| Abdomen |
| Commonly called tummy, or belly. The area between the bottom of the ribs and bikini (pubic) line. |
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| Abdominoplasty |
| Also called a tummy tuck. A surgical procedure designed to minimize, tighten and firm the abdominal area. In abdominoplasty, the surgeon makes a long incision across the abdomen, from one hipbone to the other. Excess fat and skin are removed from the middle and lower abdomen, and the muscles of the abdomen wall are tightened. |
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| Ablate |
| A general term for the excision of tissue during surgery, commonly used to describe vaporization of tissue with the excimer laser. |
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| Ablation Zone |
| The area of tissue that is removed during laser or other types of surgery. |
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| Abscess |
| A collection of pus “trapped” anywhere inside the body. Virtually all abscesses need to be incised and drained because this concentrated collection of large numbers of bacteria is resistant to antibiotics. |
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| Accutane |
| A Vitamin A-related compound that inhibits sebaceous gland function and reformation of the outermost layer of skin. It is used in the treatment of severe acne that is unresponsive to antibiotics. Major cosmetic procedures performed on the skin surface should be NOT be undertaken within 12 to 18 months of the last dose of Accutane. Delayed healing and scarring coule result. |
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| Acne |
| An inflammatory disease of the sebaceous glands (oil-producing glands), characterized by blackheads, whiteheads and pimples especially on the face, back and chest, and, in severe cases, by cysts and nodules, resulting in scarring. Hair follicles become plugged with sebum (oil produced by the sebaceous glands), bacteria and dead cells. Acne is seen primarily in adolescents, and tends to be slightly more common and more severe in males. |
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| Actinic |
| Pertaining to changes caused by the ultraviolet rays in sunlight. |
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| Actinic Keratosis |
| Single or multiple superficial skin lesions. These may be red, and most commonly have a gritty, sandpaper-like feel on the surface. They are found in chronically sun-exposed areas in over 50% of light skinned individuals over the age of 40. They are an indicator of chronic sun exposure, and are pre-malignant(i.e. are not cancerous but can become skin cancers if left untreated for a number of years). |
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| Acuity |
| A measurement of vision clarity or clearness. The most common measure of visual acuity is Snellen Acuity where completely normal acuity is expressed as 20/20. See 20/20 vision. Also known as clearness. |
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| Acular |
| A tradename for the chemical ketorolac tromethamine. A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory eyedrop used to reduce pain after laser vision correction procedure |
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| Adam's apple shaving |
| Surgery done under local anesthesia to decrease the size of the Adam's apple. |
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| Aesthetics |
| Appreciation of beauty. |
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| Age Spots |
| Brown spots found on sun-exposed areas of the skin resulting from a localized cluster of pigment-producing cells (melanocytes). Also known as solar lentigos, or, by the common name of liver spots, these age spots are visible evidence of accumulated, long-term sun-damage. They are treated with lasers. |
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| Air Abrasion |
| The use of air and an abrasive (usually tiny particles of aluminum oxide air-blasted in a stream of air) to remove tooth structure, such as decayed debris and ruined enamel of cavities. This is a relatively new technology in dentistry that often avoids the need for anesthetic with smaller fillings |
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| Alloderm |
| Collagen sheets obtained from human organ donors. Placing this collagen under the skin replenishes the missing deeper layers of skin, thereby elevating depressed scars or skin wrinkles. It can also be placed in the lips to make them appear larger. The material can last more than 2 years without any visible loss of the collagen -- but there is no guarantee as to how long the correction will last. The edges of the sheet can felt but not usually seen for 4 to 6 weeks. After that, the edges cannot be felt or seen. Alloderm is not subject to transplant rejection or common infections. It is processed according to U.S. Food and Drug Administration and American Association of Tissue Banks regulations. |
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| Alopecia |
| Medical term for hair loss. |
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| Alpha hydroxy acids |
| A group of acids with a specific general chemical structure available in various strengths. Used in chemical peels to improve the appearance of the skin. Weaker strengths are found in over-the-counter cleansing and cosmetic products that maintain or rejuvenate skin. |
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| Amalgam |
| The most common material used for the dental filling that is used to repair decayed teeth (cavities). Commonly referred to as silver fillings, amalgam is typically silver colored and is made with a mix of silver, tin, mercury and some other trace elements, such as copper. Amalgams are usually placed in the back or posterior teeth. Advantages - easier placement than other materials and less expensive. Disadvantages - unfavorable color, filling breaks down in the mouth releasing mercury and other trace metals, and stains teeth over time. Metals expand and contract in the presence of hot and cold which can create fractures in teeth. |
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| Amblyopia |
| A condition in which the vision in the non-dominant eye is poor as a result of a visual abnormality early in life. Also know as cycloplegic and lazy eye. |
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