The rectus abdominis is a paired, strap-like muscle on the front of the abdomen. It runs vertically from the rib area down to the pubic bone and helps flex the trunk. In cosmetic surgery, it is commonly discussed in abdominoplasty and “muscle repair” for contouring. In reconstructive surgery, it may be used or preserved in abdominal wall repair and flap-based reconstruction.
The abdominal wall is the layered structure that forms the front and sides of the abdomen. It includes skin, fat, connective tissue (fascia), muscles, and their supporting linings. It protects the abdominal organs and helps with posture, breathing, and core strength. It is central to both cosmetic procedures (like abdominoplasty) and reconstructive surgery (like hernia repair).
The pectoralis major is a large, fan-shaped muscle on the front of the chest. It helps move the upper arm, including bringing the arm across the body and rotating it inward. In plastic and cosmetic surgery, it is commonly discussed when placing breast implants or performing chest and breast reconstruction. It is used in both cosmetic and reconstructive settings, depending on the goal.
– The nipple is the raised, central structure on the breast that contains openings of milk ducts and specialized smooth muscle. – It sits within the areola (the pigmented skin surrounding it) and together they are often discussed as the nipple–areola complex (NAC). – In clinical care, the nipple is evaluated for health, symmetry, position, and changes over time. – In cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, the nipple may be preserved, reshaped, repositioned, or reconstructed depending on the goal.
The areola is the circular, pigmented skin surrounding the nipple. It is part of the nipple–areola complex (NAC), a key anatomical and cosmetic feature of the breast. In clinical care, the areola is discussed in both cosmetic surgery (shape, size, symmetry) and reconstructive surgery (restoring appearance after disease or injury). It can also be a focus in dermatology and breast health evaluations because it may show visible skin changes.
breast tissue is the normal soft tissue that forms the breast, made up of glandular tissue, fat, and supporting fibrous structures. It varies widely between individuals in volume, density, and distribution. In cosmetic and plastic surgery, breast tissue is assessed and reshaped to change breast size, contour, or position. In reconstructive care, breast tissue may be preserved, rearranged, replaced, or supplemented after disease or trauma.
The décolletage is the upper chest “neckline” area below the neck and above the breasts, including the cleavage region. In clinical and cosmetic settings, it refers to a visible skin zone that often shows sun damage and aging earlier than other areas. The term is used mainly in cosmetic dermatology and plastic surgery to describe assessment and treatment planning for this region. It can also be relevant in reconstructive care when scars or skin quality changes affect the upper chest.
The neck is the body region that connects the head to the torso. It contains skin, fat, muscles, major blood vessels, nerves, the airway, and the esophagus. In cosmetic and plastic surgery, the neck is a common focus for contouring, tightening, and skin quality improvement. In reconstructive care, the neck may be treated after trauma, burns, cancer surgery, or scarring.
The oral commissure is the corner of the mouth where the upper and lower lips meet. It is a key facial landmark used in aesthetic assessment and surgical planning. It is also an important functional junction for speech, eating, and facial expression. It is referenced in both cosmetic and reconstructive care of the lips and perioral (around-the-mouth) region.
The vermillion border is the sharp junction where the colored lip tissue meets the surrounding facial skin. It is commonly seen as the “outline” of the lips and is a key landmark for lip shape and symmetry. Clinicians use the vermillion border in both cosmetic and reconstructive care to guide planning and technique. It is also referenced in dermatology, dentistry, and oral–maxillofacial settings when assessing the lips.
The philtrum is the vertical groove between the base of the nose and the center of the upper lip. It is bordered by two raised ridges called the philtral columns and ends at the Cupid’s bow. It is an important facial landmark in both cosmetic lip shaping and reconstructive surgery. Clinicians also use it as a reference point when assessing facial proportions and symmetry.
turbinates are curved bony structures inside the nose that are covered by soft tissue (mucosa). They help direct airflow and condition the air you breathe by warming, humidifying, and filtering it. In clinical care, they are often discussed in functional nasal surgery, sometimes alongside cosmetic rhinoplasty. They can enlarge or become inflamed and contribute to nasal obstruction.
The septum is a wall of tissue that divides one space in the body into two parts. In facial anatomy, the nasal septum separates the left and right nasal passages and is made of cartilage and bone. In cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, the septum is evaluated, reshaped, repositioned, or used as a graft source during nasal procedures. Other body regions also have a septum (for example, in the heart), but facial plastic surgery most often refers to the nasal septum.
The nostril is the external opening of the nasal airway on each side of the nose. It is bordered by soft tissue and cartilage that influence both breathing and appearance. In cosmetic and plastic surgery, the nostril is assessed for size, shape, symmetry, and how it relates to the tip and base of the nose. It is also central in reconstructive care after trauma, cancer surgery, or congenital differences.
– The alar base is the outer lower portion of the nose where each nostril meets the cheek and upper lip. – It includes the width of the nostril “footprint” and the shape of the nostril rim at its base. – Clinicians use alar base as an anatomic reference point in rhinoplasty planning and nasal analysis. – It is discussed in both cosmetic surgery (shape and symmetry) and reconstructive surgery (restoring form after injury or congenital differences).
The columella is the small column of tissue between the nostrils at the base of the nose. It forms the visible “bridge” separating the two nasal openings when viewed from the front or below. In cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, it is a key landmark for nasal tip shape, nostril symmetry, and support. It is also used as an access point for certain rhinoplasty (nose surgery) approaches.
The nasal tip is the most forward-projecting part of the nose, formed mainly by the lower lateral (alar) cartilages and overlying skin. It helps define nasal shape, including projection (how far it sticks out) and rotation (how “upturned” it appears). In cosmetic care, it is commonly assessed and modified during rhinoplasty or with injectable fillers. In reconstructive care, it may be repaired or rebuilt after trauma, cancer surgery, or congenital differences.
The nasal dorsum is the bridge of the nose, running from the root between the eyes to the tip area. It is formed by both bone (upper portion) and cartilage (middle portion), covered by skin and soft tissue. Clinicians use the term in cosmetic rhinoplasty and in reconstructive nasal surgery. It is a key reference point for nasal profile shape, symmetry, and airflow-related structure.
The maxilla is the paired bone that forms most of the upper jaw and the central midface. It supports the upper teeth and contributes to the hard palate, nasal cavity, and eye socket. In clinical care, the maxilla is central to dental, facial trauma, and jaw alignment planning. It is frequently referenced in both reconstructive surgery and cosmetic facial balancing.
The mandible is the lower jawbone. It holds the lower teeth and forms the shape of the jawline and chin area. It moves at the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) to help with chewing and speaking. In cosmetic and reconstructive care, the mandible is a common focus for contouring, symmetry, and repair.