Abdominoplasty (Tummy tuck)
A surgical procedure that removes excess fat and skin and tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall.
Acne (Zits, pimples)
A skin condition characterized by the excess production of oil from the sebaceous glands in which the hair follicles become plugged.
Age Spots (Liver spots, brown spots)
Small, flat brown spots on the skin. Most common areas for age spots are areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun.
Alopecia (Hair loss, balding)
Complete or partial loss of hair.
Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA)
Natural exfoliating acid commonly used in skin care products that has anti-inflammatory properties and is derived from fruit, milk and sugarcane.
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)
A powerful water- and fat-soluble antioxidant.
American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS)
Founded in 1985, the mission of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery is to advance the specialty of cosmetic surgery and quality patient care. Most members of AACS are dermatological surgeons, facial plastic surgeons, head and neck surgeons, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, general surgeons, plastic surgeons — all of whom specialize in cosmetic surgery. AACS is the organization that represents cosmetic surgeons in the American Medical Association through its seat in the AMA House of Delegates.
Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C Ester)
A fat-soluble form of vitamin C.
Azalaic Acid
Naturally occuring acid that can be used to exfoliate the skin and treat acne.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (Skin cancer)
A localized skin cancer with low risk of metastitis that should be addressed surgically due to its destructive nature.
Basal Layer
The bottom layer of the epidermis that produces new skin cells.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Antibacterial medication used to treat the bacteria that cause acne.
Beta Hydroxy Acid (Salicylic acid)
Oil-soluble exfoliant commonly found in skin care products to treat mild wrinkles, acne and sun damage.
Blepharoplasty (Eye lift, eye job)
Primarily a cosmetic procedures to reduce under-eye bagginess in the lower eyelids and remove excess skin of the upper eyelids caused from aging. Extreme cases of upper eyelid skin laxity that causes loss of vision can sometimes be covered by insurance.
Blue Peel (Obagi blue peel)
A proprietary light-depth chemical skin peel for mild improvement of the complexion.
Botox Cosmetic (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin)
An injectible substance derived from botunlinum toxin used to temporarily prevent impulses of specific nerves from reaching the muscle. The muscle thus relaxes and prevents premature wrinkling.
Breast Augmentation (Boob job)
A surgical procedure to increase or reduce breast size.
Brow Lift
Surgical procedure in which the skin of the forehead and eyebrows is tightened to eliminate sagging eyebrows or correct frown lines in the forehead.
Carcinoma (Cancer)
Cancer of any nature, location on the body, or derivative.
Catechins
Compounds that stabilize collagen and prevent capillary fragility.
Cell Plasma Membrane
The outer layer of a cell where free radicals the most damage.
Cellulite (Adiposis edematosa, orange peel skin, cottage cheese skin)
A topographical change in the skin that begins after puberty mostly in females. It is caused by fat deposits just below the surface of the skin.
Chemical Peel (Chemexfoliation)
Process in which naturally occuring acids are applied to the skin to removed dead skin cells and stimulate the production of new, youthful skin cells. Chemical peels can be performed in different strengths that will have results commensurate with the depth of the peel.
CO2 Laser Resurfacing (Laser resurfacing, laser rejuvenation)
A carbon dioxide laser that is used to treatseverely aged and damaged skin by lasering the upper layers of the dermis, stimulating collagen and causing new skin to generate and skin tightening.
Collagen
Major structural proteins in the skin that give the skin its strength and elasticity.
Collagenase
An enzyme produced by the cells in response to free radicals. Collagenase damages collagen fibers and leads to wrinkles.
Copper Peptide
Common ingredient found in skin care products used to promote the production of collagen and elastin in the skin.
Crows Feet (Laugh lines)
Wrinkles around the outer aspect of the eyes caused by aging, sun exposure and smoking.
Cytokine
Inflammatory peptide produced by lymphocytes in response to free radicals and other agents.
Debriding
Process of removing dead tissue prior to reconstructive or cosmetic surgey.
Depilation
Hair removal.
Dermabrasion
A procedure in which the upper layers of skin is removed.
Dermatitis
Inflammation of the skin caused by allergic reactions or contact with an irritant. Symptoms include redness and itching.
Dermatologist
A doctor specializing in skin related problems.
