Specialist termsclearly explained

Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is a surgical procedure in which excess fat and skin in the abdominal area is removed. Incisions are placed on the lower abdomen so they can later be hidden by bikini bottoms or underwear.

Acne is a disorder of the sebaceous glands in which pores become blocked, leading to blackheads, pustules and inflammation. It occurs not only during puberty but also as adult-onset acne, and can be treated both cosmetically and medically.

After acne has healed, depressed or raised scars may remain. Treatments to smooth the skin include microneedling, fractional laser treatments, chemical peels and autologous fat transfer.

In medicine, connective-tissue bands that form between organs and tissues during healing.

Aesthetic surgery comprises surgical procedures to improve physical appearance. The main motivation is change in one’s own looks. Disturbing contours (for example nose or chin), age-related changes, or body changes after pregnancy or weight loss can be corrected.

All measures following a procedure: follow-up appointments, wound and scar care, compression garments, lymphatic drainage and guidance on exercise and sun exposure. Aftercare has a major impact on the final result.

Literally “a state of insensibility” – anaesthesia provides complete suppression of pain and touch sensation under general anaesthesia, and partial suppression with local anaesthesia.

An anaesthetist is a specialist physician trained in administering anaesthesia. Their role includes preparing and delivering anaesthesia and monitoring the patient during and after surgery. They are also responsible for pain management, including post-operative relief.

Antibiotics are medicines used to treat bacterial infections. They are used to treat wound infections and may also be given preventively during or after surgery.

Antioxidants such as vitamin C or vitamin E neutralise free radicals caused by UV radiation, smoking and environmental factors. In skincare they are used to help counter premature skin ageing.

Medicines that inhibit viral replication. For example, aciclovir may be given preventively before hyaluronic acid filler treatment to reduce the risk of cold sores in patients who are prone to them.

Apostasis otum means protruding ears. This can be treated with otoplasty (ear pinning surgery).

In anatomy, the areola is the pigmented area around the nipple. Surgical areola reduction can reduce the size of this dark skin surrounding the nipple.

Surgical reduction of the areola. The procedure is often combined with a breast lift or breast reduction; the scar runs along the edge of the areola.

English term for upper arm lift – see upper arm lift for further information.

Augmentation literally means increase or enlargement. In medicine it denotes enlargement. In aesthetic surgery this includes breast, buttock or lip augmentation.

In this approach, the patient’s own fat, harvested during liposuction and processed, is injected into other areas – for example to soften wrinkles. It can also restore age-related volume loss in the face or body. The procedure uses only the patient’s own fat tissue.

Medical term for the underarm area.

Injectable substances that do not add volume themselves but stimulate the body’s own collagen production – such as poly-L-lactic acid or calcium hydroxylapatite. Results build over weeks and therefore look particularly natural.

Blepharoplasty is eyelid surgery. The operation reshapes and refreshes the eyelids. There are both upper and lower blepharoplasty procedures.

Also known as dysmorphophobia or body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). It combines three clinical features: a fixed belief in a bodily defect, shame towards others and sexual inhibition. Affected people find their body or certain parts ugly or perceive themselves as disfigured. The face and head are most commonly affected.

See body dysmorphic disorder.

Botox is short for botulinum toxin. There are different botulinum toxin products. Type A is used for selected neurological conditions and hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). Other botulinum toxin products are used for cosmetic indications (crow’s feet, frown lines, smile lines). On this website we use descriptive wording because of medicines advertising regulations. If you see phrases such as “well-known muscle-relaxing product” or “muscle relaxant”, these refer to botulinum toxin.

Enlargement and shaping of the breasts with silicone gel implants or autologous fat. Implants can be placed above or beneath the chest muscle; size, shape and position are chosen individually according to build and tissue quality.

English term for breast implants. They consist of a silicone rubber shell filled with silicone gel.

Known medically as mastopexy, this is surgery to restore breast shape after pregnancy, weight loss or age- or anatomy-related sagging. It can be combined with implants for breast augmentation.

