A sentinel lymph node biopsy is a surgical test that removes one or a few “first-draining” lymph nodes from an area near a tumor. Those nodes are examined to look for signs that cancer cells have traveled through the lymphatic system. It is most commonly used in breast cancer and melanoma care, often alongside reconstructive or oncoplastic (cancer + plastic surgery) procedures. It helps clinicians stage disease while aiming to avoid removing more lymph nodes than necessary.

wide local excision is a surgical procedure that removes a lesion plus a rim of surrounding normal-appearing tissue. It is most commonly used to treat or fully remove certain cancers and suspicious growths while aiming to preserve nearby structures. The removed tissue is typically sent to a lab to check diagnosis and whether edges are clear of abnormal cells. It is used in reconstructive and plastic surgery settings when closure, scar planning, or contour restoration is important.

skin cancer removal is the medical process of eliminating a skin cancer or suspected skin cancer from the body. It most often refers to procedures that physically remove the lesion and a surrounding margin of tissue. Depending on the size and location, it can include reconstructive closure to restore form and function. It is commonly used in both reconstructive and cosmetic contexts because the face and other visible areas are frequent treatment sites.

Dermabrasion for scars is a procedure that mechanically resurfaces the skin to soften the appearance of certain scars. It uses a controlled “sanding” technique to remove upper skin layers and blend uneven scar texture. It is commonly used in cosmetic dermatology and plastic surgery, and it may also support reconstructive goals after injury or surgery. Results and healing vary by scar type, skin characteristics, technique, and clinician.

serial excision is a staged surgical technique that removes a skin lesion or scar in multiple planned operations. Instead of taking the entire area at once, the surgeon excises a portion and closes the wound, then repeats later. It is used in plastic and reconstructive surgery and may also be used for cosmetic concerns. The goal is typically to achieve closure with the patient’s own nearby skin while limiting distortion and extensive grafting.

W-plasty is a surgical scar-revision technique that converts a straight scar line into a zig-zag (W-shaped) pattern. It is designed to make a scar less noticeable by “breaking up” a linear line and redistributing tension along the closure. W-plasty is used in both cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, especially on visible areas such as the face.

Z-plasty is a surgical technique used to revise scars and reposition tight skin. It works by creating a Z-shaped pattern of incisions and transposing small skin flaps. It is commonly used in reconstructive surgery to release scar contracture and improve function. It is also used in cosmetic scar revision to make a scar less noticeable by changing its direction.

scar revision is a group of treatments used to improve the appearance, texture, or position of a scar. It can also be used to reduce scar-related tightness that limits movement or causes distortion of nearby anatomy. scar revision is used in both cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery settings. The goal is typically to make a scar less noticeable or less symptomatic, not to erase it.

aesthetic genital surgery is a group of procedures that change the appearance and, in some cases, the feel or function of external and internal genital tissues. It may involve reshaping, reducing, augmenting, tightening, or repositioning genital structures. It is used in cosmetic practice and can overlap with reconstructive surgery when anatomy has been changed by birth, aging, weight change, trauma, or prior surgery. Specific goals and techniques vary by clinician and case.

clitoral hood reduction is a surgical procedure that reshapes or reduces excess skin of the clitoral hood (the fold of tissue covering the clitoral glans). It is most commonly discussed within cosmetic genital surgery and may also be used in reconstructive contexts. The goal is typically to adjust hood size, contour, or symmetry while preserving clitoral anatomy and sensation. It may be performed alone or combined with other vulvar procedures, depending on the case.

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.