The ABCs of Cosmetic Surgery: Facial Cosmetic Surgery Terms to Know
| ABCS
Facial cosmetic surgery covers a broad spectrum of specialized procedures for the face and neck. When considering a surgical procedure, understanding the terms and techniques is essential when discussing your goals and options with a cosmetic surgeon.
We’ve created this glossary to help you get familiar with some common facial cosmetic surgery terms you may encounter as you explore your options, and to help you feel confident making an informed decision about your care.
This glossary is not intended to provide medical advice or diagnostic information. If you are experiencing any concerning issues, please seek medical care from your cosmetic surgeon, general practitioner, or emergency services.
Blepharoplasty
Also known as eyelid surgery, blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that improves the appearance of the eyelids and/or improves vision obscured by sagging skin. This can include removing excess skin, tightening underlying muscles, and repositioning or removing fat. Blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both.
Botox®
Botox® is a neuromodulator injection used to reduce the appearance of dynamic wrinkles by temporarily relaxing the muscles responsible for creasing the skin. Common treatment areas include crow’s feet at the eye’s outer edges, forehead lines, and frown lines between the eyebrows. Results typically last three to four months before repeat treatment is needed.
Brow Lift
A brow lift, or forehead lift, is a surgical procedure that elevates and smooths the skin of the forehead and brow area. This technique can reduce the appearance of deep creases, raise drooping eyebrows, and provide a more youthful, refreshed appearance.
Buccal Fat Removal
Buccal fat removal is a surgical procedure that reduces fullness in the lower cheeks by removing or reducing the buccal fat pads. This procedure is popular for creating a more sculpted and defined facial appearance, particularly in patients with genetically round cheeks.
Cannula
A cannula is a thin, hollow tube with a blunt tip used to inject or remove substances, such as fat or dermal fillers, with minimal tissue trauma. Cannulas are often used in liposuction, fat transfer, and injectable procedures.
Cartilage Grafting
Cartilage grafting involves harvesting cartilage from the nose, ear, or rib to enhance nasal structure and shape during rhinoplasty. It is often used to reinforce nasal support, improve aesthetics, or correct deformities.
Cheek Augmentation
Cheek augmentation enhances facial contours by adding volume to the cheeks, often using dermal fillers or surgically placed implants. This procedure can restore lost volume due to aging or provide a more sculpted, balanced facial appearance.
Chin Augmentation
Chin augmentation is a surgical procedure that enhances the size and projection of the chin, often through the placement of an implant or reshaping of the existing bone. This procedure can improve facial harmony and address a weak or recessed chin.
Deep Plane Facelift
A deep plane facelift is an advanced surgical technique that lifts deeper layers of tissue below the skin, including the SMAS, for natural-looking facial rejuvenation and improved definition of facial contours.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is a non-surgical skin resurfacing procedure that involves controlled removal of the outer skin layers using a specialized device. It is commonly used to improve the appearance of scars, fine wrinkles, and other skin irregularities.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are injectable treatments used to restore lost volume, smooth fine lines, and enhance facial features. Common ingredients include hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, and poly-L-lactic acid. Results vary based on the specific product used, with some lasting up to two years.
Endoscopic Surgery
Endoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive technique involving small incisions and the use of a camera (endoscope) to visualize and perform precise surgical procedures. It is commonly used for brow lifts and midface lifts with reduced scarring and faster recovery times.
Fat Transfer
Fat transfer, also known as fat grafting, is a procedure that involves removing fat from one area of the body (such as the abdomen or thighs) and injecting it into the face to restore lost volume, improve facial contours, or enhance specific areas like the lips or cheeks.
Facelift
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to lift and tighten the skin and underlying tissues of the lower face and neck. This technique addresses sagging skin, deep creases, and loss of muscle tone, resulting in a rejuvenated appearance. Facelifts are often customized to address specific areas of concern, such as the midface, lower face, or neck.
Hairline Lowering Surgery (Forehead Reduction)
Hairline lowering surgery, also known as forehead reduction, is a surgical procedure designed to reduce the height of the forehead by lowering the hairline. This procedure is commonly performed to adjust facial proportions and enhance overall facial balance.
