pain control is the set of methods used to reduce pain during and after a medical procedure. It includes medications, anesthesia techniques, and non-drug strategies that make recovery more tolerable. In cosmetic and plastic surgery, pain control is used in both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. The goal is comfort and function while supporting safe healing and early movement.

A wound check is a clinical evaluation of a healing incision, graft, flap, injection site, or other skin opening. It is used to assess how the wound is progressing and to look for early signs of complications. It is common after cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, and after some office-based aesthetic treatments. It may be done in person or, in selected cases, by telehealth using photos or video.

A dressing change is the planned removal of a wound covering and replacement with a new dressing. It is used to protect an incision or wound, manage drainage, and support healing after procedures or injury. In cosmetic and plastic surgery, it commonly follows facelifts, rhinoplasty, breast surgery, body contouring, and reconstructive operations. It may be performed in clinics, hospitals, surgical centers, or at home depending on the case and clinician plan.

suture removal is the planned taking out of non-absorbable stitches after a wound has healed enough to stay closed. It is a brief, non-surgical clinical step performed after many cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. It is most commonly done for skin sutures placed on the face, breasts, body, or extremities. Timing and method vary by clinician and case.

A post-op check is a planned follow-up evaluation after a surgical or minimally invasive procedure. It is used to assess healing, review symptoms, and identify early complications. In cosmetic and plastic surgery, it commonly follows aesthetic procedures (like rhinoplasty or liposuction) and reconstructive procedures (like breast reconstruction). It may be performed in person or, in some cases, via telehealth when appropriate.

A follow-up visit is a scheduled check-in after a consultation, procedure, or treatment. It is used to assess healing, results, and patient concerns over time. In cosmetic and plastic surgery, it commonly supports both aesthetic and reconstructive care. It may be in-person or virtual, depending on the clinic and the clinical need.

aftercare instructions are clinician-provided guidelines for what to expect and how to care for yourself after a procedure. They describe typical recovery milestones, restrictions, and warning signs that may require medical attention. They are used after cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, including surgery and minimally invasive treatments. They are usually tailored to the procedure, technique, and individual patient factors.

A treatment plan is a structured outline of proposed care for a specific patient and concern. It summarizes goals, options, steps, timing, and follow-up in a clear sequence. In cosmetic and plastic surgery, it commonly covers aesthetic procedures, reconstructive procedures, or both. It is a planning tool, not a single procedure or product.

before-and-after photos are standardized images taken at different time points to document visible changes. They are used in cosmetic and reconstructive care to compare appearance before treatment and after healing or improvement. They can support clinical records, patient communication, and education about typical ranges of outcomes. They may be captured in 2D photography or with specialized systems such as 3D imaging, depending on the clinic.

photographic documentation is the systematic capture and storage of clinical photographs as part of the medical record. It is used to show appearance, symmetry, and changes over time in a consistent way. It is common in both cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, as well as dermatology and wound care. It typically includes pre-treatment, intra-treatment (when appropriate), and post-treatment images.

A physical exam is a clinician’s hands-on assessment of the body using observation and simple bedside techniques. It commonly includes looking, feeling, listening, and sometimes measuring specific findings. In cosmetic and plastic surgery, it helps evaluate anatomy, skin quality, symmetry, and healing before and after procedures. It is used in both cosmetic and reconstructive care, as well as general medical visits.

A medical history is a structured record of a person’s past and current health information. It commonly includes diagnoses, surgeries, medications, allergies, and relevant family and social factors. Clinicians use medical history in both cosmetic and reconstructive care to support safe planning and realistic expectations. It is typically gathered through conversation, questionnaires, and review of medical records.

informed consent is a structured process where a patient agrees to a medical intervention after receiving and understanding relevant information. It includes discussion of expected benefits, limitations, risks, and reasonable alternatives, plus the option to decline. It is used in both cosmetic and reconstructive care, including surgery, injectables, and device-based treatments. It also includes documenting that the decision was voluntary and that questions were answered.

shared decision-making is a structured conversation where a clinician and patient make healthcare choices together. It combines medical evidence with the patient’s goals, values, and tolerance for trade-offs. It is commonly used in cosmetic and plastic surgery when there are multiple reasonable options. It is also used in reconstructive care where function, symmetry, and long-term planning matter.

risk stratification is the process of sorting a patient’s health risks into categories (such as low, moderate, or high) to guide clinical decisions. It combines medical history, exam findings, and sometimes scoring tools to estimate the likelihood of specific complications. It is used in both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, as well as many other areas of medicine. In plastic surgery, it commonly supports decisions about safety planning, anesthesia, and perioperative precautions.

An indication is the clinical reason to recommend a specific test, treatment, or procedure. It connects a patient’s concern, anatomy, and goals to an intervention that may help. It is used in both cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery to guide appropriate choices. It is documented in charts to support decision-making and informed consent.

A contraindication is a reason a treatment, medication, or procedure should be avoided or delayed. It is used to reduce the chance of harm by identifying when risks are likely to outweigh benefits. In cosmetic and plastic surgery, contraindication guides whether a procedure is appropriate right now or at all. It applies in both cosmetic (appearance-focused) and reconstructive (function or restoration-focused) care.

patient selection is the clinical process of deciding whether a person is an appropriate candidate for a specific procedure or treatment plan. It combines medical history, physical findings, goals, and risk assessment to match the right procedure to the right person. It is used in both cosmetic (aesthetic) and reconstructive plastic surgery, as well as non-surgical aesthetic treatments. It also includes identifying when *not* to treat, or when to choose a different approach.

preoperative assessment is a structured medical evaluation done before a planned procedure. It reviews health history, physical findings, and procedure goals to plan safely and predictably. It is used in both cosmetic (appearance-focused) and reconstructive (function- and repair-focused) surgery. It may also be used before minimally invasive aesthetic treatments when relevant.

postoperative care is the monitoring and support provided after a procedure to help recovery progress safely. It includes wound care, symptom management, and follow-up assessments over days to months. It is used after cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries, as well as minimally invasive treatments. It is tailored to the procedure, the patient’s health, and the clinician’s technique and preferences.