vaginoplasty is a surgical procedure that creates, reconstructs, or reshapes the vaginal canal and/or vaginal opening. It is used in reconstructive care (such as congenital differences, trauma, or cancer-related surgery) and in gender-affirming surgery. In some cosmetic and pelvic surgery settings, the term may also be used to describe surgical tightening of the vaginal opening and supportive tissues. The exact goals and techniques vary by clinician and case.

labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes the labia (the “lips” of the vulva). It most often modifies the labia minora, and sometimes the labia majora, depending on the goal. It is used in cosmetic settings (appearance and comfort concerns) and reconstructive settings (restoring anatomy after injury, disease, or prior surgery). Specific techniques and the final shape vary by clinician and case.

A mommy makeover is a customized combination of cosmetic surgeries designed to address body changes that can follow pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. It most often combines breast and abdominal procedures, and it may include liposuction or other body-contouring steps. The term is commonly used in cosmetic surgery, and some components may overlap with reconstructive goals (such as restoring anatomy after significant tissue stretching). It is not a single standardized operation; the exact procedure set varies by clinician and case.

A buttock implant is a surgically placed medical device used to increase buttock volume and projection. It is typically made of solid silicone elastomer and positioned within the buttock tissues. It is used most commonly in cosmetic (aesthetic) body contouring. In selected cases, it may also be used for reconstructive goals, such as correcting contour asymmetry.

gluteal fat grafting is a surgical procedure that transfers a person’s own fat to the buttocks to change shape and volume. It typically combines liposuction (fat removal) with fat processing and reinjection (fat transfer). It is used most often for cosmetic buttock contouring and can also be used for selected reconstructive goals. The intent is to refine proportion and contour rather than treat a medical disease.

BBL most commonly refers to a Brazilian Butt Lift, a surgical fat-transfer procedure to enhance buttock shape. It typically combines liposuction (fat removal) from one area with fat grafting (fat injection) to the buttocks. BBL is mainly used in cosmetic surgery, and it may also be used in select reconstructive contexts.

A Brazilian butt lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure that uses a person’s own fat to add volume and reshape the buttocks. It typically combines liposuction (fat removal) from areas like the abdomen or flanks with fat grafting (fat transfer) to the buttocks. It is most commonly performed for aesthetic contouring, and it may also be used in select reconstructive contexts.

buttock augmentation is a set of procedures designed to add volume, change shape, or improve contour of the buttocks. It is commonly used in cosmetic plastic surgery to enhance projection and proportion. It can also be used in reconstructive contexts to address contour deficits after weight loss, trauma, or prior surgery. Methods may involve fat transfer, implants, or injectable materials, depending on the case.

A gluteal lift is a procedure that lifts and tightens sagging skin and soft tissue of the buttocks. It is most often a surgical body-contouring operation, sometimes combined with other procedures. It can be used for cosmetic goals and for reconstructive contouring after major weight change or tissue loss.

A thigh lift is a surgical procedure that reshapes the thighs by removing excess skin and sometimes fat. It is most often used in cosmetic body contouring to improve thigh contour and proportion. It can also be used in reconstructive contexts, such as after major weight loss or skin laxity from medical conditions. The goal is typically a smoother, firmer thigh profile, recognizing outcomes vary by anatomy and technique.

brachioplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes the upper arm by removing excess skin and sometimes fat. It is commonly called an “arm lift.” It is used in cosmetic surgery to improve upper-arm contour and in reconstructive contexts after major weight change or tissue laxity. It typically involves an incision and a permanent scar that is placed to be as discreet as practical for the chosen technique.

An arm lift is a surgical procedure that reshapes the upper arm by removing excess skin and, when needed, reducing fat. It is also called brachioplasty in clinical settings. It is most commonly performed for cosmetic contouring, and it can be used in reconstructive contexts after major weight loss. The goal is a smoother, more proportionate upper-arm contour, recognizing that results vary by anatomy and technique.

panniculectomy is a surgical procedure that removes an overhanging “apron” of skin and fatty tissue (the pannus) from the lower abdomen. It is most often performed to improve hygiene, comfort, and function when excess tissue causes irritation or interferes with daily activities. It is commonly considered a reconstructive procedure, but it can overlap with cosmetic goals in some cases. It does not primarily aim to tighten abdominal muscles or contour the waist the way a full tummy tuck typically does.

lipoabdominoplasty is a surgical body-contouring procedure that combines liposuction with an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). It is designed to reshape the abdomen by reducing localized fat and addressing loose skin. It may also include tightening of the abdominal wall layer (often called “muscle repair,” though it typically involves the fascia). It is most commonly performed for cosmetic goals and may be used in selected reconstructive contexts (such as after major weight changes).

extended abdominoplasty is a surgical body-contouring procedure that removes excess lower abdominal skin and fat and reshapes the abdomen. It typically extends the incision beyond the hips to address the flanks (the “love handle” area) more than a standard tummy tuck. It often includes tightening of the abdominal wall when separation is present, and repositioning of the belly button when needed. It is used primarily in cosmetic surgery and may also be used in reconstructive contexts after major weight change.

A mini tummy tuck is a surgical body-contouring procedure that targets the lower abdomen below the belly button. It removes a limited amount of excess skin and may tighten a small area of the lower abdominal wall. It is most commonly performed for cosmetic improvement of lower-belly contour and smoothness. In select situations, it can overlap with reconstructive goals when addressing functional skin excess, but it is primarily cosmetic.

abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes the abdomen by removing excess skin and, in many cases, tightening the abdominal wall. It is commonly known as a “tummy tuck.” It is used in cosmetic surgery and can also be part of reconstructive care after major weight change or pregnancy. It is different from liposuction alone because it primarily addresses loose skin and contour, not only fat.

A body lift is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and reshapes underlying tissue to improve body contour. It is most commonly performed after major weight loss or pregnancy-related skin laxity. Depending on goals, it may address the lower torso, upper torso, or multiple regions in a staged plan. It is used primarily in cosmetic surgery and can also have reconstructive aims when skin excess causes irritation or hygiene challenges.

body contouring is a group of treatments that reshape the body’s outline by changing fat, skin, and sometimes deeper support tissues. It is used in cosmetic surgery to refine proportions and improve contour in areas like the abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms, and neck. It is also used in reconstructive contexts, such as contour correction after major weight loss or following certain medical conditions or surgeries. Methods may be surgical, minimally invasive, or non-surgical, depending on the goal and the patient’s anatomy.

VASER liposuction is an ultrasound-assisted form of liposuction used to remove body fat for contouring. It uses ultrasonic energy to help break up fat before suctioning it out through small incisions. It is commonly used in cosmetic body contouring and may also be used in select reconstructive settings.