This is the Ideal You Medical Dictionary. Please click on the letter below to search by alphabet or use the search function to lookup terms.

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Glossary Results:

Laminating - The process of applying a thin porcelain or composite resin veneer to a tooth.

Low Lipline - Where the widest smile barely reveals the bottom edges of the upper front teeth.

Lasik Eye Surgery - Lasik stands for laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis. It involves lifting up a flap of cornea, and applying the laser to the eye. The flap is then replaced and the incision self-seals; healing within 24 hours.

Laser Hair Removal - Millions of men and women with unwanted body hair spend countless hours on temporary hair removal methods -- including shaving, waxing, applying chemical depilatories, and tweezing. A traditional semi-permanent method, electrolysis, cauterizes and destroys each individual hair follicle, but this procedure is quite time-consuming. Laser hair removal is a promising new treatment. The laser works by sending energy into the pigment of the hair shaft, which is absorbed by the surrounding follicle. The heat generated by this process damages the follicle and stops hair production. Laser hair removal is appropriate for any area where there is excess hair, with the important exception of the eye area. Since the laser works on more than one follicle at a time, larger areas like the back, arms or legs are just as easily treatable as smaller areas like the upper lip or bikini line. However, because the hair is targeted on the basis of color, the hair must be darker than the underlying skin for the laser to be effective. Although the FDA has approved several types of laser for permanent hair reduction, results can vary. Each individual has a different metabolism, hormonal level, hair quality and number of hair follicles, all of which can influence the outcome. Moreover, normal hair goes through a growth cycle in three stages: the anagen, or growing phase; the telogen, or resting phase; and the catagen, or transitional phase. During the anagen phase, hair is susceptible to the lasers energy, but during the telogen and catagen phases, it is resistant. At any one time, various percentages of body hair will be in each of these phases, making complete removal unlikely without multiple sessions. If you're considering laser hair removal, the following information will provide you with a good introduction to the procedure. For more detailed information about how this procedure may help you, we recommend that you consult a plastic surgeon who is board certified or has completed a residency program that includes instruction in this procedure.

Lip Augmentation - Lip augmentation creates fuller, plumper lips and reduces fine wrinkles around the mouth. Lips may be injected with collagen or with fat transferred from another site in the patients body. Both liquid collagen and fat are absorbed and repeat treatments are necessary to maintain results. Newer, longer-lasting options include implantable materials like AlloDerm and SoftForm.

