level of technical difficulty involved in performing the surgery and the time required to complete the job.

Given the wide range of fees, if you want to know what your surgery will cost, you will need to have a frank discussion with your surgeon. When you do, remember to inquire about all of the fees, not just the physician’s fee. Ask for an estimate in writing before you leave the office.

You should also check with your health insurer to determine if your planned surgery is covered by your policy, but a word of warning: Do so only after you discuss your procedure with your physician. Why? Because some procedures like eyelid surgery, ordinarily considered elective, might be covered if eyelid skin folds obstruct peripheral vision.

Locating the Right Plastic Surgeon

Choosing to have any surgery is a major decision, but once you decide to pursue the possibility, you will need to select a surgeon. Look for a surgeon who is skilled in his work and willing to discuss, in as much detail as you require, everything involved in the procedure you are considering. With cosmetic surgery, aesthetic outcome is highly important. Unlike an appendectomy, your goal is to look better not just survive.

The best advertisement for a plastic surgeon is a satisfied patient so ask around. If you are somewhat secretive and don’t want people to know that you asking for yourself, you can always say that a friend asked you for a recommendation. If you cannot elicit a name from your friends or acquaintances, use the Internet or phone book and pay attention to ads in newspapers and local magazines.

Once you have a name, the next step is to check out the surgeon’s credentials. Do it before you make an appointment because most surgeons charge a fee for an initial consultation. To waste your money on a fee only to discover after the fact that the desired credentials are lacking is pointless. Call the doctor’s office, indicate that you are considering surgery and ask the office receptionist the following questions:

• Is the surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
• How many years of experience does he/she have?
• Is the doctor a member of other professional associations and if so, which ones?
• Does the doctor have past patients to whom you could speak?

All of this information should be free. Write down the information you receive and check out online the member requirements of the professional associations named. Make an appointment only after you are satisfied that your own criteria is met.

How to Prepare for your Appointment

Spend as much time as necessary researching the kind of surgery you think you want or need. For example, if you know you want your nose corrected, gather as much information as you can about the procedure and make a list of questions or topics relative to the surgery that you want to discuss with your surgeon. Put “ask about credentials and experience” on your list along with “ask about fees and financing options.” If you have other concerns, write them down too—leave nothing to chance.

What to Expect in the Doctor’s Office

The day has come and you are on your way to the surgeon’s office for your initial consultation with your trusty list of questions in hand. When your name is called, you finally meet the surgeon and quickly discover that he has a few questions of his own.

The first question is, “Why are you here?” followed closely by questions aimed at eliciting your expectations of the surgery. Surgeons are, or should be, understandably worried about patients who expect plastic surgery to cure all that ails them. An improved appearance is one thing, an improved life quite another. Expect some probing on this subject. The surgeon is looking for psychological balance and realistic expectations.

What else can you anticipate on your first visit? The surgeon will examine you, ask about any medical conditions or problems that you have, ascertain what medications and/or supplements you take, ask if you smoke and what your alcohol intake is, review your past surgeries and inquire about your family’s medical history. There may be other questions pertinent to the type of procedure you are seeking such as size desired in a breast reduction or enlargement.

Once you and your physician agree on a particular surgery your surgeon should explain the procedure to you in as much detail as you require including pre-operative and post-operative care, likely outcomes of the surgery and any risks or potential complications that may arise. Together you will decide on such things as location of incisions, size and types of any implants that may be required and anesthesia type, general or local. Now is the time to ask about length of stay, healing time, scar minimization, swelling and what if the surgical results are unsatisfactory? Will your surgeon redo the surgery at no charge? Always ask to see before-and- after photos of the doctor’s own surgical work. This is standard practice.

Some physicians use computer programs that can predict, in a picture, how you will look with your new surgery completed. To use this program, your picture is taken and transferred directly to the computer application. The surgeon then manipulates your picture on the computer screen to demonstrate to you how you will look after a facelift, breast implant, chin implant, eyelid surgery, tummy tuck, etc.

Before you leave the doctor’s office, you will be given a date for your surgery and instructions for preoperative preparation and postoperative care. If new questions arise between your first visit and your surgery, don’t hesitate to call the office for the answers or ask to speak to the surgeon.

You may be satisfied with the first surgeon you interview, but if not, repeat the process until you find the surgeon you want. This is not the time to take anything for granted and it is the time to be selective. If you care enough about yourself to want plastic surgery, you owe it to yourself to look for the surgeon who will give you the best result.

“There are only two things that determine which women will have plastic surgery: money and guts.” – Author unknown

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate medical professional.

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon | Boston Plastic Surgeon | Charlotte Plastic Surgeon | Chicago Plastic Surgeon | Dallas Plastic Surgeon | Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon | Miami Plastic Surgeon | Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon | New York Plastic Surgeon | Philadelphia Plastic Surgeon | Phoenix Plastic Surgeon | San Francisco Plastic Surgeon | Seattle Plastic Surgeon | Washington, DC Plastic Surgeon | See More Cities

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Transitioning from a biologically female state to a male identity can be a very complicated or very simple procedure. Depending on the preferences of the individual patient, it can involve simply cross dressing to appear as the opposite sex or include hormone replacement, chest reconstruction and, in the most extreme cases, a full genital sex change.