Injectables
Injectables are non-surgical treatments, including neurotoxins and dermal fillers, used to reduce wrinkles, restore lost volume, and enhance facial features. Common brands include Botox®, Sculptra®, and Juvéderm®.
Kybella
Kybella® is an injectable treatment composed of deoxycholic acid, designed to permanently reduce submental fat (double chin) by breaking down fat cells. Multiple treatment sessions are often required for optimal results.
Lip Augmentation
Lip augmentation is a cosmetic procedure aimed at enhancing the size, shape, and fullness of the lips. This can be achieved through injectable dermal fillers, fat transfer, or surgical implants. Results vary based on the technique used and the desired outcome.
Lip Lift
A lip lift is a surgical procedure that shortens the space between the upper lip and the base of the nose to enhance lip appearance, improve proportions, and create a more youthful look. It can also provide additional lip volume without lip fillers.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat deposits to contour areas of the face and body. In facial cosmetic surgery, liposuction is commonly used for refining the neck, chin, and jawline. Techniques include tumescent liposuction, high-definition liposuction, and laser-assisted liposuction.
Microneedling
Microneedling is a minimally invasive skin rejuvenation technique that involves creating tiny punctures in the skin using fine needles to stimulate collagen and elastin production. It is commonly used to improve the appearance of scars, fine lines, and overall skin texture.
Mini Facelift
A mini facelift is a less invasive version of a traditional facelift that targets the lower face and jawline to address sagging skin and improve contour. Smaller incisions and shorter recovery times are typical with this technique.
Neck Lift (Platysmaplasty)
A neck lift, or platysmaplasty, is a surgical procedure that tightens the skin and underlying muscles of the neck to address sagging, wrinkles, and the appearance of prominent platysma bands. This procedure may be performed alone or combined with a facelift.
Neurotoxins
Neurotoxins, known by the brand names Botox Cosmetic®, Dysport®, Xeomin®, Jeuveau®, Daxxify®, and Letybo®, are injectable treatments that temporarily relax targeted muscles to reduce the appearance of dynamic wrinkles. Common treatment areas include the forehead, crow’s feet, and frown lines. Results typically last three to four months before repeat treatment is needed.
Otoplasty
Otoplasty, or ear surgery, is a procedure that reshapes or repositions the ears for aesthetic or functional improvement. It is often performed to correct prominent or asymmetrical ears for both children and adults.
RF (Radiofrequency) Microneedling
Radiofrequency microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment that combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to promote collagen production, tighten skin, and improve overall texture and tone. It is commonly used to address fine lines, acne scars, and skin laxity.
Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a nose job, is a surgical procedure that reshapes the nose to enhance facial harmony or improve breathing function. Cosmetic rhinoplasty focuses on altering the size, shape, or angle of the nose, while functional rhinoplasty addresses breathing issues.
Sculptra
Sculptra is an injectable poly-L-lactic acid filler that stimulates collagen production over time to restore lost facial volume and improve skin texture. It is commonly used to enhance sunken facial contours and smooth deeper lines and folds. Results develop gradually and can last up to two years.
Skin Grafting
Skin grafting is a surgical procedure that involves transferring skin from one area of the body to another to repair damaged or deficient areas. It is commonly used in reconstructive surgery or to improve scar appearance.
Skin Resurfacing
Skin resurfacing treatments are designed to improve the skin’s texture, tone, and overall appearance by removing damaged outer layers. Common techniques include laser resurfacing, chemical peels, and dermabrasion.
SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System)
The SMAS is a layer of tissue beneath the skin that plays a critical role in facial structure and movement. Manipulating the SMAS during facelift surgery provides longer-lasting, natural-looking results.
Sutures
Sutures are threads used to close incisions and promote healing following cosmetic surgery. They may be absorbable or non-absorbable, depending on the procedure.
Thread Lift
A thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure that uses dissolvable sutures to lift and tighten sagging skin. Often referred to as a “lunchtime facelift,” this technique provides subtle results with minimal downtime.
Ultherapy
Ultherapy® is a non-invasive skin tightening procedure that uses microfocused ultrasound to stimulate collagen production with no downtime. It is often used to lift and tighten skin on the face, neck, and décolletage.