Patient guide · Glossary
Plastic Surgery Glossary
Plain-English explanations of the medical words you will meet when reading about cosmetic surgery, from seroma and haematoma to capsular contracture and SMAS.
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Medically reviewed by Dr Spyridon VlachosSpecialist Plastic Surgeon · FEBOPRAS · GMC 7522950
Last reviewed
Written by the Centre for Surgery clinical team
Words like seroma, haematoma, capsular contracture and diastasis recti come up a lot when you are reading about cosmetic surgery. This glossary explains the medical terms used across our treatment guides and patient library in plain English, from anaesthesia and recovery to breast implants, rhinoplasty and skin treatments.
Search for a word or jump to a letter. Where a term links to a treatment, you can read the full guide to that procedure. If anything is still unclear, our patient coordinators are happy to help on 020 7993 4849.
A
Abdominoplasty
The medical name for a tummy tuck. Excess skin and fat are removed from the lower abdomen and, where needed, the stomach muscles are tightened, leaving a scar low across the abdomen that can usually be hidden by underwear. Tummy tuck
Ablative laser
A laser that removes the very top layers of skin so that fresh skin grows in their place. It gives stronger resurfacing results than non-ablative lasers but needs more healing time, often a week or more of redness and peeling. Laser resurfacing
Alar base
The base of the nostrils, where each nostril wing joins the cheek. An alar base reduction narrows wide or flared nostrils through small incisions hidden in the natural crease. Alar base reduction
Anaesthetist
A doctor who specialises in anaesthesia. They assess you before surgery, give and monitor your anaesthetic or sedation throughout the operation, and oversee your pain relief as you wake up.
Anticoagulants
Medicines that thin the blood, such as warfarin, apixaban or rivaroxaban. They raise the risk of bleeding during and after surgery, so your surgical team will tell you whether, when and how to pause them. Never stop them without medical advice.
Areola
The circle of darker skin around the nipple. Its size and shape can be changed during a breast lift or breast reduction, or on its own with an areola reduction. Areola reduction
Asymmetry
Differences between the two sides of the body, such as one breast, eyelid or nostril being a different size or shape. Slight asymmetry is completely normal, and surgery aims to improve balance rather than create perfect symmetry.
B
BIA-ALCL
Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma: a rare cancer of the immune system (not a breast cancer) linked mainly to textured breast implants. It usually shows as late swelling around an implant, years after surgery, and is very treatable when found early.
Biopsy
Taking a small sample of tissue so it can be examined under a microscope. It confirms what a lump, mole or skin lesion is before or alongside treatment.
Blepharoplasty
The medical name for eyelid surgery. Upper blepharoplasty removes excess skin, and sometimes fat, from the upper lids; lower blepharoplasty treats bags and puffiness under the eyes. Eyelid surgery
BMI (body mass index)
A measure of weight relative to height: your weight in kilograms divided by your height in metres squared. Many cosmetic operations have an upper BMI limit for safety, which your surgeon will discuss with you.
Bottoming out
When a breast implant sits too low, below the natural crease under the breast, so the nipple appears to point upwards. It is usually corrected with revision surgery that supports the implant in the right position.
Botulinum toxin
A purified protein injected in tiny amounts to relax specific muscles for around three to four months. It is used to soften expression lines, slim the jaw and reduce excessive sweating, and is a prescription-only medicine. Anti-wrinkle injections
C
Cannula
A thin tube. In liposuction, it is the slim, hollow instrument passed through tiny incisions to loosen and remove fat. The word is also used for the small plastic tube placed in a vein for fluids and medicines.
Capsular contracture
Tightening of the scar tissue capsule that the body naturally forms around a breast implant. Mild cases cause no symptoms; more severe cases make the breast feel firm, look distorted or become painful, and may need surgery to remove the capsule and replace the implant.
Capsulectomy
Surgical removal of the scar tissue capsule around a breast implant, usually when the implant is removed or replaced. In an en bloc capsulectomy the implant and its capsule are removed together in one piece. Breast implant removal
Cellulite
A dimpled, orange-peel look to the skin, most often on the thighs and buttocks, caused by fibrous bands pulling the skin down while fat pushes up between them. It is very common, especially in women, and is not a sign of being overweight. Cellulite treatment
Chemosis
Swelling of the clear membrane covering the white of the eye, making it look puffy or jelly-like. It can happen after eyelid surgery and usually settles within a few weeks with lubricating drops and time.