Hormone Replacement Therapy for Female-to-Male Transsexuals

In general, transitioning from a biologically female state to a male appearance involves the use of extensive hormone therapy. This procedure, which must be performed with the careful supervision of a physician, is similar to traditional male hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and is one of the biggest steps that can be taken to transition to a male appearance that matches the patient’s gender identity.

Hormone replacement therapy for transsexual men generally involves shots, patches, pills or skin implants. These treatments, which vary widely in their cost, generally increase the amount of testosterone in the body. Other forms of female-to-male HRT do not use testosterone, instead relying on steroid-like compounds or “ando pro-hormones,” which encourage the patient’s body to produce its own testosterone.

This process produces a male-like appearance, often leading to the growth of more facial and body hair and increased muscle mass. In general, it also causes menstruation to stop within five months and the clitoris to enlarge. This transition is usually the first, and sometimes the only, step taken when undergoing a female-to-male sex change.

Hormone replacement therapy for transsexual men has some drawbacks, including the tendency to aggravate cardiovascular disease and cause psychological disruptions. Many transsexual men undergoing HRT report mood swings and aggressive outbursts. Unless a hysterectomy is also performed, many are also at risk of developing endometrial, ovarian or uterine cancers.

Chest Reconstruction for Female-to-Male Transsexuals

Because genital surgery is often prohibitively expensive, complicated or unsuccessful, many transsexual men opt to have “top” surgery only, which usually involves the removal and reshaping of the breasts. Cosmetic breast surgery performed on female-to-male transsexuals usually involves a full mastectomy. Although care is taken to prevent scarring, many transsexual men experience scarring on both sides of the chest.

During chest reconstruction surgery, fatty tissue is removed from a single incision on each breast. The areola (the dark part of the breast) is then shrunk and placed as a graft on a different part of the chest, where it is dressed carefully with sterile bandages. Usually, the surgery is not particularly painful and daily activities can be resumed within a week.

In general, chest reconstruction surgery is the easiest and most successful part of a female-to-male sex change. The chests of transsexual men are usually almost identical to the chests of biological men, with the only key difference being mild scarring on each side of the chest. The majority of transsexual men are very satisfied with the results of this surgery.

Genital Modification for Female-to-Male Transsexuals

The most complicated step in a female-to-male sex change, genital modification, can occur in a variety of forms, with varying degrees of complexity and complication. The simplest form of female-to-male sex change surgery includes the removal of the vaginal canal (by sewing it shut), which is a procedure that usually takes place only if the patient has already had a full hysterectomy. Hysterectomies that involve the removal of the uterus and ovaries are also often performed to eliminate female hormones.

Phalloplasty, or a penis construction, is also a common procedure for female-to-male sex reassignment. With all forms of phalloplasty, the labia are joined together to form the appearance of a scrotum. Implants, which are designed to look and feel like testicles, are sometimes placed inside this new scrotum. A new penis is then constructed using a variety of different methods.

Another method known as metoidioplasty creates a new penis from the clitoris. Tissue from the labia or another part of the body can then be used to make it slightly larger. This usually results in a small penis when compared to the penis of a biological man.

Another popular genital modification used to create a penis involves the insertion of a tissue graft from the leg, arm or abdomen. This can incorporate unneeded muscles or even small bones, from other parts of the body, to create a relatively large phallus. This surgery is quite complicated in some cases but can create a penis up to seven inches in length of surprisingly normal appearance.

Phalloplasties can also involve the additional use of an erectile implant to enable erection and sexual penetration. These implants can be simple, rod-like prosthetics or very complex pumping mechanisms. The urethra can also be directed, often in a separate surgery, to flow into the new penis. While this adds complexity to the procedure, it is an important aspect of a sex change for many transsexual men.

Other surgical alterations undergone by transsexual men include facial implants, pectoral-muscle chest implants and body contouring with liposuction. These procedures, often far more simple than the others involved in the transition, can contribute to the patient’s male appearance.

Depending on the patient’s own circumstances, a female-to-male transsexual might choose to undergo most, many, a few or none of the procedures described. While some transsexual men are content and satisfied without any surgical or hormonal alteration, others may be willing to undergo the risks associated with gender reassignment treatments in order to confirm and experience the physical sensations of male biology.

For more information on transgender issues and health, try the following links:
American Educational Gender Information Service
Transgender on Wikipedia
Transgender Organizations on GenderAdvocates.com

If you are considering cosmetic or plastic surgery procedures, Yodle Local can help you find a plastic surgeon near you.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care an appropriate health care provider.

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon | Boston Plastic Surgeon | Charlotte Plastic Surgeon | Chicago Plastic Surgeon | Dallas Plastic Surgeon | Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon | Miami Plastic Surgeon | Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon | New York Plastic Surgeon | Philadelphia Plastic Surgeon | Phoenix Plastic Surgeon | San Francisco Plastic Surgeon | Seattle Plastic Surgeon | Washington, DC Plastic Surgeon | See More Cities

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