Breast reduction reduces breast volume and restores the desired shape.

A brow lift raises muscles and tissue above the eyebrow, reducing wrinkles in this area. It also corrects brow position, usually lifting the brows upward.

Unconscious teeth grinding or clenching, which can strengthen the masseter muscle and widen the lower face. Injecting a muscle relaxant into the masseter can reduce tension and make the jawline appear slimmer.

Buttock augmentation means enlargement of the buttocks. In surgery the buttocks are enhanced with implants, autologous fat or hyaluronic acid. This can be combined with a buttock lift.

A buttock lift can tighten the buttocks. It is often performed together with buttock augmentation.

An injectable agent based on a bone-like mineral that provides immediate volume and also stimulates new collagen formation. It is used mainly to contour the cheeks, jawline and backs of the hands.

A hollow needle used in medicine to enter tissue and inject or withdraw fluids or tissue (for example blood sampling, liposuction, injectable treatments).

Capsular fibrosis or contracture occurs when excessive capsule formation develops around a breast implant. In some cases it requires surgical treatment.

A natural body response when foreign material is surgically implanted. A layer of scar tissue forms around the object (for example a breast implant). Excessive thickening of this layer is called capsular fibrosis or capsular contracture.

Capsulectomy is the surgical procedure to treat capsular fibrosis.

Cellulite is a skin condition that causes dimpled or wavy texture in various areas. It commonly affects the buttocks, thighs and hips, and sometimes the abdomen or upper arms.

Controlled removal of the upper skin layers with acids. Depending on concentration and depth, superficial, medium and deep peels are distinguished – from refreshing the complexion to treating wrinkles and pigmentation.

Small implants are placed under the skin to correct chin shape and size. To a limited extent, augmentation or shaping can also be achieved with hyaluronic acid injections.

A foundational cosmetic treatment comprising cleansing, peel, extractions, massage, active concentrate and a finishing mask. It is tailored to the individual skin condition and forms the basis for further treatments.

Collagen is a structural protein of connective tissue and the most abundant protein in the human body. It is an essential organic component of bone, teeth, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and skin. Collagen supports tissue and contributes to elasticity. With age, skin collagen decreases markedly, leading to loss of elasticity and wrinkle formation.

Collagen is a component of connective tissue in the skin. Some collagen-based fillers contain allergenic components and are therefore not tolerated by all patients.

Medical term for microneedling. Controlled micro-injuries from very fine needles stimulate the body to produce new collagen.

The medical term for blackheads. Open (black) and closed (white) comedones arise from blocked sebaceous gland openings.

A compression bodice is part of compression garments. See compression garments for further information.

Compression garments are worn immediately after plastic-aesthetic procedures such as liposuction, liposculpture and abdominoplasty. They apply external pressure, helping the upper skin adhere to underlying layers and supporting desired skin retraction. They also reduce oedema and haematoma formation. For optimal results, compression wear should be worn day and night for the period specified by your surgeon.

A blend of “cosmetics” and “pharmaceuticals”. Denotes skincare products with highly concentrated, scientifically studied active ingredients, positioned between conventional cosmetics and medicines.

Cosmetic surgery, aesthetic surgery and plastic aesthetic surgery encompass all surgery to correct or improve appearance. Unfortunately the terms “cosmetic surgery” and “beauty surgery” are not protected in Germany, so some practitioners calling themselves cosmetic surgeons may not have completed specialist training in plastic and aesthetic surgery.

Visibly dilated fine blood vessels on the face, usually on the cheeks and sides of the nose. They can be significantly reduced with laser or IPL treatment.

Fine lines at the outer corner of the eyes caused by smiling and blinking. As typical dynamic wrinkles, they respond well to treatment with a muscle relaxant.

A non-surgical method to reduce small fat deposits using controlled cooling. Fat cells are more sensitive to cold than surrounding tissue and are gradually eliminated by the body.