Clitoral hood
The fold of skin that covers and protects the clitoris. A clitoral hood reduction removes excess hood tissue, often alongside a labiaplasty. Clitoral hood reduction
Cohesive gel implant
A breast implant filled with thick, form-stable silicone gel that holds together rather than flowing like a liquid. If the shell were to break, the gel tends to stay in place. Breast implant options
Collagen
The main structural protein in skin, giving it strength and firmness. Collagen production slows with age, and many skin treatments, such as lasers, microneedling and radiofrequency, work by prompting the skin to make more.
Columella
The narrow strip of skin and cartilage between the nostrils, at the base of the nose. In open rhinoplasty a small incision is made across it, which usually heals as a barely visible scar.
Compression garment
A tight-fitting, elasticated garment worn after body surgery such as liposuction or a tummy tuck. It supports the treated area, helps control swelling and helps the skin settle onto its new contour. Most patients wear one for several weeks.
Consultant plastic surgeon
A surgeon who has completed full specialist training in plastic surgery and is listed on the GMC Specialist Register for plastic surgery. In the NHS this is the most senior surgical grade.
Cooling-off period
Time between your consultation and deciding to go ahead with surgery. Professional guidance recommends at least two weeks to think things over, so no one should feel rushed into a cosmetic procedure.
CQC (Care Quality Commission)
The independent regulator of health and social care in England. It registers and inspects hospitals and clinics, including private ones, and publishes ratings and reports on them.
D
Day case
Surgery where you go home on the same day, without an overnight stay in hospital.
Deep plane facelift
A facelift technique that lifts the deeper layer of facial tissue beneath the SMAS together with the skin, releasing the ligaments that hold the cheeks and jowls down. It aims for a natural, long-lasting result without a pulled look. Deep plane facelift
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
A blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the calf or thigh. Surgery and reduced mobility raise the risk, so prevention includes moving about early, compression stockings and, for some patients, blood-thinning injections. Calf pain, swelling or warmth needs urgent medical review.
Dermal filler
A gel, most often made of hyaluronic acid, injected under the skin to restore volume, smooth lines or reshape features such as the lips, cheeks and jawline. Hyaluronic acid fillers are temporary and can be dissolved. Dermal fillers
Dermis
The thick middle layer of the skin, beneath the surface layer (epidermis). It contains collagen, elastin, blood vessels and nerves, and is the layer most skin-tightening treatments target.
Diastasis recti
Separation of the two vertical "six-pack" muscles down the middle of the abdomen, most often after pregnancy. It causes a bulge or doming of the tummy that exercise may not fix, and can be repaired with muscle plication during a tummy tuck.
Dissolvable stitches
Stitches made from material the body gradually breaks down, so they do not need to be removed. They are often placed beneath the skin, which helps keep scars neat.
Dorsal hump
A bump on the bridge of the nose, made of bone and cartilage. Reducing it is one of the most common reasons for rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty
Drains (surgical drains)
Thin plastic tubes placed through the skin at the end of some operations to let fluid or blood drain away from the wound into a small bottle. They are usually removed after a day or a few days.
E
Ectropion
When the lower eyelid pulls away from or turns outwards from the eye, exposing its inner surface. It can be caused by age or, rarely, by removing too much skin in lower eyelid surgery, and may need corrective surgery.
Epidermis
The thin outer layer of the skin that you can see and touch. It acts as a protective barrier and constantly renews itself.
Excision
Cutting out tissue, such as a mole, cyst, lipoma or area of skin. The wound is usually closed with stitches and the removed tissue is often sent for histology.
Explant surgery
Removing breast implants without replacing them. It can be combined with removing the implant capsule and, if needed, a breast lift to reshape the breasts. Breast implant removal
F
Fascia
A strong sheet of connective tissue that wraps around and supports muscles and organs. Some operations tighten or anchor tissues to the fascia for a firmer, longer-lasting result.
Fat transfer (fat grafting)
Moving your own fat from one area, such as the tummy or thighs, to another. The fat is removed by liposuction, purified and injected to add volume, for example to the breasts, buttocks or face. Fat transfer
Fibrosis
Firm, thickened scar tissue that can form under the skin as tissues heal, for example after liposuction. It can feel lumpy or tight; massage, lymphatic drainage and time usually help it soften.
G
General anaesthetic
Medicine that puts you into a controlled, deep sleep so you are completely unaware and feel nothing during surgery. It is given and monitored throughout by an anaesthetist.
GMC Specialist Register
The General Medical Council's list of doctors who have completed full specialist training in a field. Anyone can check on the GMC website whether a surgeon is on the register for plastic surgery.
