The Breast Expert Glossary terms

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Glossary terms Breast Cancer

Acetaminophen - A drug that reduces fever and pain. It is an analgesic
Anesthesia - General anesthesia causes loss of consciousness; local or regional anesthesia causes loss of feeling only to a specified area.
Anatomical Implant - A pre shaped tear drop shaped breast implant.
Anesthesiologist - A doctor who specializes in administering drugs, anesthetic and other agents to prevent pain, relieve pain or put the patient to sleep during surgery or other procedures.
Anesthetic - A substance that causes a loss of awareness or feeling. Local anesthetics cause loss of sensation in the part of the body it is injected into. General anesthetics put the patient to sleep
Antibiotic - Chemical substances that are either produced from cultures of microorganisms or produced artificially for the purpose of killing other organisms that may cause infection or disease.
Areola – The dark area of skin that surrounds the nipple on the breast.
Areola Reconstruction - A plastic surgery procedure that may involve transferring skin from another part of the body to the areolar area on the breast (Free grafting) and shaping in to look like a natural areolar. Depending on the patients skin tones the area may also be tattooed the pink or brown of the patient's natural areolar color. Generally this procedure is one of the final stages of breast reconstruction.
Areolar tattooing - is a commonly used by Dr. Corbin to simply color match the nipple or nipples and areolar complex. It is performed easily, often under local anesthesia depending on the patients comfort level and has little to no down time for the reconstructive patient. Nipple tattooing provides the patient and plastic surgeon with a minimally invasive option to color the nipples and areolar. In the past, some of the tattoo color faded with time, but with newer equipment and inks the tattooed nipples can maintain their color over time
Aspirin - A drug that helps to reduce fever , pain, inflammation and blood clotting. Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory. Surgery patients must discontinue the use of aspirin 2 weeks before and after their surgical procedure.
Asymmetry - Asymmetry of the breasts is a subtle or major difference in the breast shape, breast size, and nipple shape or nipple size. Breast asymmetry can also be seen as differences in nipple and inframammary heights between the two breasts. Click here to read more
Augmentation Mammaplasty- A surgical procedure to enlarge the breast size using breast implants.
Autologous - Means taken from the patients own tissues, DNA or cells. In breast reconstruction autologous tissue may be used to create a new breast mound.
Axilla - The armpit or under arm area.
Auxiliary dissection - A surgical procedure in which the lymph nodes in the armpit (axillary nodes) are removed and a microscopic examination is performed.
Axillary lymph node - A lymph node in the armpit area which drains the lymph channels from the breast.
Bakers breast implant classifications - A way of describing capsular contracture of the breasts. A grading system 1 through 4. 1 is normal feeling like a natural breast and 4 is firm, distorted and painful.
Baker Classification for breast implants -

Bakers Class I - Breast implants feel as soft as a natural breast.
Bakers Class II - Augmented breasts are less soft and implant can be palpated (felt), but are not visible.
Bakers Class III - Augmented breasts are firm, implants are palpable and the implant or implants are visible and distorted.
Bakers Class IV - Augmented breasts are, painful, hard, cold, tender, and distorted or deformed.

BDD – Body dysmorphic disorder BDD patients are abnormally preoccupied with a real or imagined defect in their physical appearance. Body dysmorphic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder. BDD patients are obsessed with their physical appearance. Physical features or attributes are what provokes the patient's anxiety and negative perception. Individuals with BDD are not suitable candidates for plastic surgery because they may have unrealistic surgery expectations.
Benign - Non-cancerous. Benign tumors are not cancerous. They do not spread to surrounding tissues or to other parts of the body.
Benign proliferative breast disease - A group of noncancerous conditions ; ductal hyperplasia, lobular hyperplasia, and papillomas. These groups may increase the risk of developing breast cancer at a later date.
Benign tumor - A noncancerous growth that does not invade or affect other tissue or spread to other parts of the body.
Bilateral - Both the right and left sides of the body.
Bilateral breast augmentation - is breast augmentation on both breasts.
Bilateral breast cancer - Cancer that occurs in both breasts.
Binelli breast lift – A form of circumareaolar mastopexy (scar is around the nipple areolar) first described by Dr.Binelli.
Biopsy procedure – Tissue samples are removed from the body for microscopic examination to determine a diagnosis.
Board Certified – Board certification means that a doctor has completed a residency program certified by the American Board of Specialists and has passed both a written and oral examination in the designated specialty. Do not be fooled. Many doctors are board certified in different specialties and are still not board certified plastic surgeons. Ask specifically if the doctor is, “a board certified plastic surgeon” not a board certified cosmetic surgeon, board certified dentist etc... Certification as a cosmetic surgeon IS NOT recognized by the American Board of Specialists.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon – Dr Frederic Corbin
Breast cancer - Cancer that starts in the breast or is isolated to one or both breasts.