Dermis
The lower layer of the skin that contains nerve endings, sweat glands, collagen and elastin.
Deviated Septum
Condition in which the septum, or wall inside the nose that divides into two sides, is not located in the middle of the nose, sometimes causing difficulty breathing.
Eczema
Skin condition with symptoms of itchy, irritated, flakey or inflamed skin. Eczema can appear anywhere on the body.
Elastin
A protein found with collagen in the dermis that is responsible for providing elasticity and structure in the skin and organs.
Epidermis
The outer layer of the skin that is also the thinnest. The epidermis is responsible for protecting the body from environmental toxins.
Exfoliate (Exfoliation)
Removal of the top layer of skin. Chemical peels and dermabrasion are examples of exfoliation.
Eye Lift (See "Blepharoplasty")
Face Lift (See "Rhytidectomy")
Fellowship
A rigorous, specialized course of training after residency focused on further honing the skills of the physician. Fellowships usually last one to two years. Graduates of the programs are called "fellows."
Fibroblasts
Cells that produce collagen and elastin.
Flavinoids
Phytochemicals (plant-based chemicals) with strong antioxidant properties.
Fractional Laser Resurfacing (Laser resurfacing, laser rejuvenation)
A carbon dioxide laser that is used to treat severely aged, damaged skin. The laser works by treating a portion of the laser applicator's surface, thereby preserving some of the cells to initiate faster healing than the standard CO2 lasers. The fractional laser improves wrinkles, texture and tone of the skin. A variety of manufacturers make fractional lasers under unique trade names, including Fraxel, EFX, Matrix and others.
Free Radicals
Unstable molecules that produce inflammation and promote aging.
Frown lines (Anger lines)
Lines that form in the glabellar area (between the eyebrows over the nose) as a result of the flexing of the muscles by squinting or frowning.
Gamma Linoleic Acid
Essential fatty acid.
Glabella
Area of the residing between the eyebrows and bridge of the nose.
Glycation
The attachment of sugar to a protein. When glycation occurs to collagen fibers, it creates cross-linking that leads to a loss of elasticity and decline in skin tone.
Grafting
Procedure in which healthy skin or tissue is removed from one area of the body to another damaged by injury or disease.
Hemangioma (Birthmark, strawberry mark)
Type of birthmark that is characterized by concentrations of small blood vessels.
Human Growth Hormane (HGH)
Hormone secreted by the pituitary gland. Declining levels as we age are linked to weight gain, sagging skin and lower energy levels.
Hyperpigmentatoin (Brown spot, age spot)
Excessive pigmentation that presents as dark spots on the skin.
Hypertrophic Scar
A raised, red scar that stays within the boundaries of the injury site.
Hypodermis
The fatty layer of the skin that houses the sweat glands, fat and collagen. The hypodermis conserves body heat and protects vital organs.
Hypopigmentation
Lack of pigmentation in the skin.
Keloid Scar
Scar that grows beyond what is needed to heal the site of an injury caused by too much collagen forming while the skin is being repaired.
Keratin
A dominant protein of the skin, hair and nails.
Kojic Acid
An acid derived from a fungus used as a lightening agent that inhibits the production of melanin.
L-Ascorbic Acid
A form of Vitamin C.
Laser Resurfacing
Any type of skin resurfacing that utilizes lasers or fractional lasers. There are a variety of laser manufacturing companies that produce lasers under different trade names such as SilkTouch, Matrix, SoftTouch, Fraxel, and more. Also see "Fractional Laser Resurfacing" and "CO2 Laser Resurfacing."
Lentigines (See "Age Spots")
Lip Augmentation (Lip enhancement)
Procedure that uses injectibles to improve the look of deflated, drooping, sagging or assymetrical lips. Also can reduce fine lines around the mouth.
Lipoplasty (See "Liposuction")
Lycopene
Antioxidant compound found in tomatoes.
Marionette Lines (See "Nasolabial folds")
Melanocytes
A pigment producing cell that gives the skin, eyes and hair color.
Melanoma (Skin cancer)
The most dangerous form of skin cancer that can spread rapidly and be fatal if not promptly treated.