Injectable medical products used to fill age-related wrinkles or to add volume (volumisation) beneath the skin. Hyaluronic acid is probably the best-known product in this group.

Umbrella term for cosmetic treatments performed with devices – for example ultrasound, microdermabrasion, radiofrequency or LED light. They complement manual facial treatments and enhance their effects.

German Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (Deutsche Gesellschaft der Plastischen, Rekonstruktiven und Ästhetischen Chirurgen). DGPRÄC represents all fields of plastic surgery: reconstructive surgery, hand surgery, aesthetic surgery and burn surgery. Its role includes preserving and advancing plastic surgery with its sections as an independent surgical specialty in Germany.

A fat pad beneath the chin that softens the jawline. Depending on the findings, it can be treated with liposuction, injection lipolysis, cryolipolysis or as part of a neck lift.

The recovery period after a treatment when redness, swelling or bruising are visible and you may not feel socially ready to go out. It ranges from a few hours after injections to several weeks after major surgery.

A thin tube placed temporarily after larger operations to drain wound fluid and blood. It helps prevent haematomas and seromas and is usually removed after one to two days.

Wrinkles caused by repeated muscle movement – such as the frown line, forehead lines or crow’s feet. Unlike static wrinkles they are initially visible only on movement and respond well to a muscle relaxant.

Correction of torn, split or stretched earlobes from earrings. A small procedure under local anaesthesia that can also tighten age-related sagging lobes.

A connective-tissue protein that gives skin its ability to spring back. Together with collagen it maintains firmness; its breakdown with age leads to sagging.

EMLA cream contains the combination of lidocaine and prilocaine, medicines from the group of local anaesthetics. After application to the skin it produces surface anaesthesia so superficial procedures can be performed painlessly.

A gentle peel in which enzymes – usually from papaya or pineapple – dissolve dead surface cells without mechanical abrasion. Particularly suitable for sensitive skin or skin prone to couperose.

A collective term for covering and glandular tissue. It consists of single or multiple layers of cells that line all internal and external body surfaces.

Manual removal of blackheads and blocked pores as part of a facial treatment. The skin is prepared beforehand with heat or an enzyme peel to soften keratin buildup.

A facelift is surgery to rejuvenate the face and often the neck. Various surgical techniques tighten skin and deeper tissues (such as muscle and fat) under the skin with as discreet scarring as possible.

The general German medical term for facelift.

Generally refers to human adipose (fat) tissue.

Further information is available under autologous fat treatment.

A classification of skin into six types according to its response to UV radiation, from very fair and always sun-sensitive to deeply pigmented. It is central to choosing and dosing laser and peel treatments.

A laser technique in which the beam is split into many fine micro-beams. Healthy skin remains between treated spots, so healing is much faster than with full-surface ablation. Used for wrinkles, scars and pigmentation disorders.

The vertical line between the eyebrows in the glabella region. It forms through muscle movement when concentrating and frowning and is one of the classic dynamic wrinkles.

Peeling with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic, lactic or mandelic acid. It loosens bonds between dead surface cells, refines skin texture and improves absorption of subsequent actives.

With general anaesthesia, the patient is placed in a controlled deep sleep. The medication also switches off pain sensation. During general anaesthesia spontaneous breathing is suppressed, so patients must be ventilated artificially.

Genioplasty is corrective surgery on the chin to improve appearance. It is often performed for a receding chin (mandibular retrognathia) with placement of an implant on the chin bone.

The glabella is the area between the eyebrows and above the nose. Movement of the corrugator supercilii and procerus muscles in this region creates frown lines.

The smallest fruit acid and therefore especially penetrating. Used in peels to refine skin texture, treat pigmentation and address blemish-prone skin.

A small lump under the skin that may be visible or only palpable. It is caused by the body’s reaction to certain dermal fillers, usually semi-permanent or permanent fillers, and only rarely or extremely rarely with hyaluronic acid fillers.

Benign enlargement of breast gland tissue in men. It may be constitutional or triggered by certain medicines or anabolic steroids. Two main treatments exist: direct surgical excision of excess tissue and liposuction.