Breast Augmentation – A surgical procedure to make the breasts larger using breast implants
Breast Deformity – Any abnormal appearance to the breast either developmental or iatrogenic.
Breast Expert – Dr Frederic Corbin
Breast implant - A manufactured, silicone, rubber sac which is filled with sterile saline or silicone gel that is used for either breast augmentation or reconstruction.
Breast Implant bottoming out - This can occur for two reasons, 1. Overdiscetion of the breast pocket inferiorly or 2. general laxity of the breast tissue combined with the weight of the breast implants.
Breast Implant Sizers – Different sizes of breast implants used to help patients prior to surgery to find a breast size they desire. Breast Implant sizers can also be used by plastic surgeons at the time of breast surgery to aid in gaining symmetry or development of the breast pocket.
Breast Mound – The breast tissue that gives the breast its shape either natural breast tissue or created by breast implants
Breast reconstruction - Surgery to rebuild a breast mound after a mastectomy.
Breast Reduction – A surgical procedure to reduced the size of the breast, usually also associated with reshaping the breasts
Breast surgery Revision - A revision of the original breast surgery
Breast self examination (BSE) - A method in which a woman examines her breasts and the surrounding areas for lumps or changes. A BSE should be performed once a month, usually at a time other than the days before, during, or immediately after the menstrual period.
Breast specialist - Healthcare professionals who have a dedicated interest in breast health.
Calcification - The gathering of small deposits of calcium in the breast tissue, usually found by mammography.
Capsular contracture – This occurs if the scar or capsule around the implant begins to tighten and heal aggressively. Capsular contracture can cause the appearance of the breast and implant to change shape and become firm.
Capsulotomy- When the capsule surrounding the breast implant is cut
Capsulectomy – The complete removal of the capsule surrounding the breast implant
CC’s – Cubic centimeters is the measurement used in implant sizes
Carcinoma - Cancer in body tissues that cover or line surfaces of , glands, organs or other body structures.
Chest Wall Deformity - A deformity or abnormality of the chest wall. Often chest wall deformities are seen in patients with scoliosis. One chest wall may protrude outward more than the other. This may also cause one breast to project outward more one the side with the chest wall deformity.
Circumareolar breast lift - Frequently referred to as the Binelli breast lift or doughnut mastopexy. Though people confuse the two, these are not the same procedure
Cohesive gel breast implants - “gummy bear breast implants” Pre filled, pre shaped Silicone Gel breast implants that are filled with a thick silicone gel material. Because this silicone breast implant is firm and pre shaped they require a larger scar. These implants are not FDA approved. When cut into these silicone implants are firm like gummy bear candy and do not leak or bleed.
Constricted Breasts - A general category of breast defects that share in common a short distance from the areola to the inframammary crease of the breast. This general category of breast deformities also includes tuberous breasts and tubular breasts.
Crescent breast lift – A type of breast lift that involves the resection of a crescent shaped area of skin from the superior aspect of the areola of the breast. This breast lift technique is most commonly used to correct slight differences in nipple-areola heights on the breasts. This breast lift is not for patients who are in need of a major breast lift.
Cyst - A closed sac in or under the skin that is filled with fluid. breast cysts are generally benign.
Diagnostic Mammogram - A detailed low-dose x-ray of the breast.
Double bubble - A condition of the breast associated with breast augmentation when either the breast implant sits noticeably above the normal breast tissue mound creating a double bubble or below the natural breast crease creating a double bubble or double crease.
Droopy Breasts - Breasts that have lost their elasticity and hang or sag.
Ducts - Breast ducts transport milk from the lobules to the nipple.
Doughnut mastopexy – A form of circumareolar mastopexy (a breast lift with the scar around the nipple areolar in a doughnut shape)
EKG ( electrocardiogram) – Measurement of the electrical activity of the heart that can be used to evaluate the medical condition of the heart. Generally Breast surgery patients over 40 need to have an EKG prior to surgery.
Endoscope – A small, flexible tube with a light and camera on the end used to look inside an organ or cavity of the body. It also can be used to aid in breast surgery or other cosmetic procedures
Expander/implant breast reconstruction - The use of an expander to create more skin following a mastectomy to allow the placement of a permanently filled breast implant to reconstruct the breast mound.
Fibrocystic breast disease - Also called fibroid breasts or generalized breast lumpiness is noncancerous irregularities and lumpiness in the breast tissue caused by fibrous cysts.
Flap Breast Reconstruction - “Flap” breast reconstruction involves the transfer of tissue from a distant sight to reconstruct the breast mound following a mastectomy. This tissue may be transferred connected to its normal blood supply as in a latissimus dorsi flap or TRAM flap or may involve the micro anastomosis of blood vessels in the flap to its new site as in a Gluteal flap, DIEP flap or Free TRAM flap
Gummy Bear Breast Implants - Pre filled, pre shaped Silicone Gel breast implants that are filled with a thick silicone gel material. Because this silicone breast implant is firm and pre shaped they require a larger scar. These implants are not FDA approved. When cut into these silicone implants are like gummy bear candy they maintain their shape and do not leak or bleed silicone.
