thigh lift: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

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.

brachioplasty: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

brachioplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes the upper arm by removing excess skin and sometimes fat. It is commonly called an “arm lift.” It is used in cosmetic surgery to improve upper-arm contour and in reconstructive contexts after major weight change or tissue laxity. It typically involves an incision and a permanent scar that is placed to be as discreet as practical for the chosen technique.

arm lift: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

An arm lift is a surgical procedure that reshapes the upper arm by removing excess skin and, when needed, reducing fat. It is also called brachioplasty in clinical settings. It is most commonly performed for cosmetic contouring, and it can be used in reconstructive contexts after major weight loss. The goal is a smoother, more proportionate upper-arm contour, recognizing that results vary by anatomy and technique.

panniculectomy: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

panniculectomy is a surgical procedure that removes an overhanging “apron” of skin and fatty tissue (the pannus) from the lower abdomen. It is most often performed to improve hygiene, comfort, and function when excess tissue causes irritation or interferes with daily activities. It is commonly considered a reconstructive procedure, but it can overlap with cosmetic goals in some cases. It does not primarily aim to tighten abdominal muscles or contour the waist the way a full tummy tuck typically does.

lipoabdominoplasty: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

lipoabdominoplasty is a surgical body-contouring procedure that combines liposuction with an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). It is designed to reshape the abdomen by reducing localized fat and addressing loose skin. It may also include tightening of the abdominal wall layer (often called “muscle repair,” though it typically involves the fascia). It is most commonly performed for cosmetic goals and may be used in selected reconstructive contexts (such as after major weight changes).

extended abdominoplasty: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

extended abdominoplasty is a surgical body-contouring procedure that removes excess lower abdominal skin and fat and reshapes the abdomen. It typically extends the incision beyond the hips to address the flanks (the “love handle” area) more than a standard tummy tuck. It often includes tightening of the abdominal wall when separation is present, and repositioning of the belly button when needed. It is used primarily in cosmetic surgery and may also be used in reconstructive contexts after major weight change.

mini tummy tuck: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

A mini tummy tuck is a surgical body-contouring procedure that targets the lower abdomen below the belly button. It removes a limited amount of excess skin and may tighten a small area of the lower abdominal wall. It is most commonly performed for cosmetic improvement of lower-belly contour and smoothness. In select situations, it can overlap with reconstructive goals when addressing functional skin excess, but it is primarily cosmetic.

abdominoplasty: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes the abdomen by removing excess skin and, in many cases, tightening the abdominal wall. It is commonly known as a “tummy tuck.” It is used in cosmetic surgery and can also be part of reconstructive care after major weight change or pregnancy. It is different from liposuction alone because it primarily addresses loose skin and contour, not only fat.

body lift: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

A body lift is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and reshapes underlying tissue to improve body contour. It is most commonly performed after major weight loss or pregnancy-related skin laxity. Depending on goals, it may address the lower torso, upper torso, or multiple regions in a staged plan. It is used primarily in cosmetic surgery and can also have reconstructive aims when skin excess causes irritation or hygiene challenges.

body contouring: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

body contouring is a group of treatments that reshape the body’s outline by changing fat, skin, and sometimes deeper support tissues. It is used in cosmetic surgery to refine proportions and improve contour in areas like the abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms, and neck. It is also used in reconstructive contexts, such as contour correction after major weight loss or following certain medical conditions or surgeries. Methods may be surgical, minimally invasive, or non-surgical, depending on the goal and the patient’s anatomy.

laser-assisted liposuction: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

laser-assisted liposuction is a minimally invasive fat-removal procedure that uses laser energy to help loosen or liquefy fat before it is removed. It is performed through very small incisions using a thin cannula (tube) that delivers laser energy and may also suction fat out. It is most commonly used in cosmetic body contouring and may be used selectively in reconstructive contexts. It aims to improve contour rather than treat overall weight or obesity.

power-assisted liposuction: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

power-assisted liposuction is a form of liposuction that uses a motorized cannula to help remove fat. The cannula moves with small, rapid strokes while suction removes fatty tissue through tiny incisions. It is used most commonly in cosmetic body contouring to reshape areas with stubborn fat. It can also be used in select reconstructive settings where fat removal or contour refinement is needed.

tumescent liposuction: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

tumescent liposuction is a liposuction technique that uses a large volume of dilute fluid injected into fatty tissue before fat removal. The fluid makes the targeted area firm and swollen (“tumescent”) and provides local anesthesia and vessel constriction. Fat is then removed through small incisions using a thin tube (cannula) attached to suction. It is commonly used in cosmetic body contouring and can also be used in select reconstructive settings.

liposuction: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes selected pockets of body fat using suction. It is used to reshape body contours rather than to treat general obesity. It is most commonly performed for cosmetic body contouring, and it also has reconstructive applications in selected cases. It typically involves small skin incisions and a thin tube (cannula) to aspirate fat.

male breast reduction: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

male breast reduction is a procedure (or set of procedures) used to reduce excess breast tissue and/or fat on the male chest. It is most commonly performed to treat gynecomastia (enlarged male breast tissue) and improve chest contour. It may be done for cosmetic reasons, functional comfort, or reconstruction after certain medical conditions. The exact technique varies depending on whether the fullness is primarily gland, fat, or a combination.

gynecomastia surgery: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

gynecomastia surgery is a procedure to reduce enlarged male breast tissue. It typically removes glandular tissue, fatty tissue, and sometimes excess skin from the chest. It is used most often for cosmetic contouring and symmetry, and sometimes for reconstructive goals. The exact technique depends on anatomy, tissue type, and clinician preference.

tuberous breast correction: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

tuberous breast correction is a set of plastic surgery techniques used to reshape breasts affected by tuberous (constricted) breast anatomy. It aims to expand and re-form the breast base, improve breast shape, and address nipple–areola appearance when needed. It is used in cosmetic surgery and can also be part of reconstructive care, depending on the patient’s goals and situation. The exact surgical plan varies by clinician and case.

nipple reduction: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

nipple reduction is a surgical procedure that reduces the size of the nipple. It can decrease nipple height (projection), width (diameter), or both. It is used most often in cosmetic breast surgery and sometimes in reconstructive care. The goal is to reshape the nipple while preserving a natural-looking position and contour.