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Terminology

Pittsburgh Board-certified Plastic Surgeon

Patient sitting in the waiting area

Abdominoplasty:* Also known as a “tummy tuck”, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess fat and skin from the abdominal area. Abdominal muscles may also be tightened during this procedure, which is performed to create a flatter, firmer stomach.

American Board of Plastic Surgery: A certifying body for plastic and reconstructive surgery, recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties, which was established as a subsidiary of the American Board of Surgery in 1938.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons: Founded in 1931, the society is composed of surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada who perform Plastic and Reconstructive surgery, and is the largest plastic surgery specialty organization in the world.

Artisan Plastic Surgery: Founded by Pittsburgh plastic surgeon Dr. Francis Johns, a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, in January of 2008.

The Artisan Philosophy: Best described by the founder, owner, and operator of Artisan Plastic Surgery, Dr. Francis Johns: I believe that the purpose of Plastic Surgery is to correct an anomalous feature, restore form and function, improve symmetry, harmonize bodily proportions, and rejuvenate aged or damaged tissues. This requires a combination of art and science in the hands of a well-trained and experienced board-certified surgeon. My goal is to earn your trust and address your concerns in a safe and individualized manner.

Blepharoplasty:* A cosmetic eye surgery procedure performed to reduce the appearance of droopy, tired or baggy eyes. Blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper eyelid, lower eyelid or both.

Body Lift:* A cosmetic surgery procedure that removes excess skin that typically results from weight loss, aging and pregnancy.

Botox:* Very affordable, non-surgical procedure that is widely known for its ability to smooth wrinkles in the forehead and the crow’s feet area. The procedure takes only minutes to perform and has no recovery time.

Breast Augmentation:* Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure performed in order to increase the size and/or alter the shape of a woman’s breasts through the use of breast implants.

Breast Lifts:* A cosmetic surgery procedure, which is also known as mastopexy, designed to lift and reshape sagging breasts.

Breast Reconstruction:* A surgical procedure designed to reconstruct a woman’s breast after mastectomy (the removal of the breast in order to treat breast cancer).

Breast Reduction:* A cosmetic surgery procedure designed to reduce the size of the breasts by removing fat, tissue, and skin, also known as reduction mammaplasty.

Brow Lift:* A cosmetic surgery procedure designed to raise sagging eyebrows and/or smooth forehead wrinkles.

Buttock Lift: A cosmetic surgery procedure commonly used by men and women who have lost a significant amount of weight, resulting in excess skin in the buttocks area. It is also used by men and women who are seeking a more muscular, fuller, more youthful look to their buttocks.Cellulite:* Fat deposits usually found on the thighs or buttocks. Cellulite fat deposits give the skin a dimpled surface.

Cosmetic Surgery: A surgical procedure(s) that modifies or improves the appearance of a physical feature, irregularity or defect.

Chemical Peels:* A cosmetic procedure in which a chemical solution is applied to the face. The chemicals remove the top layers of skin, revealing the younger, smoother skin underneath.

Chin Surgery: A cosmetic surgery procedure in which an implant is placed in the chin to improve facial contours.

Collagen:* A fibrous protein contained in connective tissue. Collagen becomes gelatinous when boiled.

Ear Surgery: A common surgical procedure performed to set the ears back closer to the side of the head, also known as otoplasty.

Eyelid Surgery: A procedure that corrects oversized, sagging or disproportional eyelids, and can be performed on the upper or lower eyelids or both.

Facelift:* A plastic surgery procedure used to remove facial wrinkles, sagging skin, fat deposits or other visible signs of aging for cosmetic purposes.

Fillers: A non-surgical procedure where Restylane, Perlane or Juviderm is injected into the target area. This procedure is used to fill and smooth skin creases and wrinkles.

Forehead Lift:* A cosmetic surgery procedure designed to raise sagging eyebrows and/or smooth forehead wrinkles.

Gynecomastia Surgery: Gynecomastia, or male breast enlargement, is a condition that is not often discussed, but that can affect as many as 50 percent of all men in varying degrees of severity, often causing some awkwardness and embarrassment. This procedure will result in a more flat and smooth chest area, and will ease feelings of self-consciousness.

Lasers: Lasers and light therapies have been developed in order to treat almost any type of skin problem. They can be used for hair removal, elimination of unwanted pigmentations, elimination of broken capillaries or rosacea, treatment of active acne, and even skin tightening of the neck, face and abdomen by utilizing infrared light energy.

Augmentation:* A general term that encompasses a number of cosmetic procedures, from implants to injections, all of which are designed to give the lips a fuller, more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Liposuction:* The surgical removal of fatty deposits using a suction device, which is also referred to as lipoplasty.

Mastectomy:* The removal of a woman’s breast in order to treat breast cancer.

Mastopexy Augmentation:* Also known as a breast lift, mastopexy is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to raise and reshape sagging breasts.

Mesotherapy: A new procedure developed in order to dissolve fat by injecting a solution just under the skin. It is most commonly performed on the abdomen, hips, love handles, thighs and arms. It takes only a few minutes to perform and treatments are given every 2-4 weeks with no recovery time.

Mini-Facelift: A less invasive form of a facelift that is less expensive and has a shorter recovery associated with it. Mini-facelifts are indicated for those individuals with less advanced facial laxity.

Non-Surgical Procedure: A plastic surgery procedure that involves no surgery, which results in limited to no recovery time for the patient.

Nose Surgery:* A plastic surgery procedure performed to alter the shape and/or size of one’s nose, commonly referred to as rhinoplasty.

Rhinoplasty:* More commonly known as a nose job, rhinoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure performed to alter the shape and/or size of one’s nose.

Rhytidectomy:* Also called a facelift, rhytidectomy is a plastic surgery procedure used to remove facial wrinkles, sagging skin, fat deposits or other visible signs of aging for cosmetic purposes.

Surgical Procedure: A medical procedure involving an incision with instruments; performed to repair damage or arrest disease in a living body

Spider Vein Treatment: Schlerotherapy is the most effective procedure to treat spider vein problems and involves injections of a small amount of solution into the spider vein, which in turn, causes it to close off over time.

Thigh Lift:* A plastic surgery procedure used to remove excess skin and fat from the thigh area.

Tummy Tuck:* A surgical procedure designed to remove excess fat and skin from the abdominal area. Abdominal muscles may also be tightened during this procedure, which is performed to create a flatter, firmer stomach. A tummy tuck is also referred to as abdominoplasty.

“I do a different procedure on every patient. No two surgeries are alike. I choose the approach or technique that’s best for the individual.”

Francis R. Johns, MD, FACS

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