Hematoma - A Collection of blood usually associated with a surgical incision site frequently causing a noticeable swelling and ecchymosis
High Profile Breast Implants - Breast implants that have a smaller circumference and greater projection
Hospital Privileges – Physicians must have privileges to perform procedures at a given hospital. The hospital will examine the physician’s credentials and have him observed while operating before full privileges are given.
Infection - self explanatory. In the case of a breast infection with breast implants it is generally recommended the breast implants be removed until the infection is cleared up.
Inflammation - The response of the body tissues to irritation or injury. The signs of inflammation are redness, heat, swelling, and sometimes pain.
Incision site - The area through which the breast implants are placed.
Inframammary Crease - The crease underneath the breast.
In Patient Breast Surgery – Breast surgery that requires a hospital stay after surgery.
Inverted Nipples – The nipples or nipple do not protrude above the surface but is retracted below the areola surface
Inverted T mastopexy - A description of the appearance of the scar following the commonest and oldest form of breast lift techniques. This inverted T breast lift leaves the patient with the biggest scars of all the breast lifts.
Lajour breast lift – A form of vertical mastopexy ( breast lift) in which the blood supply of the nipple areola is superiorly based and the scar forms a lollipop appearance on the breasts
Loli pop scar - A scar that is around the nipple areolar and vertical on the breast. This scar is shaped like a loli pop.
Low Profile breast implants - Breast implants that have a wider base and less projection.
Lumpectomy - Surgery to remove the cancerous lump and a portion of normal tissue around the breast cancer lump. The surgeon may also remove some of the lymph nodes under the arm to determine if the cancer has spread.
Macromastia – Extra large breasts
Mammogram – A low-dose x-ray of the breast. Generally breast surgery patients need a mammogram prior to breast surgery if they are over the age of 40.
Mastectomy - Surgery to remove portions of or the entire breast.
Mastalgia - Pain or tenderness in the breast that is usually classified as either cyclical (associated with menstrual periods) or noncyclical.
Mastopexy – Breast lift
Mentor breast implants – Breast implants which are manufactured by the Mentor Corporation
Mentor Corporation - Mentor Corporation is a leading supplier of medical products in the world. Mentor develops, manufactures and markets innovative, medical based products. The Company’s Aesthetics division specializes in breast implants for breast augmentation and reconstruction, as well as other products for body and face contouring. Mentor’s Company’s website is www.mentorcorp.com.
Metastasize - When cancer cells spread to other parts of the body.
Micromastia - Small breasts
Moderate profile breast implants – The breast implant shape that is the standard shaped round implant with moderate projection.
Modified radical mastectomy - The removal of the entire breast (including the nipple, the areola, and the overlying skin), some of the lymph nodes under the arm (also called the auxiliary lymph glands), and the lining over the chest muscles. In some cases, part of the chest wall muscles is also removed.
MRI - ( Magnetic Resonance Imaging) MRI can be used to detect a rupture in breast implants.
Mondors Syndrome - Thrombophlebitis of the thoracoepigastric vein of the breast and chest wall. This is temporary.
Needle biopsy - Use of a needle to extract tissue, cells, or fluid for microscopic examination.
Nipple – A small mammary projection in the middle of the areolar complex of the breast
Nipple tattooing - areolar tattooing is a commonly used by Dr. Corbin to simply color match the nipple or nipples and areolar complex. It is performed easily, often under local anesthesia depending on the patients comfort level and has little to no down time for the reconstructive patient. Nipple tattooing provides the patient and plastic surgeon with a minimally invasive option to color the nipples and areolar. In the past, some of the tattoo color faded with time, but with newer equipment and inks the tattooed nipples can maintain their color over time.
Open Capsulotomy and breast implant exchange – The capsule around the breast implants is removed, the old breast implants are taken out and replaced with new breast implants.
Out Patient Breast Surgery – Breast surgery that is performed in an accredited surgery center or hospital and does not require and overnight stay.
Partial (segmental) mastectomy - Surgery to remove the breast cancer and a larger portion of the normal breast tissue around the breast cancer - the body's natural way of healing and replacing lost or damaged skin. The surgeon may also remove the lining over the chest muscles below the tumor and some of the lymph nodes under the arm.
Pectoralis Major Muscle - The large, thick, fan shaped muscle that covers the superior part of the thorax. This muscle can be separated from the chest wall during breast surgery so the implant can be placed underneath it.