Melasma (Mask of pregnancy)
A condition in which pigmentation of the chin and cheeks darkens into tan or brown patches. This condition occurs to fifty percent of all women during pregnancy.
Micropigmentation (Tattoo, permanent makeup)
The application of permanent makeup by injecting iron oxide pigment into the middle of the skin (dermis).
Nasolabial Folds (Marionette lines, smile lines)
The lines that form from the outer aspect of the nostril downward around the mouth. These lines deepen as we age. Fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane are often used to soften the appearance of nasolabial folds.
Neoplasm
A tumor.
Nevus Flammeus (See "Port-Wine Stain")
Oleic Acid
A component of olive oil that helps omega-3 oil pass into the cell membrane.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Anti-inflammatory essential fatty acids found in fish, oatmeal, nuts and soy products.
Osteopath
A doctor of medicine with specific clinical experience an emphasis in the interrelationship of the body and mind with respect to disease and healing. The osteopaths were the creators of the holistic (wholistic) approach to medicine.
Otolaryngologist (Otorhinolaryngologist)
A doctor specializing in diseases, conditions and treatments of the ears, nose and throat.
Otoplasty (Ear pinning, pinning back ears)
Surgical procedure to correct misshapen or protruding ears.
Oxidative Stress
A highly oxidized environmnet within the cells where there is an excell of free radicals and lack of antioxidants.
Parathyroid Gland (Parathyroid)
One of four pea-sized glands found on the surface of the thyroid. The parathyroid hormone made by this gland increases the calcium level in the blood.
Peripheral Vision (Side vision)
The part of vision that occurs outside of the very center of one's gaze. There is a broad set of non-central points in the field of view that make up peripheral vision.
Photo-Aging (Sun damage)
Changes that occur to the skin due to sun damage causing premature aging, wrinkles and age spots.
Port-Wine Stain
A type of hemangioma characterized by a mark on the skin that resembles the red color of port wine caused by an abnormal concentration of capillaries.
Ptosis
The drooping of a body part, especially the eyelids or breasts.
Retinol (Retin-A)
A derivitive of Vitamin A found in many skin care products.
Rhinoplasty (Nose job)
Cosmetic procedure to enhance or change the appearance of the nose.
Rhytidectomy (Facelift, Face lift)
Cosmetic surgical procedure to eliminate the sagging, drooping and wrinkled skin of the face and neck.
Rosacea
Chronic inflammation of the skin that causes an redness and puffiness to the cheeks and nose. Rosacea can be treated with intense pulsed light laser treatments.
Salicylic Acid (See "Beta Hydroxy Acid")
Sallowness
Term used to describe the yellowness of the skin.
Sclerotherapy
Medical procedure to eliminate varicose and spider veins by injecting a solution into the vein.
Sebaceous Glands
Glands in the skin that secrete oil.
Septoplasty
Surgical procedure done to improved the flow of air to your nose by repairing malformed cartilage.
Spider Vein
A vein that is widened and can be seen through the skin.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Skin cancer)
A non-melanoma form of skin cancer that is usually caused by inflammation or repeated sun damage of the skin. Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer.
Stratum Corneum
The outermost layer of the epidermis.
Subcutaneous
Term that menas "below the skin."
Sun Protection Factor (SPF, sun block)
The amount of protection a sunscreen or sunblock provides. The higher the SPF, the greater the protection.
Suture (Stitches)
Stitches are applied to hold tissue together.
Thyroid Cancer (Thyroid carcinoma)
Cancer that forms in the thyroid gland (an organ at the base of the throat that makes hormones that help control heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and weight). Four main types of thyroid cancer are papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic thyroid cancer. The four types are based on how the cancer cells look under a microscope.
Thyroid Gland (Thyroid)
Gland located beneath the larynx (voice box) that makes thyroid hormone and calcintonin. The thyroid helps regulate growth and metabolism.
Tocopherol
A fraction of vitamin E that disarms free radicals.
Tretinoin (Retin-A)
A prescription drug derived from Vitamin A used to treat acne and other skin disorders.
Trichloracetic Acid (TCA, chemical peel)
An acetic acid used in chemical peels.
Vitiligo
A condition in which smooth white patches appear on the skin due to a loss of pigment-producing cells.
Winter itch
Itchy skin due to loss of moisture.
