Wendy Lewis & Co. - BEAUTY BUZZWORDS

A modern lexicon of jargon from Ablation to Z-plasty to help you sound like a maven, 'was that basal or basil?'

Acne: A chronic skin condition characterized by an inflammatory eruption of the skin that can show up any time your hormones are in flux, especially during the teenage years and pregnancy. When a hair follicle gets plugged with sebum and dead cells, the rising hormone levels stimulate oil glands which cause clogged pores and inflammation.

Actinic Keratosis: (Solar keratosis) a lesion that is dry, scaly, rough, and tan or pink caused by sun exposure, considered precancerous

Alkaline: A non-acid substance with a pH greater than 7.

Allantoin: A botanical extract said to heal and soothe. Used in creams and topical preparations for the skin.

Aloe Vera : A naturally emollient resin with hydrating and softening properties.

Alpha Hydroxy Acid: (AHA) A group of acids derived from foods such as fruit and milk, which can improve the texture of the skin by removing layers of dead cells and encouraging cell regeneration. There are many AHA's but the most common forms are Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Pyruvic Acid, Tartaric Acid and Maleic Acid.

Anatomic Breast Implant: Teardrop-shaped implant as opposed to the round style designed to look more like a natural breast

Anti-oxidant: A substance designed to prevent a chemical reaction with oxygen, i.e. Vitamins C, E, A, grapeseed, green tea

Arnica: A botanical derived from a mountain plant with antiseptic, astringent, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties

Astigmatism: A refractive error characterized by irregular curvature of the cornea or lens, causing distorted images.

Ayurveda: A method of natural healing originated in India including elements of meditation, yoga, nutrition, massage therapy and herbal treatments.

Beta Hydroxy Acid (Salicylic Acid): A family of acids which enhance cell renewal, found naturally in willow bark.

Bioactive: Subtances that achieve cosmetic results by some degree of physiological action, i.e. fruit acids

Bleaching Agents: Substances which slow down or block the production of melanin to lighten age spots and fade areas of hyperpigmentation; i.e. Hydroquinone, Kojic Acid, Azelaic Acid.

Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Plasty): Surgery that removes excess fat, muscle, and/or skin around the eyes. Incisions follow the natural contour lines of the upper and lower lids, or can be done through the lining of the lower eyelid, providing access to skin and fatty issue.

Bonding: Adhering a tooth colored substance to repair and/or change the color or shape of a tooth

Botulinium Toxin (Botox®) :A naturally occurring toxin that is injected into facial muscles to temporarily paralyze them and eliminate expression lines of the face, around the eyes, and the neck.

Buffer: An additive that adjusts the pH balance of a skin preparation

Calendula: An emollient said to have healing, soothing and antiseptic properties. Used to treat dry skin.

Cannulae: Long, thin hollow tubular instrument used to extract fat during liposuction

Capillary: The smallest type of blood vessel in the body. Spider veins, for instance, are actually small capillaries commonly found on the face or legs.

Capsular Contracture: Scar tissue that forms in the pocket surrounding a breast implant and becomes hardened and distorted

Carbon Dioxide: Laser technology that can be used to resurface moderate to deep facial wrinkles, scars, and can also be used as a cutting tool.

Cellulite: Deposits of fat, toxins and fluids trapped in pockets beneath the skin, more common in women

Ceramides: Barrier-stabilizing components of the stratum corneum that restore the skin's natural condition

Chamomile: A plant-derived anti-inflammatory

Citric Acid: The same as vitamin C. Used commonly in hair and skincare products. Has astringent and antioxidant properties and also can be used as an preservative.

Co Enzyme Q10: A renewal agent that stimulates natural cell energy production and regenerates Vitamin E.

Collagen: A primary component of human skin that gives it resiliency, suppleness and tone, and breaks down with age due to muscle movement and environmental damage.

Comedones: Open (blackheads) and closed (whiteheads) formed when pores become clogged with natural oils and impurities.

