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.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Glossary Results:

Acupuncture - A technique similar to acupressure, except that fine needles are inserted at specific points along the meridians just under the skin to stimulate, disperse and balance the flow or energy, relieve pain, and treat a variety of chronic, acute and degenerative conditions. Penetrates and stimulates specific points in the body to restore normal energetic balance.

Abdominoplasty/Tummy Tuck - Abdominoplasty or "tummy tuck," is a surgical procedure carried out to remove the excess wrinkled skin and fatty tissue from the abdomen and to tighten abdominal muscles. The overall effect is to produce a smoother, flatter tummy. The best candidate for this surgery has relatively normal weight, weak muscles and excess skin. Patients who are considerably overweight are less ideal candidates for the operation and may be advised to lose weight prior to surgery. Age and skin tone have a lot to do with the level of improvement you may expect. During the consultation, your cosmetic surgeon will evaluate your particular condition and advise you as to whether you are a good candidate for this procedure. How is it Done? The operation is carried out under general anesthesia and may be performed in a hospital or outpatient facility. An incision is usually made across the lower abdomen and the skin is lifted upward toward the rib cage, saving the belly button by freeing it from the skin. The abdominal muscles are then tightened. The excess skin, which has been pulled down by the surgeon, is removed. The surgeon makes a small opening, creating a new navel where the old one had been. The incision is then sutured closed. Firm elastic dressings are applied. In certain cases, a less extensive operation may be possible. Keeping You Comfortable Although there will be some soreness and discomfort, your surgeon can prescribe medications to make you more comfortable. You should avoid strenuous activity for three to four weeks. Resumption of activities will be discussed with you by your cosmetic surgeon on an individual basis. Before your doctor discharges you, you will be advised to wear an appropriate abdominal support for several weeks. What Are the Risks? Abdominoplasty, though a major operation, is generally very satisfying. The scar across the lower abdomen is placed so that it is easily camouflaged. There are risks in any surgical procedure. You should discuss all the benefits and risks with your cosmetic surgeon, as the degree of improvement varies from patient to patient. The Cost? Fees vary from one geographic area to another. Your doctor and staff will discuss all financial arrangements with you prior to your surgery. In some cases, insurance may cover the cost of abdominoplasty when the problem is considered functional.

Abdominal Liposculpture Liposuction - One of the most common of all cosmetic procedures, abdominal liposuction is a technique for recontouring the body by permanently removing fat deposits from the abdomen. The tendency to accumulate fat in the abdomen may be inherited, and this fat is often especially resistant to diet and exercise. Many patients become discouraged at having lost unwanted pounds without seeing a flatter abdomen. The overall proportions of the body may be unbalanced, or the abdomen may simply have retained areas of fatty tissue that cause it to protrude. In these cases, liposuction can successfully trim excess fat in the abdomen for a flatter abdomen and more slender, balanced shape. A careful history of your weight, diet and exercise will be important. Be prepared to answer the following questions: What did you weigh at your maximum? Your minimum since high school? With pregnancy? How many times have you cycled up and down? What has been your trend in the last year? How stable is your weight now? Does your weight respond to emotional stress by going up or down? How often do you exercise? How long have you been exercising? Do you actually enjoy your exercise or do you just do it to improve your looks? Do you participate in team sports? Were you athletic while in school? Have you sought the services of a personal trainer? How often do you eat sweets, go out to dinner, drink alcohol, eat junk food? Have you tried one of the popular diets, Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, Atkins, Zone, Pritikin or the Ornish diet? How successful have you been on various diets? Keep in mind that the higher your goals, the more you will have to actively participate in this process in order to achieve those goals. If you are just concerned about removing fat, liposuction alone will achieve that goal. But if you want an athletic, sculpted look, and you want to look great in a bikini, you may need to incorporate extensive exercise into your plan.

Accelerated Orthodontics - Accelerated orthodontics addresses the straightening, spacing, closing of gaps and repositioning of your front teeth. The result is fast, usually only three to eight months. Accelerated orthodontics uses proven orthodontic and periodontic techniques. This treatment involves a team of dental specialists that have been specifically trained in accelerated orthodontics. There is minor in-office procedure in addition to conventional orthodontic treatment. Techniques to "slim" or reduce the widths of your teeth provide the space needed to correct any crowding of your teeth.