Gynaecomastia
Enlargement of breast tissue in men, caused by extra glandular tissue, fat or both. When it does not settle on its own, it can be treated with liposuction, surgical removal of the gland, or both. Gynaecomastia surgery
H
Haematoma
A collection of blood that pools under the skin after surgery or injury, causing swelling, firmness and bruising. Small haematomas settle on their own; a larger one, especially one that develops quickly, may need to be drained.
Histology
Examining tissue under a microscope in a laboratory. Moles, cysts and lesions that are removed are usually sent for histology to confirm exactly what they were.
Hyaluronic acid
A sugar molecule found naturally in the skin that binds water and keeps tissues plump and hydrated. It is the main ingredient in most dermal fillers and skin boosters.
Hyaluronidase
An enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid. It is injected to dissolve dermal filler that is unwanted, misplaced or causing a problem. Filler dissolving
Hyperpigmentation
Patches of skin that are darker than the skin around them, caused by extra melanin. Common triggers include sun exposure, hormones, acne and inflammation after an injury or treatment. Hyperpigmentation treatment
Hypertrophic scar
A raised, red scar that stays within the edges of the original wound. Unlike a keloid, it often flattens and fades over a year or two, and can be helped by silicone gel, pressure or steroid injections.
I
Implant placement
Where a breast implant sits. Subglandular means over the chest muscle, behind the breast tissue; submuscular means under the chest muscle; dual plane combines the two, with the upper part of the implant under the muscle. Breast augmentation
Informed consent
Your agreement to treatment once you understand what it involves, the likely results, the risks and the alternatives, including doing nothing. You can ask questions and change your mind at any point before surgery.
Inframammary fold
The natural crease under the breast where it meets the chest wall. It is a common place for the incision in breast augmentation, as the scar sits hidden in the crease.
K
Keloid scar
A raised, thick scar that grows beyond the edges of the original wound. Keloids are more common in people with darker skin and on areas such as the ears, chest and shoulders, and can come back after treatment.
L
Labia minora
The inner lips of the vulva. A labiaplasty reduces or reshapes the labia minora when they are enlarged, uneven or cause discomfort. Labiaplasty
Lipoedema
A long-term condition, almost always in women, where fat builds up abnormally and symmetrically in the legs, hips and sometimes arms, often with pain, heaviness and easy bruising. It does not respond well to diet and exercise. Lipoedema treatment
Lipoma
A soft, fatty lump under the skin that is almost always harmless. Lipomas grow slowly and can be removed if they are bothersome or to confirm what they are. Lipoma removal
Liposuction
Removing fat through small incisions using a slim cannula and suction. It reshapes areas of stubborn fat but is not a weight-loss treatment. Liposuction
Local anaesthetic
Medicine injected to numb a specific area, so you stay awake but feel no pain there. It is used on its own for smaller procedures, and alongside sedation or a general anaesthetic for others.
Lymphatic drainage massage
A gentle, rhythmic massage that encourages lymph fluid to move away from swollen tissues. It is often recommended after liposuction and body surgery to ease swelling and firmness.
M
Mastopexy
The medical name for a breast lift. Excess skin is removed and the breast tissue reshaped to raise breasts that have dropped, usually moving the nipple higher too. Breast lift
Microneedling
A treatment using very fine needles to make tiny, controlled punctures in the skin, which triggers healing and new collagen. It is used for acne scars, skin texture and fine lines.
Muscle plication
Stitching the stomach muscles together down the midline to repair diastasis recti and flatten the tummy, usually during a tummy tuck. Also called muscle repair.
N
Necrosis
Death of tissue, usually because its blood supply has been reduced. In cosmetic surgery it is uncommon and most often affects small areas of skin or fat; smoking greatly increases the risk.
NSAIDs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen. They ease pain and swelling but can increase bleeding, so you may be asked to avoid them for a while before and after surgery.
Numbness after surgery
Reduced or changed feeling in the skin after surgery, as small nerves are stretched or cut. It is common and usually improves gradually over weeks to months, though some change can be permanent.
O
Oedema
Swelling caused by fluid collecting in the tissues. Some oedema is a normal part of healing after surgery and settles gradually over weeks to months.
Open and closed rhinoplasty
Two ways of doing a rhinoplasty. Open rhinoplasty adds a small incision across the columella so the surgeon can lift the skin and see the structure of the nose directly; closed rhinoplasty uses incisions only inside the nostrils. Rhinoplasty
Osteotomy
A controlled cut in bone. In rhinoplasty, osteotomies of the nasal bones are used to narrow a wide nose or close the gap left after removing a hump.