Commissure: The area where two anatomic parts meet, as in the corner of the eye or the lips, typically referring to a fold or crease

Corrugator: Muscle that is responsible for causing the glabellar or vertical lines that form between the eyebrows.

Cosmeceutical: A substance that falls between the classification of a drug and a cosmetic, i.e., non-prescription over-the-counter formulations that provide pharmaceutical benefits

Deflation: A rupture or tear in the shell of a breast implant that causes the filler (saline, silicone gel, or other) to leak out and the implant to flatten

Dental Implants: A manufactured material placed in or on the jawbone to aid in replacing missing teeth.

Dermabrasion: Non-surgical resurfacing procedure in which a hand-held rotary wheel is used to remove the top layer of skin.

Dermis: The layer of skin composed of collagen and elastin, lying beneath the epidermis (outer layer) and above the subcutaneous layers

Dermatitis: An inflammatory condition of the skin that is characterized by itching and redness. Three categories of dermatitis are atopic, contact and seborrheic.

Dermis:The layer of skin composed of collagen and elastin which lies beneath the epidermis (outer layer) and above the subcutaneous layers.

Dry Eye: A condition of the eyelids which causes dryness, blurred vision and the eyes to feel gritty

Echinacea: A natural substance thought to boost the immune system, and have anti-itching and soothing properties

Ectropion: A condition of the lower eyelid in which the lid is pulled downward from loose eyelid skin, muscles or too much skin having been removed, also called 'lid retraction'

Eczema: A chronic skin condition that superficial infllation in areas of the skin and scalp

Elastin: A surface protective agent used in cosmetics to alleviate the effects of dry skin.

Electrolysis: Use of electric current to permanently destroy the hair's root bulb

Endoscopic Surgery: An endoscope is an small rigid tube-like instrument equipped with fiberoptic lighting, which can be introduced into the body through a tiny incision so that it lights up the surgical area. The surgeon can see the area on a video monitor while performing an operation, as in endoscopic browlifting, breast augmentation, facelifting and tummy tucks.

Epithelialization: Regeneration of the epithelium or superficial layer of the skin, as occurs after laser resurfacing

External Ultrasound: Utilizing ultrasonic energy applied externally to the skin to dissolve or liquefy fat deposits prior to liposuction.

Extrusion: The erosion of skin that causes an implant (chin, lip, breast, etc.) To become partially exposed.

Fascia: The sheet of connective tissue that covers the muscles, sometimes used as a graft material.

Fat Embolus: Globules of fat that can infiltrate the bloodstream during surgery causing a mass that can result in serious complication and death.

Filler: A category of substances that are either injected or implanted to shape and form overlying tissue. Common fillers are Bovine collagen, the patient's own fat or collagen from skin, human donor collagen.

Forehead Lift: AKA browlift, pulls up droopy brows and upper lids, improve wrinkling and vertical and horizontal frown lines. The Open Forehead Lift is more invasive than the Endoscopic Browlift. An 'Open' means that you will have an incision placed at or behind the ear through which excess skin is removed and muscles are tightened. An 'Endoscopic' lift is from 3 - 5 tiny incisions (1/2 - 1 inch) placed behind the hairline to remove muscles that cause frowning and wrinkles and/or elevate your brows.

Free Radicals: A destructive form of oxygen generated by each cell in the body that destroys cellular membranes

Frontalis: The muscle that enables the brows to move up and down, and contributes to the formation of horizontal wrinkles of the forehead

General Anesthesia: Commonly referred to as 'being asleep', a total loss of consciousness is induced by an anesthetist or anesthesiologist and you won't feel anything, and a breathing tube is placed in your airway.

Genioplasty: To add projection to the chin, the bones are broken so that the chin area can be moved forward and secured in place.

Glabella: The area between the eyebrows in the center of the forehead where deep vertical lines and creases often develop, most popularly treated with Botox in combination with a filler.

Graft: A piece of tissue that is totally removed from one part of the body and transferred to another area of the body, as in fat, cartilage, bone, skin, etc.

