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Cosmetic Surgery Glossary


Ptosis: The drooping of a body part, especially the eyelids or the breasts.

Retinol: A derivative of Vitamin A commonly found in many skin care creams.

Rhinoplasty: A cosmetic procedure used to enhance or change the appearance of the nose. Rhinoplasty is commonly referred to as a nose job.

Rhytidectomy: Commonly called a facelift, this surgical procedure is done to eliminate the sagging, drooping, and wrinkled skin of the face and neck.

Rosacea: A skin disease of unknown causes with an array of symptoms, including redness and puffiness on several areas of the face that include the cheeks and nose. Rosacea cannot be cured, but prompt correct treatment can keep it from getting worse over time.

Salicylic acid: See "beta hydroxy acid."

Sallowness: A term used to describe a yellowish color of the skin.

Sclerotherapy: A medical procedure used to eliminate varicose veins and "spider veins." During the procedure, an injection of a solution (generally sodium chloride) is placed directly into the vein.

Sebaceous glands: The glands of the skin that emit oil.

Septoplasty: A surgical procedure done to improve the flow of air to your nose by repairing malformed cartilage or the bony portion. The procedure is often performed along with a rhinoplasty.

Spider vein: A widened vein that can be seen through the surface of the skin.

Stratum corneum: The outermost layer of the epidermis.

Subcutaneous: A term referring to below the skin.

Sun protection factor: Commonly seen on suntan ingredients as "SPF," the sun protection factor is the amount of protection a suntan product provides. The higher the SPF, the greater the protection.

Suture: Stitches used to hold tissue together or to close a wound.

Tretinoin: A prescription drug related to vitamin A used to treat acne and other skin disorders.

Varicose vein: Enlarged, twisted veins found near the surface of the skin.

Vitiligo: A condition in which smooth white patches appear on the skin due to a loss of pigment producing cells.

Winter itch: A condition in which the skin becomes irritated due to a loss of moisture. Winter itch is common in the winter when the air is drier.

Brush Up on Beauty
