| Ptosis |
| Breast ptosis (drooping breasts) can result from a loosening of the skin and suspensory ligaments. Gravity and weight of breasts take their toll over time. Ptosis can also come from a reduction in the volume of breast tissue. This can occur after pregnancy and weight loss. |
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| Pulmonary |
| Concerning or involving the lungs. |
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| Rhinoplasty |
| Surgery of the nose to improve appearance and/or function. |
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| Rhytidectomy |
| A procedure to reduce wrinkles and sagging skin on the face and neck. Commonly referred to as a face-lift. |
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| Rippling |
| Ridges from the implant that can be felt or seen around the edge of the breast. Some rippling is normal in saline implants. The below picture is a more sever case of rippling. |
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| Saline |
| Salt water, a natural liquid similar in consistency to water. It is used as a filler in breast implants. |
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| Sclerotherapy |
| A way of treating varicose veins by injecting a solution into the vein. |
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| Scrotum |
| The pouch of skin that contains the testes. |
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| Seroma |
| A mass or swelling caused by the localized accumulation of serum (serum: clear,watery fluid) within a tissue or organ. |
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| Sexual arousal disorder |
| Failure to obtain or maintain erection or vaginal lubrication, despite adequate interest and stimulation. |
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| Sexual Reassignment Surgery (SRS) |
| A surgical procedure designed to modify one's primary sexual characteristics (genitalia) from those of one sex to those of another (penis to vagina, or vagina to penis). May also include secondary surgery such as breast implants or removing the Adam's apple. |
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| Sigmoid vaginoplasty |
| A controversial SRS procedure where part of the colon is used. |
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| Silicone |
| A plastic material. When formed into a gel, it provides an excellent match for breast tissue and is used as a filler in breast implants. When formed into a slightly denser version, it is used as a shell for both silicone gel and saline implants. A solid form is used for implants for other parts of the body, including chin and cheeks. |
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| Silicone granulomas |
| Are small lumps that sometimes form in breast and other body tissues around leaked silicone from silicone implants. |
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| Smooth |
| Type of breast implant, the exterior surface of which is smooth. |
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| Stent |
| A medical term for a dilator. |
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| Subglandular |
| Under the breast tissue or gland. One of the locations for breast implant placement. Also known as above the muscle because placement is above the pectoralis muscle but below the breast tissue |
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| Submuscular |
| Under the muscle. Another location for placement of the implant, i.e., under the pectoralis muscle. Also called "subpectoral." |
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| Superficial |
| Pertaining to or situated near the surface. |
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| Surgeon |
| A physician (physician: commonly refers to a doctor of medicine, M.D.) who specializes in the treatment of disease, injury or other disorders by performing operations that involve cutting body tissue, such as the skin or other organs. Look for the "F.A.C.S." designation. It refers to Fellowship in the American College of Surgeons. |
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