Liposuction - Introduced in the U.S. in the early 1980s, liposuction, also called liposculpture, lipoplasty, or suction lipectomy, is a cosmetic surgery technique developed by cosmetic surgeons to remove stubborn fat deposits that don't respond to dieting and exercise. These fatty bulges are most commonly found in the thighs, hips, abdomen, buttocks, knees, ankles, calves and arms. They are also found in the facial areas such as the chin, cheeks, jowls and neck. Liposuction can be performed alone or in conjunction with other cosmetic surgery procedures such as a tummy tuck, facelift or chin augmentation to achieve the desired result. Are You a Good Candidate? The best candidates for liposuction are healthy men and women with good skin elasticity and realistic expectations for liposuction. "Realistic" means that improvement, not always perfection, is the goal. The fatty bulges should be localized to a few areas and the individual should be near their ideal body weight. Cellulite, or waffled skin, will not be cured by liposuction. It is natural for women, in particular, to accumulate fatty deposited on the hips, buttocks and abdomen; and fat in men tends to accumulate around the mid-section. Some men experience gynecomastia, or enlarged breasts. Liposuction can enhance the appearance of men and women of all ages while boosting self esteem. This procedure is not for obese people. It is not meant to replace good eating and exercise habits, or to counter obesity, however, liposuction can offer help to remove unwanted fatty deposits in many areas of the body. Your cosmetic surgeon will discuss your condition to see if liposuction is right for you. There Are Risks in All Surgical Procedures Liposuction is a very popular procedure that is a normally safe and effective method of removing excess fat. Like all surgery, any cosmetic surgery involves some level of risk. To help ensure a successful outcome, the patient should be a good candidate, the surgeon should be well-trained in liposuction techniques, the surgical facility should be properly equipped and the patient should follow the doctor's instructions and advice. Even with the most skilled surgeon, however, variations from the ideal result are possible. Complications include uneven skin surface, especially in patients with poor skin elasticity, bleeding, infection, discoloration, fluid accumulation beneath the skin, numbness and scarring. Although complications with this surgery are extremely rare, infection and excessive loss of fluid can lead to serious illness and even death. Liposuction can offer a new shape for people who never thought it was possible. Discuss the benefits and risks with your surgeon given your particular circumstances. Before Surgery During your consultation, you and your cosmetic surgeon will discuss the areas of your body you'd like to change. You may undergo an examination to thoroughly assess your fat storage, skin elasticity and review your medical and health history. Your surgeon can discuss the placement of incisions and what other procedures may need to be performed to achieve the proper result. He or she will discuss what medication you should avoid, such as any that affect blood coagulation, and you may be asked to stop smoking for one to two weeks before and after surgery. Although you'll be mobile immediately following your liposuction surgery, you will want to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and to help out around the house for a day or so. The Surgery -- How It Is Done Although an overwhelming majority are performed on an outpatient basis, some extensive liposuction procedures may require a brief hospital stay. Depending on the extent of your liposuction, your cosmetic surgeon may use a general anesthesia, where you will be fully-asleep during the surgery. Newer liposuction techniques involve injecting the area to be suctioned with a special fluid/anesthesia combination prior to suctioning. This is called tumescent liposuction. The fluid constricts the surrounding blood vessels, making the procedure nearly bloodless, while minimizing the pain. The rest of procedure is performed in the same way as traditional liposuction. Liposuction begins as your surgeon makes small incisions, approximately one-half inch in length or less, near the area where fat is to be removed. A thin, hollow tube, called a cannula is inserted, and is attached to a machine or syringe that creates a strong vacuum. Your surgeon will then strategically manipulate the cannula under the skin to remove the unwanted fatty deposits. Depending on the type of anesthesia, you may feel pressure, movement, or an occasional stinging sensation during the procedure, but not actual pain. Your surgeon will determine the amount of fat to remove by feeling and pinching the skin throughout the surgery. After Your Surgery Most patients are mobile immediately after liposuction, although an extra day or two of bed rest may be needed when large amounts of fat are removed. Keep in mind that healing is a gradual process. Your surgeon will want to begin normal activity as soon as possible to reduce post-operative complications, but in some cases you may be advised to avoid strenuous activity for a few weeks. Light exercise is usually permitted within a few days. Your surgeon may recommend that a tight-fitting garment, similar to a girdle, be worn after surgery to reduce swelling. This may need to be worn for up to six weeks. Your stitches, however, will be removed within a week-and-a-half if they are not the type that dissolve. You may not feel great just after your surgery. You've been given extra fluids during the procedure, and you'll likely experience swelling and some bruising, but this is only temporary. You may feel a little bruised and sore as if you'd overexercised that part of the body, but you should be able to resume work in a few days. Your doctor will recommend the exact timing, given your particular circumstances. The New You Remember, liposuction is a surgical procedure, and your body has to heal before you see the full benefits. Your results will likely be visible within two or three weeks, but the full effect may not be fully evident for six months to a year after surgery in some cases. You should maintain a balanced diet and exercise regularly to fully enjoy the new you for years to come. Many patients find that their liposuction is such a psychological boost that it gives them the incentive to exercise even more than before to improve other parts of their physique. With realistic expectations, most patients are pleased with the improvements from their liposuction procedure. The goal is for you to be more comfortable with your body and happy with your new shape.