High-intensity focused ultrasound. Energy is focused into deeper tissue layers without injuring the skin surface. The heat produced leads to tightening and stimulates collagen formation.

Excess upper eyelid skin that drapes over the lash line. It can make the eyes look tired and in pronounced cases restrict the visual field; corrected with upper blepharoplasty.

Hyaluronic acid is one of the main components of cellular structures in our connective tissue. Most widely used fillers are based on synthetic, non-animal hyaluronic acid.

Enzymes that break down hyaluronic acid. They are used when hyaluronic acid filler results are unsatisfactory and allow faster dissolution of the filler.

Excessive sweating is called hyperhidrosis. It can be treated with injections of a muscle relaxant or with sweat-gland curettage.

Local excess deposition of the pigment melanin, visible as dark patches. Causes include UV exposure, hormonal influences or healed inflammation. Treatment includes peels, laser or lightening agents.

Material surgically placed in the body (for example silicone implants in breast augmentation).

An incision is a surgical cut through skin and soft tissue to expose the operative field.

Also called the submammary or inframammary fold, this is the crease beneath the breast. Incisions for various breast operations are often placed here so scars later lie hidden in the fold.

Colloquially the “fat-dissolving injection”. An agent is injected into small fat deposits and disrupts the fat cell membrane; the contents are cleared by the body. Suitable for small, localised areas such as the double chin.

Umbrella term for aesthetic and functional procedures in the genital area, such as reduction of the inner labia or augmentation of the outer labia with autologous fat. Common reasons include discomfort during sport, sitting or when wearing tight clothing.

Intravenous means “into a vein” and refers to giving a liquid medicine or other medical substance directly into a vein.

Intense pulsed light. Unlike laser, a broad spectrum of light is emitted. IPL is used for redness, visible vessels, pigmentation and permanent hair reduction.

International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Only physicians who meet the international specialist standard for plastic and aesthetic surgery and have several years of experience in this field are accepted as members.

The jawline. A clearly defined jawline is considered a youthful feature; it can be enhanced with fillers, biostimulators, liposuction of the double chin or surgery.

Surgical reduction or reshaping of the inner labia. Usually performed under local anaesthesia; indicated for aesthetic reasons or physical symptoms.

Anatomically, relating to the lip region.

Treatment with coloured light of defined wavelengths. Red light supports regeneration and collagen formation; blue light acts against acne-related bacteria. The treatment is painless and involves no downtime.

Lidocaine is a local anaesthetic. It blocks transmission from sensory receptors in the skin that relay pressure, pain, heat, cold and similar sensations to the brain. It is included in hyaluronic acid fillers and is used in liposuction.

Building and contouring the lips with hyaluronic acid. Besides adding volume, asymmetry can be corrected, the vermillion border emphasised and fine lines on the upper lip smoothed.

Surgery to reduce lip size by removing a thin layer of mucosa from the inside of the lip.

In medicine, loss or redistribution of fat. Facial lipoatrophy can occur with certain medicines during HIV therapy. Treatments include autologous fat injection or hyaluronic acid injections.

A pathological, symmetrical fat distribution disorder, usually of legs and arms, with pressure pain and a tendency to bruise. It does not respond to diet or exercise; liposuction is the established surgical treatment.

In medicine, liposuction combined with body contouring.

Through small access points, stubborn fat deposits are removed with fine cannulas when diet and exercise do not help. The procedure shapes the body; it is not a weight-loss method.

Medical term for liposuction – for further information see the liposuction entry.

Suppresses pain sensation in a defined area.

A medicine that numbs a specific area.

Surgical enlargement of the cheeks. An implant is fixed to the cheekbone to enhance projection and fullness. Cheek augmentation can also be performed with hyaluronic acid fillers.

A gentle massage technique that promotes drainage of tissue fluid. After procedures such as liposuction it speeds reduction of swelling and supports healing.