Glycerin : Used in moisturizers due to its water binding capabilities.

Grape seed oil : An antioxidant with high linoleic acid content aging.

Gynecomastia: Male breast reduction procedure usually accomplished via liposuction through small incisions in the areola and/or chest wall.

Hematoma: A localized accumulation of blood in the skin caused by a blood vessel wall rupture, possible complication of surgery that may have to be drained

Holistic: A discipline that treats the body as a whole rather than as individual parts.

Homeopathy: A method of treating disease with naturally occurring substances.

Humectant: A substance that attracts moisture.

Hyaluronic Acid: An acid found naturally in the body and helps retain the skin's natural moisture.

Hydroquinone: A bleaching agent that slows down or blocks the production of melanin to lighten age spots, fade darkness and blotchiness.

Hyperpigmentation: Darkening of certain skin areas through overproduction of melanin.

Hypoallergenic : A substance with a low chance of causing allergy or skin irritation.

Hypopigmentation: Reduction in the pigment cells in the skin resulting in skin lightening

Isolagenå: An autologous filler fashioned from collagen from your own skin that is grown in a laboratory, processed and liquefied for later injection into wrinkles and folds.

Jaw: Used to describe the maxillae and mandible and soft tissue surrounding the bony structure

Jessner's Solution: Pronounced 'yes-nerz', a pre-measured solution formulated with Resorcinol, Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid with Ethanol originally developed by Dr. Max Jessner at New York University Hospital for the treatment of acne

Keloid: Enlarged, permanent and thickened scar formations that are more common in darker skin types, and often run in families

Keratin: A surface protective agent with film-forming and moisturizing action.

Kojic Acid: Natural skin-lightening agent derived from a Japanese mushroom

Lagopthalmus: Upper eyelid retraction that results in difficulty closing the upper eyelids.

Laminates: The placement of a thin covering over discolored or broken teeth to improve their appearance.

Lanolin: an emollient with moisturizing properties and an emulsifier with high water absorbing capabilities.

L-ascorbic Acid: The purest form of Vitamin C, which when applied topically is an anti-oxidant, anti-irritant, anti-inflammatory. It helps prevent wrinkles and age spots, stimulates collagen and brightens the skin.

Lateral Hooding: Excess fold of skin between the eyebrow and the outer portion of the upper eyelid.

Local Anesthesia: Medications (usually in the 'caine' family) that are injected into a surgical or treatment site to cause temporary localized numbness.

Lymphatic System: A network of structures, including ducts and nodes, that carry lymph fluid from tissues to the bloodstream.

Malar Bags: The pouch of loose skin and fluid that sometimes occurs with age below the lower eyelid area

Malar Fat Pad: A structure that sits in the second layer of the face below the cheekbone that is frequently positioned during facial rejuvenation procedures

Mastopexy: Breast lift procedure that re-shapes the breast with or without nipple repositioning.

Melanin:The pigment that gives skin its color.

Marionette Lines: The vertical creases that form in the corners of the mouth towards the jowls.

Melanoma: The deadliest form of skin cancer characterized by a black or dark brown pigmented tumor.

Micro-dermabrasion:'Micro-dermabrasion' or 'derma-peeling' or 'micro-abrasion' is a mechanical blasting of the face with sterile microparticles that abrade or rub off the very top skin layer, then vacuuming out the particles and the dead skin.

Mid-facelift: Also referred to as a "cheek lift," a surgical procedure designed to lift sagging areas in the mid-face, including around the cheekbone areas below the eyes.

Mohs Surgery: The destruction of malignant, infected, or gangrenous tissue by the application of chemicals. The technique is used successfully to remove skin cancers.

Monitored Anesthesia Care: Also called 'local with intravenous sedation' and 'twilight', where medications are given intravenously to induce a state of sleepiness and relieve pain, supplemented with local anesthetic injections. Your surgeon can talk to you and you will be able to answer him, although won't remember anything when you wake up.

