alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes sudden, patchy hair loss. It most often affects the scalp but can involve eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, and body hair. It is typically a non-scarring hair loss, meaning follicles are usually preserved. It is discussed in both cosmetic and reconstructive settings because hair framing the face strongly affects appearance and symmetry.

telogen effluvium is a type of diffuse hair shedding caused by a shift in the hair growth cycle. It happens when more hairs than usual enter the resting (telogen) phase and then shed. It is commonly discussed in medical dermatology and hair restoration consultations for cosmetic concerns. It can also be relevant after reconstructive or aesthetic surgery when stressors affect hair cycling.

androgenetic alopecia is a common, patterned form of hair thinning caused by genetic susceptibility and hormone-related follicle changes. It typically affects the scalp hairline, temples, and crown in men, and the central scalp with preserved frontal hairline in many women. It is discussed in both cosmetic medicine (appearance-focused care) and reconstructive hair restoration (restoring density after loss). It is a diagnosis, not a single procedure, and it can be managed with medical, device-based, and surgical approaches.

alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. It can affect the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, beard area, or body hair. It describes a clinical finding and may have many different causes. It is discussed in both cosmetic and reconstructive care because hair framing influences appearance and identity.

excision is a surgical method of removing tissue by cutting it out of the body. It is used to remove a lesion, growth, scar, or excess skin and then manage the wound. In cosmetic and plastic surgery, excision can improve contour, symmetry, or surface appearance by removing unwanted tissue. In reconstructive care, excision may remove diseased tissue or prepare an area for repair and closure.

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dermoscopy is a non-surgical skin examination method that uses magnification and specialized lighting. It helps clinicians see structures in and under the outer skin layer that are hard to see with the naked eye. It is commonly used in medical dermatology and skin cancer screening, and it can support cosmetic and reconstructive planning. It is also used to document and monitor spots, moles, scars, and hair or scalp conditions over time.

The ABCDE rule is a clinical checklist used to evaluate skin spots, moles, and pigmented lesions for features that can be concerning. It summarizes five visible characteristics: Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, and Evolving. It is commonly used in dermatology and in plastic surgery settings where skin lesions are assessed before cosmetic or reconstructive treatment. It helps structure documentation and communication, but it does not diagnose skin cancer on its own.

skin cancer screening is the process of checking the skin for lesions that could represent skin cancer or precancer. It usually involves a visual exam by a clinician and may include tools like dermoscopy or photography. It is used in both cosmetic and reconstructive settings, often as part of routine skin health and pre-procedure assessment. It can also guide whether a spot needs monitoring, biopsy, or referral for diagnosis.

Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare, aggressive type of skin cancer that begins in the skin’s neuroendocrine (hormone-signaling) cells. It often appears as a fast-growing, firm, painless skin-colored to reddish-purple bump on sun-exposed skin. In cosmetic and plastic surgery settings, it is most commonly encountered during evaluation of new skin lesions or during reconstruction after tumor removal. It is relevant to both reconstructive care (repairing a surgical defect) and appearance-focused planning (scar placement and contour restoration).

lentigo maligna is a type of **melanoma in situ**, meaning abnormal melanocytes are confined to the top layer of skin. It most often appears as a slowly enlarging, unevenly pigmented patch on **chronically sun-exposed skin**, especially the face. It is a medical diagnosis used primarily in dermatology and skin cancer care, and it commonly affects **cosmetic and reconstructive planning** after removal. Because it often occurs on visible areas, management may involve plastic surgery techniques to support appearance and function.

melanoma is a type of skin cancer that starts in pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. It most often develops in the skin, but it can also occur in the eye or on mucosal surfaces. In cosmetic and reconstructive settings, melanoma is commonly discussed when evaluating changing pigmented lesions and planning safe excision with reconstruction. It is relevant to both cosmetic outcomes (scar placement, contour) and reconstructive goals (restoring form after tumor removal).

squamous cell carcinoma is a malignant tumor that arises from squamous cells, which are flat cells found in the skin and some mucosal linings. It most often refers to a skin cancer on sun-exposed areas, but it can also occur on the lips, mouth, genital skin, and other sites. In cosmetic and plastic surgery, it matters because treatment can affect visible areas (like the nose, eyelids, and lips) and may require reconstruction.

basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer and starts in basal cells in the epidermis (outer skin layer). It most often appears on sun-exposed areas such as the face, scalp, ears, and neck. In plastic and reconstructive care, it is commonly discussed because treatment can involve tissue removal and repair to restore form and function. It can also be relevant in cosmetic settings when lesions are noticed during skin evaluations or before elective procedures.

giant congenital nevus is a large birthmark present at or near birth, most often made up of pigment-producing skin cells. It typically appears as a dark patch or plaque that may be raised, textured, or hair-bearing. In clinical practice, it is discussed in both reconstructive and cosmetic contexts because it can affect appearance, skin function, and long-term monitoring plans. The term is commonly used by dermatology and plastic surgery teams when planning observation, imaging, or removal-based reconstruction.

A congenital nevus is a mole-like skin lesion that is present at birth or becomes visible shortly after. It is made up of pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) located in the skin. Congenital nevi can be small, medium, large, or extensive, and their surface and color can vary. In cosmetic and reconstructive care, congenital nevus is commonly discussed when considering monitoring, appearance-focused treatment, or surgical removal with reconstruction.

A dysplastic nevus is an atypical mole with features that look different from a common benign mole. It is a clinicopathologic term, meaning it can be described by how it looks on the skin and by how it appears under the microscope. It is most commonly used in dermatology and pathology, and it also matters in cosmetic and reconstructive planning when moles are removed and the skin is closed for the best scar placement.

A nevus is a circumscribed (well-defined) skin lesion, commonly called a “mole” or “birthmark.” It represents a localized overgrowth of certain skin cells, often pigment-producing melanocytes. A nevus can be present at birth or appear over time, and it may be flat, raised, or textured. It is discussed in both cosmetic and reconstructive care because it can affect appearance and, in some cases, requires clinical evaluation.

A mole is a common skin growth made up of pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) or related skin structures. It can be flat or raised and may be tan, brown, black, pink, or skin-colored. In cosmetic and plastic practice, a mole may be assessed for appearance, irritation, and diagnostic clarity. In reconstructive care, mole evaluation may be part of broader skin surveillance or lesion management.

A hemangioma is a benign (non-cancerous) growth made up of blood vessels. It most often refers to a vascular lesion of the skin or soft tissue, frequently seen in infancy and childhood. In cosmetic and plastic practice, hemangioma is discussed when it affects appearance, symmetry, scarring risk, or function. Management may be observational or procedural, depending on type, location, and symptoms.