Lines running downward from the corners of the mouth towards the chin. They arise as tissue support weakens and can make the expression look stern; treatment is usually with fillers or autologous fat.

See breast lift for further information.

Cosmetic treatments performed in a medical setting with clinically effective concentrations. They prepare for procedures, support aftercare and address skin concerns beyond classic beauty therapy.

The medical history is the record of the patient’s health background during the consultation. It covers pre-existing conditions, medications, allergies and previous procedures, and is the basis for safe treatment planning.

Large, irregularly bordered pigmented patches, usually on the forehead, cheeks and upper lip. Triggers include hormonal influences – such as in pregnancy – together with UV exposure. Treatment requires patience and consistent sun protection.

Delivery of tiny amounts of actives such as hyaluronic acid, vitamins and amino acids directly into the mid-layer of the skin. The aim is improved hydration, elasticity and radiance.

Mechanical removal of the outermost horny layer with a diamond tip or fine crystals. Skin texture is refined, pores appear smaller and skincare products absorb better.

Treatment with very fine needles that create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. The stimulus promotes new collagen and improves texture, scars and pores. Often combined with serums or PRP.

Spherical particles in the micrometre range made from various natural and synthetic materials. They are used, for example, in dermal fillers.

Combination of procedures addressing typical changes after pregnancy and breastfeeding – usually breast lift or augmentation, abdominoplasty and liposuction in one session.

Stands for non-animal stabilised hyaluronic acid.

The fold running from the side of the nose to the corner of the mouth. It deepens with age-related volume loss in the cheek and is softened with hyaluronic acid or autologous fat.

Also called neck tightening, this procedure improves neck contours. It may be part of a facelift or performed on its own. Skin and portions of the superficial neck muscle (platysma) are tightened.

Necrosis (cell death) denotes microscopic or visible breakdown of tissue in a living organism due to damage to cell structure from injury, infection or inflammation.

A form of local anaesthesia in which local anaesthetic is injected into or near a peripheral nerve, sympathetic plexus or trigger point to make a specific area pain-free.

A form of vitamin B3. It strengthens the skin barrier, regulates sebum production, reduces redness and helps counter pigmentation. It is considered well tolerated and widely applicable.

Otoplasty describes ear pinning surgery to correct protruding ears (apostasis otum).

Anatomically, relating to the palm of the hand.

Anatomically, the area around the areola.

Skin rejuvenation with light. IPL or laser treats pigmentation, redness and sun damage while stimulating collagen – without breaking the skin surface.

Plastic surgery performs form-changing or reconstructive procedures on organs or tissues for functional or aesthetic reasons. The visible body is the main focus. Goals include restoring or improving body shape and visibly impaired function.

In PRP treatment, blood is taken from the patient, processed in a centrifuge and the growth-factor-rich portion is injected into the skin or scalp. The aim is to stimulate regeneration and collagen production.

See neck lift for further information.

An absorbable biostimulator broken down over months while stimulating the body’s own collagen production. Volume builds gradually, so several sessions spaced weeks apart are usual.

A preventive approach in aesthetic medicine: rather than correcting existing wrinkles, gentle early measures such as skin boosters, sun protection and light treatments aim to delay signs of ageing before they appear.

Ptosis denotes “drooping tissue” in medicine (from Greek “to fall”). It may affect the eyelids, eyebrows or the female breast.

A technique in which high-frequency alternating current heats tissue in a controlled way. The heat shrinks existing collagen fibres and stimulates new ones – for skin tightening without surgery, also combined with microneedling.

A vitamin A derivative and one of the best-studied anti-ageing actives. Retinol speeds cell turnover, refines skin texture and softens fine lines. It should be introduced gradually and requires consistent sun protection.

See rhinoplasty for further information.

Rhinoplasty means nose reshaping and is among the most frequently performed plastic surgery procedures worldwide. Size can be reduced, a dorsal hump removed and overall shape corrected (tip, asymmetry).