Pendulous Breasts - Drooping breasts – the areola is below the inframammary crease of the breast
Peri – Areolar – Along the areola border
Poland’s syndrome - Congenital absence of pectoralis muscle associated with chest wall or same side upper extremity deformities
Pre-operative - Before Surgery
Post Operative - After Surgery
Prosthesis - An artificial form designed to replace a missing part of the body. Breast prostheses may be worn following a mastectomy
Ptosis - The nipple areolar complex being below the inframammary crease of the breast.
Pseudoptosois - Is when breast tissue is below the inframammary crease of the breasts, but the nipples are above.
Radiation therapy - Therapy that uses high energy x-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors .External radiation by an x-ray machine sends the x-ray through the skin. Internal radiation puts radioisotopes into the body through thin plastic tubes.
Radical mastectomy - Surgery to remove the entire breast (including the nipple, the areola, and the overlying skin), the lymph nodes under the armpit also called the auxiliary lymph glands, and the chest muscles.
Resize - When a patient tries the breast implant sizers on a second or more times to confirm their breast implant size for surgery.
Rippling – Folds or dents in breast implants that can be seen or palpated through the skin on the breast. Ripples in breast implants are most commonly seen in saline breast implants and textured surfaced breast implants.
Ruptured breast implant - A breast implant that has leaked and is partial or totally deflated .
Round Breast Implant – The shape of the breast implant is round
Scar - The body's natural way of healing and replacing lost or damaged skin. A scar is usually composed of fibrous tissue. Scars may be formed for many different reasons, including as a result of infections, surgery, injuries, or inflammation of tissue
Scoliosis - A curvature of the spine affecting the breasts because it cases one breast to be higher or lower than the other breast or one chest wall being larger or more prominent than the other side.
Sizing – When breast augmentation patients try on breast implant sizers to see the ideal breast size for their body .
Skin Expander - A silicone bag usually progressively filled with saline to expand the skin and surrounding tissues in the breast or other area used. This device is frequently used to create more skin following a mastectomy to allow for placement of a permanent breast implant.
Skin Graphs - a graft using skin taken from another location (donor site) on the patient's body that best matches their nipple texture and or color. Some of the most commonly used donor sites are, medial inner thigh, groin area or behind the ears. The medial thighs and groin tend to have darker skin and for a lighter shape of pink the skin from behind the ear.
Smooth surface Breast Implants – The outer encasing of the breast implant has a smooth surface
Snoopy breasts – A slang term for deformed breasts whose shape resemble snoopy's nose.
Spair mastopexy – A Short scar, circumAreolar Inferior based pedicle Reduction/ mastopexy – This is an advanced form of vertical mastopexy leaving the patient with a lollipop scar.
Spair Breast Reduction – A Short scar, circumareolar Inferior based pedicle Reduction/ mastopexy – This is an advanced form of vertical mastopexy leaving the patient with a lollipop scar.
Sub muscular breast augmentation - A breast augmentation performed by separating the pectoralis major muscle from the chest wall and dissecting a pocket underneath the pectoralis major muscle to place the breast implant.
Sub mammary breast augmentation - The breast pocket is created behind the natural breast but in front of the pectoralis muscle
Sub fascia breast augmentation - The breast pocket is created in front of the pectoralis major muscle but behind the pectoralis fascia
Surgical Bra – A bra with front closures and no underwire to be worn after breast surgery
Sutures - A thread like surgical material used to close the incision.
Synmastia – A breast deformity that looks like a uniboob. This condition can be congenital or caused by surgery
Textured Breast Implants – Breast implants that have a textured outer shell. These breast implants were originally designed to help prevent capsular contracture. Dr. Corbin believes textured surface breast implants have a higher rupture rate than smooth surface breast implants.
The breast expert – Dr. Frederic Corbin
Third Nipple - An extra nipple that is either on or around the breast. The third nipple can be with or without sensation and is easily removed with surgery.
Tram Flap - Transverse Abdominis Myocutaneous Flap or in layman’s terms a “tummy Tuck” Breast Reconstruction
Tuba - (Trans Umbilical Breast Augmentation) A breast surgery technique performed by making a small incion around the umbilical rim (belly Button)to create a tunnel up through the skin to the chest wall. The implants are placed through this tunnel and placed either in front of the breast tissue or behind the pectralis major muscle.
Tuberous breasts - A breast deformity where the breast is shaped like a tuberous plant such as a potato. It is a form of constricted breast.
Tubular breasts – A breast deformity where the breast and or nipple areola complex has a tubular or cucumber shape as opposed to the conical shape normally seen in a developing breast. It is a form of constricted breast.
Unilateral – One side of the body. In the case of breast surgery unilateral means one breast. Example: Unilateral breast augmentation means to make one breast bigger.
Ultrasound - A diagnostic imaging technique which uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the internal organs. An ultra sound may be used to help detect a ruptured breast implant.
Vertical scar – A scar that goes downward on the breast

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