Otoplasty
The medical name for ear reshaping surgery, most often to set prominent ears closer to the head. The scar usually sits hidden behind the ear. Ear reshaping
P
Platysma
The thin, sheet-like muscle at the front of the neck. With age it can separate into vertical bands, which a neck lift can tighten. Neck lift
Pre-operative assessment
A health check before surgery, usually with a nurse, to make sure you are fit for your operation. It may include your medical history, medicines, blood pressure, blood tests and swabs.
Ptosis
Drooping. Breast ptosis means the breast and nipple have dropped lower on the chest, which a breast lift corrects. Eyelid ptosis is a low-sitting upper eyelid caused by a weak or stretched lifting muscle.
Pulmonary embolism
A blood clot that has travelled to the lungs, usually from a deep vein thrombosis in the leg. It is rare but serious: sudden breathlessness, chest pain or coughing up blood needs a 999 call.
R
Radiofrequency
Energy that gently heats the deeper layers of the skin and tissue to tighten them and stimulate collagen. It is used in skin-tightening treatments such as Morpheus8, BodyTite and FaceTite.
Revision surgery
A further operation to correct a problem with, or improve the result of, an earlier operation.
Rippling
Visible or palpable wrinkles or folds in a breast implant, usually at the edges of the breast in people with little natural tissue covering the implant. Placing the implant under the muscle or adding fat transfer can reduce it.
S
Scar revision
Treatment to improve the look of an existing scar, for example by cutting it out and closing it more neatly, or with lasers or injections. Scars cannot be removed completely, but they can often be made flatter, narrower and less noticeable. Scar revision
Sebaceous cyst
A smooth, round lump under the skin filled with soft, cheesy material, often with a small dark spot in the middle. It is harmless but can become infected, and is removed by excision. Cyst removal
Sedation
Medicine, usually given through a vein, that makes you relaxed and drowsy during a procedure. It is used alongside local anaesthetic; you breathe for yourself and may remember little of the procedure.
Septum and septoplasty
The septum is the wall of cartilage and bone that divides the nose into two airways. Septoplasty straightens a bent (deviated) septum to improve breathing, and is often combined with rhinoplasty. Septoplasty
Seroma
A collection of clear fluid that builds up under the skin where tissue has been lifted or removed, for example after a tummy tuck. Small seromas are absorbed by the body; larger ones are drained with a needle in clinic.
Skin laxity
Loose or sagging skin that has lost its firmness and elasticity, from ageing, weight loss or pregnancy. Mild laxity may respond to skin tightening; more marked laxity usually needs surgery to remove the excess skin.
SMAS
Superficial musculoaponeurotic system: the layer of muscle and connective tissue beneath the facial skin. Tightening or repositioning the SMAS, rather than just the skin, is what gives a modern facelift a natural, lasting result. Facelift
Steroid injection
An injection of a corticosteroid medicine into a raised scar or keloid to flatten and soften it. Several treatments a few weeks apart are often needed.
Subcutaneous fat
The layer of fat directly under the skin. This is the fat liposuction removes, unlike visceral fat, which sits deeper around the internal organs.
Symmastia
When breast implants or breast tissue meet across the middle of the chest, so the breasts look joined, with no natural gap between them. It is uncommon and corrected with revision surgery.
T
Teardrop and round implants
The two main breast implant shapes. Round implants give more fullness at the top of the breast; teardrop (anatomical) implants are fuller at the bottom for a more sloping profile. Breast implant options
Textured and smooth implants
The two types of breast implant surface. Textured implants have a slightly rough shell designed to grip the tissue and limit movement, and are linked to a small risk of BIA-ALCL; smooth implants have a slippery shell that moves more freely. Breast implant options
Tuberous breasts
A breast shape that develops during puberty, with a narrow base, a high crease, a wide gap between the breasts and often a puffy, enlarged areola. It can be corrected with specialist breast surgery. Tuberous breast correction
Tumescent fluid
A solution of salt water, local anaesthetic and adrenaline injected into fat before liposuction. It numbs the area, reduces bleeding and bruising, and makes the fat easier to remove.
Turbinates
Ridges of bone and soft tissue on the side walls inside the nose that warm and moisten the air you breathe. Enlarged turbinates can block the airway and can be reduced with turbinoplasty. Turbinate reduction
V
VASER liposuction
A type of liposuction that uses ultrasound energy to loosen fat before it is removed. It is designed to be gentler on the surrounding tissue and is often used for detailed body sculpting. VASER liposuction
W
Wound dehiscence
When a surgical wound partly or fully reopens along the stitch line. Most cases are small and superficial and heal with dressings, but any wound that opens should be checked by your surgical team. Wound dehiscence guide
These explanations are a general guide and are reviewed by our medical team. Your surgeon will explain what applies to you at your consultation.
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