Nasal Labial Folds:The region of the face between the nose and the corners of the lip, commonly referred to as 'smile lines'.

Nasion: The depression at the root of the nose that indicates the junction where the forehead ends and the bridge of the nose begins

Naturopathy: A type of therapy that depends on natural forces rather than surgery or medicine to treat disease.

Necrosis: Dead skin cells

Non-comedogenic: Products that are formulated not to clog the pores and cause pimples

Orbicularis Oculi: The muscular body of the eyelid encircling the eye and comprising the palpebral, orbital, and lacrimal muscles. It arises from the nasal part of the frontal bone, the frontal process of the maxilla in front of the lacrimal groove, and the anterior surface of the medial palpebral ligament. The palpebral muscle functions to close the eyelid gently; the orbital muscle functions to close it more energetically, such as in winking.

Orbit:The cavity in the skull where the eyeballs, eye muscles, nerves and blood vessels rest.

Outpatient Surgery: Ambulatory surgery in which you are discharged later the same day from the recovery room in a hospital, office surgical suite, or clinic.

PABA : Para-aminobenzoic acid. Found in the vitamin B complex. Used as an ingredient in some sunscreen products.

Pectoralis: The muscle that is located between the rib cage and the chest tissue.

Petrolatum : Used in creams, it softens and soothes skin. Forms a film to prevent moisture loss.

PH:The degree of acidity or alkalinity in the solution of products.

Phenol: Peeling formula applied to the skin to lighten pigment, soften wrinkles and improve scars, considered to be a deep and more invasive peel.

Photoaging: Damage to the skin due to cumulative exposure to the sun; i.e. wrinkles, age spots, fine lines.

Photosensitivity: Chemicals or topical ingredients that cause the skin to be reactive when exposed to sunlight such as inflammation, hyperpigmentation and swelling

Platysmal Bands: Vertical strands of the muscle of the neck that can become more prominent with age and are often sutured or tightened during a face or necklift

Porcelain Veneers: A thin layer of porcelain adhered to a surface of a tooth to repair or change the color and/or shape.

Procerus: Muscle that works with the corrugator muscles and contributes to the vertical frown lines between the eyebrows

Psoriasis: A chronic disease of the skin consisting of itchy, dry, red patches, usually affecting the scalp or arms and legs. It may be treated with OTC or prescription medications

Ptosis: Pronounced (toe-sis), a term for drooping as in eyelids, breasts and brows.

Resorcinol: In mild solutions, used as an antiseptic and as a soothing preparation for itchy skin.

Retin-A (Tretinoin): A topical medication derived from Vitamin A which is used to treat photoaging and acne.

RETINOL: A gentler non-prescription strength alternative to Retinoic Acid. Retinol is a fact, active form of Vitamin A that works deep under the surface of the skin to visibly reduce lines and wrinkles.

Rhytidectomy (Facelift):Surgical procedure which rejuvenates the face by tightening the underlying musculature, removing excess fat deposits, and redraping sagging skin of the lower face and neck. Incisions are placed in the hairline and around the ears and/or under the chin. Modified facelift procedures such as an Endoscopic Facelift, may be utilized on younger patients who do not have much excess skin.

Rosacea: A common skin condition of the face, nose, cheeks, forehead that results in redness, pimples, dilated blood vessels and occasional pustules.

Saline: Salt water commonly used as a filler for breast implants and in the course of administering intravenous fluids.

Scleral Show: Lower eyelid retraction which exposes the sclera (white part of the eyeball) below the pupil.

Sclerotherapy: The injection of one of several solutions through a small needle directly into a vein to cause it to collapse.

Septum: The separating wall in the nose between the left and right nasal passages.

Seroma: A collection of clear fluid that may occur under the skin following surgery.

Silastic Sheeting: Patches or strips of silicone that may be applied to the skin for extended time periods to soften and reduce scarring.

Silicone: A synthetic substance used in a gel-like form in silicone breast implants, in a liquid injectable form for facial areas, and in other medical devices.