A chronic inflammatory skin condition with persistent redness, visible vessels and sometimes papules, mainly in the central face. Triggers such as heat, alcohol or spicy food can worsen flares.

A beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that is fat-soluble and therefore penetrates into pores. It has anti-inflammatory and clarifying effects and is preferred for blemish- and acne-prone skin.

A fluid collection in a wound cavity filled with clear serous fluid. A seroma can develop after surgery and often resolves on its own. If not, it may need to be aspirated.

A highly concentrated active product with a light texture applied before moisturiser. Smaller molecules allow actives to penetrate deeper than in a cream.

Silicone consists of inorganic and organic polymers. It has many uses – from sealing joints and baking moulds to breast implants, wrinkle filling and water-resistant cosmetics. Short-chain, long-chain or ring-shaped silicones can be produced and cross-linked in various ways.

Modern breast implants are no longer comparable with earlier generations. A key advance is cohesive gel, a silicone gel developed specifically as breast implant fill with very high cohesiveness. This gives excellent shape stability, hence “form-stable breast implants” that still feel very natural.

Assessment of skin condition at the start of treatment – from moisture content, sebum production and pore size to pigmentation and sun damage. It underpins the choice of actives and procedures.

The outermost layer of the stratum corneum with its lipid-moisture film. It protects against moisture loss and pathogens. When impaired, the skin feels tight, reddened and more sensitive.

Injection of a very light, non-volumising hyaluronic acid into the skin. It improves hydration, elasticity and glow without changing facial features – often on cheeks, neck, décolleté and backs of hands.

Transfer of the patient’s own skin from one area of the body to another, for example after tumour removal or burns.

Wrinkles that remain visible even when the face is completely relaxed. They arise from loss of volume and elasticity and are treated with hyaluronic acid, autologous fat or tightening procedures.

A measure of how much the skin’s natural protection time against UVB is extended. Consistent sun protection is the most effective single measure against premature ageing and is essential after any laser or peel treatment.

In surgery, closure of a wound or incision. Various threads are used; some are self-dissolving (absorbable) and others are not.

A rare congenital anomaly in which the breasts appear joined in the midline. It can also result as a complication after breast augmentation.

The groove running diagonally from the inner corner of the eye towards the cheek. It casts shadow and can make the eye look tired. Very careful injection with hyaluronic acid or autologous fat can soften it.

Permanently dilated superficial blood vessels visible as fine red lines. They often appear on the sides of the nose and cheeks and can be treated with laser or IPL.

Removal of excess skin on the inner thigh, usually after major weight loss. Often combined with liposuction to refine contour further.

A minimally invasive procedure in which absorbable threads are placed under the skin. They gently lift tissue and also stimulate collagen along the thread path. The result is more subtle than surgical lifting.

An anaesthesia technique in which large volumes of heavily diluted anaesthetic solution are infused into fat tissue. The tissue becomes firm and turgid, allowing gentler liposuction and significantly less bleeding.

A surgical procedure to correct the appearance of the navel.

Protruding fat pads on the lower lid that push forward as supporting connective tissue slackens. Unlike swelling, they do not fade during the day; treated with lower blepharoplasty.

An aesthetic procedure on the upper arm and armpit. Surgically removing excess skin on the inner upper arm and axilla improves contour.

Association of German Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (Vereinigung der Deutschen Ästhetisch-Plastischen Chirurgen). It represents specialists in plastic and aesthetic surgery and advocates quality standards and patient safety in aesthetic surgery.

As a skincare active, vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, supports collagen formation and helps lighten pigmentation. It is usually applied in the morning and complements sun protection.

Age-related reduction of fat and bone in the face. A major reason cheeks hollow, wrinkles deepen and facial contour loses definition.

The body’s repair process after a cut or injury. It progresses in phases over weeks to months; the final appearance of a scar is usually only clear after about a year.

In Z-plasty a straight unsightly incision or raised scar is converted into a zig-zag closure. This surgical technique improves healing and the appearance of the incision or scar.