Scottsdale – In our continuing efforts to educate patients, we are beginning Plastic Surgery 101 on our blog. Were going to deal with terms in plastic surgery. Here are 10 important terms to learn:

Abdominoplasty: A surgical procedure performed to flatten your abdomen by removing extra skin, fat, and tightening the muscles in your abdominal wall. This procedure is commonly referred to as a tummy tuck.

Acne: A skin condition characterized by the excess production of oil from sebaceous glands which become plugged.

Acne scar: This is a skin condition in which scars occur due to severe acne. Deep pits to scars that are angular or wavelike can occur.

Age spots: These are small flat pigmented spots that are most often seen on areas of the body that have been exposed to the sun over a period of years. Age spots usually occur in the hands and face, especially after the age of 40.

Albinism: An inherited disorder in which there is no pigmentation in skin, hair or eyes. This is due to the absence of melanin, the substance that gives your skin its color.

Alopecia: The partial or complete loss of hair.

Azelaic acid: A naturally occurring substance that can be used in skin care products.

Benzoyl peroxide: An antibacterial medication used to treat the bacteria which aggravate acne.

Blepharoplasty: A plastic surgery procedure that reduces bagginess from lower eyelids and raises drooping upper eyelids. Also known as an eyelid lift, the procedure involves removal of excess skin, muscle and underlying fatty tissue.

Breast augmentation: A plastic surgery operation designed to enhance the shape and size of the breasts.