SMAS:The superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), is a layer of tissue that covers the deeper structures in the cheek area and touches the superficial muscle covering the lower face and neck called the platysma. The SMAS is often lifted and repositioned during the facelift procedure.

SPF (Sun Protection Factor): A scale used to rate the level of protection sunscreens provide from UVB rays of the sun.

Spider Veins (Telangiectasias): Dilated or broken blood vessels near the surface of the skin.

Steroids: Any of a large number of hormonal substances with similar basic chemical structure, produced mainly in the adrenal cortex and gonads.

Striae: Commonly known as stretchmarks, cause by thinning of the underlying skin layer (dermis) that appear first as red, raised lines, then darken and flatten gradually to form shiny whitened streaks.

Subpectoral: Also called submuscular, referring to the area below the pectoralis muscle where a breast implant may be placed

Subperiosteal: A term for a procedure that goes deep into multiple layers; a lift in which all tissues are separated from the underlying bone structure, thereby considered more invasive, as in brow, face, etc.

Suction Assisted Lipectomy (Liposuction):A procedure in which localized collections of fat are removed from the face and/or body by using a high vacuum device through small incisions. The tumescent technique is most commonly used. Ultrasonic energy may also be employed internally and externally to aid in fat removal and contouring.

Sunblock: A physical sunscreen or a barrier against the sun's ultraviolet rays. Available in creams or ointments.

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Tragus: A small extension of the auricular cartilage of the ear, anterior to the external meatus.

Tea Tree Oil: A natural preservative with antiseptic and germicidal properties

Tissue Engineering: The science of production of human tissue ex vivo, (outside of the human body) as in growing cartilage in tissue culture

Titanium Dioxide: A non-chemical, common agent used in sunscreen products that works by physically blocking the sun. It may be used alone or in combination with other agents.

Tocopherol: Chemical name for vitamin E, an antioxidant

Toner: Product used after cleansing to help return skin to its natural pH. Removes any remaining trace of dirt or debris.

Tram Flap: Acronym for 'transverse rectus abdominis myuocutaneous', a breast reconstruction method whereby a flap of abdominal fat and skin is moved to the chest wall to form a newly reconstructed breast.

Transaxillary: An incision placed under the arm for access during surgery, as in breast augmentation.

Transumbilical: An approach whereby the incision is placed in the umbilicus (belly button) through which breast implants may be moved into position.

Tumescent: A method of anesthesia where large volumes of local anesthetic and saline solution are injected to swell the area to be operated on, commonly used in liposuction and body contouring procedures

Ultrasound: Application of a sound wave, a mechanical vibration of more than 16,000 cycles per second.

Undermining: Surgical separation of tissues from their underlying structures

UVA: Long wavelengths emitted by the sun which take longer to produce a burn than UVB but penetrate deeper into the skin to cause sun damage.

UVB:Short wavelengths emitted by the sun which are known to cause premature aging and skin cancer.

Varicose Veins: Enlarged, swollen and dilated veins just below the surface of the skin, commonly found in the legs and caused by the valves becoming filled with blood

Vermillion Border: The external pinkish-to-red area of the upper and lower lips. It extends from the junction of the lips with surrounding facial skin on the exterior to the labial mucosa within the mouth

Wavelength: The distance between a given point on one wave cycle and the corresponding point on the next successive wave cycle, the light of the wavelength produces a pure color

Wheat Germ Oil: Natural oil rich in vitamin E that promotes renewal of normal new skin cells

YAG: Abbreviation for yttrium aluminum garnet, a crystal used in some types of lasers

Zinc Oxide: Chemical ingredient that has soothing and astringent qualities that can block ultraviolet rays of the sun

Z-plasty: A z-shaped incisional technique used to conceal a scar in the natural skin creases

Zygomatic Arch: An arch formed by the temporal process of the zygomatic bone with the zygomatic process of the temporal bone. The tendon of the temporal muscle passes beneath it.