A cartilage graft is a piece of cartilage used to support, reshape, or rebuild body structures. It is most commonly placed during surgical procedures, not office-based “non-surgical” treatments. It is used in both cosmetic surgery (to refine appearance) and reconstructive surgery (to restore form and function). In plastic surgery, it is frequently associated with nasal and ear procedures.

An osteotomy is a surgical cut made in a bone to change its shape, position, or alignment. It is used to correct deformity, improve symmetry, or restore function by repositioning bone segments. In cosmetic and plastic surgery, osteotomy commonly refers to controlled bone cuts in the face (such as the nose, jaw, or chin). It is also widely used in reconstructive surgery after trauma, congenital differences, or prior surgery.

dorsal hump reduction is a procedure to decrease a visible “bump” along the bridge (dorsum) of the nose. It reshapes bone and/or cartilage to create a smoother nasal profile. It is most commonly performed in cosmetic rhinoplasty, and it may also be used in reconstructive rhinoplasty. The goal is typically to refine contour while preserving or improving nasal structure and airflow when relevant.

alar base reduction is a surgical technique that narrows the width of the nostril base (the outer “wings” of the nose, called the alae). It typically reduces nostril flaring or excessive width at the base when viewed from the front. It is most commonly performed in cosmetic rhinoplasty, but it can also be used in reconstructive settings. The goal is to refine proportions while preserving natural-looking nostril shape and airflow.

tip plasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes the tip of the nose. It focuses on the lower third of the nose, especially the cartilage that forms tip definition. It is commonly performed for cosmetic goals such as refinement and symmetry. It can also be used in reconstructive contexts to improve support and nasal airflow when tip structure is involved.

septorhinoplasty is an operation that combines septoplasty (septum surgery) with rhinoplasty (nasal shape surgery). It aims to improve nasal breathing and/or nasal appearance in a single procedure. It is used in both cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. The exact plan is customized to nasal anatomy, goals, and clinical findings.

septoplasty is a surgical procedure that straightens or repositions the nasal septum (the wall between the nostrils). It is primarily performed to improve nasal airflow and breathing function. It can be done alone or combined with other nasal procedures, including cosmetic rhinoplasty or reconstructive surgery. The goal is structural correction inside the nose rather than changing the external appearance, although appearance may change in combined cases.

closed rhinoplasty is a surgical rhinoplasty technique performed through incisions inside the nostrils. It aims to change nasal shape and, in some cases, nasal function without an external columellar (between-the-nostrils) incision. It is used in cosmetic rhinoplasty and can also be used in reconstructive or functional cases. The approach provides internal access to nasal bone and cartilage for reshaping and support.

open rhinoplasty is a surgical approach to reshaping the nose using a small external incision at the columella (the skin between the nostrils). It allows the surgeon to lift the nasal skin and directly view the underlying cartilage and bone. It is commonly used in cosmetic rhinoplasty, reconstructive rhinoplasty, and combined functional–cosmetic cases. It is one of the two main surgical approaches to rhinoplasty, alongside the closed (endonasal) approach.

rhinoplasty is a procedure that changes the shape and/or function of the nose. It can be performed for cosmetic goals, breathing improvement, or both. It may also be used to reconstruct the nose after injury, cancer treatment, or congenital differences.

A venous leg ulcer is an open sore on the lower leg caused by problems with blood returning through the leg veins. It most often appears around the ankle and can be slow to heal without addressing underlying venous disease. It is primarily a reconstructive and wound-care issue, but it can also affect appearance due to skin changes and scarring. The term is used in clinical medicine, dermatology, vascular care, and plastic/reconstructive surgery.

A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound on the foot that occurs in a person with diabetes. It most often develops in areas of pressure, friction, or minor trauma, especially when protective sensation is reduced. It is used in reconstructive and limb-salvage care because it can affect walking, skin integrity, and infection risk. It may also intersect with plastic surgery when advanced wound closure, skin grafting, or flap reconstruction is needed.

A pressure ulcer is a localized injury to skin and underlying tissue caused by sustained pressure, often combined with shear (sliding forces). It most commonly develops over bony areas such as the sacrum, heels, hips, and elbows. It is primarily a reconstructive and wound-care concern, but it also matters in cosmetic and plastic surgery because positioning and recovery can affect skin integrity. Clinicians use the term in hospitals, long-term care, and surgical settings to describe a preventable, clinically significant wound complication.

venous insufficiency is a condition where leg veins have difficulty sending blood back to the heart. It commonly happens when vein valves become weak or damaged, allowing blood to pool in the legs. It is discussed in both cosmetic care (visible veins, swelling, skin changes) and reconstructive/wound care (venous ulcers). It can range from mild, appearance-focused concerns to chronic disease affecting skin health and function.

spider veins are small, visible blood vessels close to the skin surface that look red, purple, or blue. They are a form of superficial telangiectasia (tiny dilated vessels) and often appear in web-like patterns. They are most commonly noticed on the legs and face and are frequently a cosmetic concern. In some cases, they can be a clinical clue that prompts evaluation for underlying venous disease.

varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that sit close to the skin surface. They most often appear in the legs because leg veins work against gravity. They form when vein valves do not direct blood efficiently back toward the heart. In cosmetic and reconstructive care, they are discussed for both appearance concerns and symptom-related treatment.

lymphedema is chronic swelling caused by impaired lymphatic drainage. It happens when lymph fluid cannot move normally through lymph vessels and lymph nodes. It most often affects an arm or leg, but can involve the trunk, breast, or genital area. It is commonly discussed in reconstructive surgery and can also matter in cosmetic surgery when evaluating persistent swelling and contour changes.

– lipedema is a chronic disorder of fatty (adipose) tissue that causes disproportionate enlargement of the legs and/or arms. – It is often associated with tenderness, easy bruising, and a “column-like” limb shape, with the feet typically less involved. – The term is used in both medical and surgical care, including vascular medicine, dermatology, and plastic surgery. – In cosmetic and reconstructive contexts, it matters because it can mimic “stubborn fat,” influence body contouring plans, and affect swelling management.

bromhidrosis is the medical term for persistently noticeable body odor that is considered abnormal or socially distressing. It most often involves the underarms, but can also affect the feet, groin, or other skin folds. It is used in clinical settings to describe a symptom pattern and guide evaluation and treatment choices. It is most commonly discussed in dermatology and cosmetic practice, and sometimes overlaps with plastic surgery when procedural treatment is considered.

hyperhidrosis is a condition where sweating is greater than the body needs for temperature control. It can affect specific areas (like underarms, palms, or soles) or occur more widely. In cosmetic and plastic settings, it is commonly discussed because sweating can affect appearance, clothing, and social confidence. It is also relevant in functional care when sweating interferes with daily activities and skin health.