Laser Resurfacing and Dermabrasion - Smooth, healthy, attractive skin. However you say it, "good looking" skin is one of the most desirable features in our society, and a foundation for the rest of your appearance. The youthful unblemished skin you had as a child is the ideal. But sun damage, aging, wrinkles, acne, or scars, detract from the natural beauty of your skin. Extensive sun damage multiplies your risk-the possibility of skin cancer. Cosmetics and medications simply don't do enough to reverse these problems. Fortunately, today's cosmetic surgeon has the means to improve many of these signs of aging and scars. Millions of people have benefited from the latest techniques, such as laser resurfacing of the skin and a sanding technique called dermabrasion. This brochure is designed to give you a basic idea about skin resurfacing -- including who are the best candidates -- what to expect, what each procedures entails, and reasonable results. Your cosmetic surgeon will discuss your individual circumstances and review the procedure with you. It is important that you understand the procedure your cosmetic surgeon will be performing so that you may ask any questions you may have. Are You a Good Candidate? Laser resurfacing or dermabrasion can enhance your appearance if your complexion is affected by sun damage, aging, wrinkles, acne scarring, or other types of scars. A yellowish or sallow gray color of the skin caused by ultraviolet damage can be restored to a more youthful-appearing fair complexion with a "rosy glow." Wrinkles around the mouth, eyes and cheeks are often removed or dramatically improved. Sun induced brown "liver spots," and discolorations caused by "picking" acne, can be virtually cleared with this procedure. Scars causing elevations and depressions ("hills and valleys") in the skin - ie., chicken pox scars -- can be improved with resurfacing. Moderate and more severe scars benefit most from combining scar revision techniques with resurfacing. Similarly, very lax skin - even with the tightening achievable with resurfacing - may benefit from combining a facelift with the procedure. Your doctor will discuss this further if it applies to you. Most importantly, do you have realistic expectations? By discussing achievable goals with their cosmetic surgeon, most people develop realistic expectations about their final result -- when they can return to work and social activities, etc. There are Risks in All Surgical Procedures Resurfacing is a popular image and skin health enhancing procedure. It provides the opportunity to safely improve one's appearance and skin health in ways that are simply not otherwise achievable. As with any surgery, resurfacing involves some level of risk. Although complications with this type of surgery are rare, they can and do occur, including obvious darkening or lightening of the skin, scarring, or an infection. Communication and teamwork between you and your doctor is the best way to prevent or manage risk factors. Inform your doctor if you or anyone in your family are prone to a medical or surgical problem. In summary, to help ensure a satisfactory outcome, you should be an appropriate candidate and adhere to the surgeon's instructions and advice. Before Surgery During your consultation, you and your cosmetic surgeon will discuss your desired areas of improvement. A thorough examination and a review of your medical and health history may be conducted. Also possible is a discussion of what other procedures may need to be performed to achieve your desired result, such as a chemical peel or facelift Your physician will discuss your commitment to skin care. Some cosmetic surgeons may pre-treat the skin or change your skin care regimen. Your doctor will discuss medications to avoid and may ask you to stop smoking one to two weeks before and after surgery. Most procedures are performed in an outpatient setting, unless you're having other procedures done at the same time. Although you may go home after your laser resurfacing or dermabrasion, have someone drive you home. It is wise to arrange for a friend, family member, or nursing assistant to help out around the house for a few days. The Surgery - How it is Done Both laser resurfacing and dermabrasion remove damaged upper layers of the skin. Lower layers of the skin are stimultated to produce new collagen and a fresh surface for your complexion. Wrinkles, scars, blemishes, and pre-skin cancers, may be removed or greatly reduced. You and your cosmetic surgeon will decide whether local numbing medicine, gentle sedation, or general anesthesia is the better choice for your needs. Dermabrasion frequently uses a freezing spray in addition to one of the above comfort methods. After you and your skin are numb and comfortable, laser resurfacing uses a precise beam of laser light, most frequently known as carbon dioxide (CO2) or erbium (Erbium-YAG), to vaporize away the various layers of skin. New types of lasers are constantly in development and will undoubtedly be added to your doctor's repertoire. Your cosmetic surgeon's experience and recommendation is a better guide than the latest stories in the media. Dermabrasion in experienced hands is likely to be equally effective as laser techniques for most areas of the face. Dermabrasion uses a high speed rotating sanding wheel or brush to peel away the skin. Both resurfacing instruments stimulate new, healthier appearing skin to replace and smooth sun damaged, wrinkled, discolored, or scarred areas. A specialized skin care plan may be recommended to maximize improvement and protect your resurfaced skin. After Your Surgery After your resurfacing, ointments or bandage dressings will be applied to keep your skin moist, until the new upper skin layer reforms in 5-7 days. Initially, redness may be very pronounced - it may last several weeks or months, but can be often camouflaged with post-operative cosmetics. It is important to follow whatever instructions you've been provided and call the office if you have any difficulties or questions, especially unexpected pain. Tenderness or a mild sunburn sensation is expected. You may be instructed to keep your head elevated. Some patients are instructed to apply cooling packs to the outside of dressings. Be sure to take any medications advised by your doctor. The Cost? Fees vary from one geographic area to another. Your doctor and staff will discuss all financial arrangements with you prior to surgery. The New You Remember, healing after a surgical procedure is a gradual process. Very quickly you will notice a significant improvement in your skin quality and appearance. Subtle signs of continuing improvement will usually occur for 6-12 months. You will continue to enjoy your younger looking, smoother, healthier skin for many years to come by following your doctor's recommendations to wear sun protection.

Laser Resurfacing/Laserbrasion Surgery - Light beams vaporize top layers of the skin to lessen the appearance of wrinkles, scars, birthmarks or to generally resurface facial skin.

Laser Surgery - Lasers are being used in many plastic surgery procedures. Laser treatment of the damaged or wrinkled skin has proven itself when used for the fine lines around the mouth and the eyes, acne scarring, or other facial scars, sun damaged skin, or areas of uneven pigmentation on the face. Laser resurfacing is one of several methods being used by plastic surgeons to remove damaged skin. Laser surgery of the skin is a bloodless procedure that produces minimal scarring. We now know that laser peel of the skin stimulates new collagen within the skin. When used for the face, laser peel may be performed on the whole face or in specific regions, either alone or in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures, such as a facelift or eyelid surgery. After evaluation, your plastic surgeon however may advise you that an alternative skin resurfacing treatment, such as dermabrasion or chemical peel, may be a better choice. Complications from laser peel areinfrequent and usually minor, when performed by a qualified, plastic surgeon. Laser resurfacing is usually done as an outpatient procedure, in an outpatient surgery center, a surgeon's office or in a hospital. It is usually performed under local anesthesia . For more extensive resurfacing, general anesthesia may be used. Laser resurfacing usually takes anywhere from a few minutes to 1 1/2 hours, depending on the size of the area involved. Your post operative care will be managed closely by your surgeon who will help you during the post operative period when your new skin will be pink to red. After about two weeks, most patients can safely apply makeup to conceal this temporary pink to red color change. Following your surgeon's advise and prescribed treatment will ensure you an uneventful recovery and good results.

Laser - The word "laser" is an acronym for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Lasers produce an intense beam of light in one specific color (wavelength) that can be controlled for intensity and pulse duration. Light is amplified in a laser by bouncing back and forth between optical mirrors and lenses. The light gains strength with each cycle and when it has reached the right power, it is released in a quick burst of energy. The two most common types of lasers are the carbon dioxide (CO2) and the erbium:YAG. The CO2 laser delivers short bursts of high-energy light. The erbium:YAG laser produces a wavelength that is gentler and cooler. Both can be used for skin resurfacing techniques.

Laser Spider Vein Treatment - Spider veins, or starbursts, are so named because these tiny veins just beneath the skin often radiate out from a central point, reminiscent of the shape of a spider. They may also appear as fine, separate lines, as a web-like maze, or as branches from a single trunk of a tree-shaped form. Spider veins can develop on any part of the body, including the face, thighs, calves, and ankles. Although their exact cause is unknown, it is known that spider veins are related to abnormal blood flow in the affected veins. Any condition or activity that puts pressure on leg veins (e.g., gaining weight and sitting or standing for long periods of time), can contribute to their development. In women, spider veins often appear during pregnancy. Other contributing factors include sustaining an injury in the affected area, taking medications that affect hormones, such as birth control pills, advanced age, and a family history of spider veins. Spider veins on the nose or face, which typically appear as unsightly red or pink clusters, may also be related to overexposure to the sun. Although many spider veins in other parts of the body are most often removed through a process called sclerotherapy, facial spider veins are usually too small to be effectively treated in this way. When the veins are small and close to the skins surface, laser removal is often the most effective treatment. If you're considering laser removal of spider veins, the following information will provide you with a good introduction to the procedure. For more detailed information about how this procedure may help you, we recommend that you consult a plastic surgeon who is board certified or has completed a residency program that includes instruction in this procedure.

Laminate Veneer - A thin porcelain resin shell that is bonded to the enamel of front teeth.