Plastic surgery terms like lift, tuck, and enhancement come up in everyday conversation, but they can take on a whole new meaning once you begin researching procedures for yourself. If you’re new to plastic surgery, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed by the terminology and options available.
Most patients don’t start their journey knowing the name of a procedure: they start with a concern. Whether you’re noticing changes after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging, or you’re simply curious about your options, this guide is designed to help you connect common goals with the treatments that may address them.
Below, I’ve organized many of the procedures I perform at my Houston practice by concern, with brief explanations of each option to help you feel more informed and confident as you explore what might be right for you.
Facial Aging & Rejuvenation Concerns
Changes in the face are often among the first signs of aging patients notice. Sagging skin, volume loss, fine lines, and a tired appearance can affect how you feel when you look in the mirror, even if you feel energetic and youthful.
Want Smoother Skin or Fewer Expression Lines?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is an injectable treatment made with botulinum toxin type A. It works by relaxing the muscles that cause wrinkles and fine lines between the eyebrows, across the forehead, and at the corners of the eyes (crow’s feet). Dysport® and Jeuveau™ are alternative neuromodulators that offer similar results.
Noticing Volume Loss or Hollow Areas?
Dermal fillers are gel-based injectable treatments used to restore volume in areas such as the cheeks or under the eyes. They can soften lines and help re-establish youthful contours.
Struggling With Tired or Heavy-Looking Eyes?
Eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, removes excess skin and fat from the upper or lower eyelids. It can reduce sagging eyelids and under-eye bags, which can make patients appear tired or older than they feel.
Seeing Drooping Brows or a Constantly Tired Expression?
A brow lift elevates the muscles and skin around the eyebrows. This procedure is often performed endoscopically, with small incisions hidden in the hairline, and can create a more alert, refreshed appearance.
Concerned About Sagging in the Lower Face or Jawline?
A facelift repositions the muscles and skin of the lower face to restore youthful contours. Facelifts are frequently combined with a neck lift, and some younger patients with mild to moderate aging may be candidates for a mini facelift with shorter scars.
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Increasing patients’ confidence is one of my top priorities as a plastic surgeon, and the mommy makeover is one of my favorite procedures to perform for this reason. To see examples, visit our before-and-after photo gallery. "
Breast Changes & Body Proportion Goals
Breast shape, size, and position naturally change over time due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, genetics, and aging. Some patients want to enhance their curves, while others are looking to restore balance, comfort, or symmetry.
Want Fuller or More Shapely Breasts?
Breast augmentation uses breast implants to increase volume and refine the shape of the breasts. It may help women achieve fuller breasts or restore volume lost after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging.
Popular mplant options include, but are not limited to:
- Gummy bear implants: Silicone gel implants designed to closely mimic natural breast tissue.
- Natrelle™ 410 implants: Cohesive silicone gel implants commonly used for shaped results.
- Teardrop (anatomic) implants: Shaped implants designed to provide a natural slope.
Learn how to find the best plastic surgeon for your breast augmentation.
Experiencing Sagging or Loss of Lift?
A breast lift, or mastopexy, raises the breast tissue and nipples to a more youthful position and removes excess skin. It is often combined with implants when both lift and volume restoration are desired.
Feeling Physically Uncomfortable Due to Breast Size?
Breast reduction removes excess breast tissue to create a size that is more proportional to the body. Many patients experience relief from chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain.
Considering Changes After a Previous Breast Surgery?
Breast augmentation revision may be recommended if implants are aging, preferences have changed, or pregnancy or weight fluctuations have altered breast shape.
Restoring the Breasts After Cancer Treatment
Breast reconstruction rebuilds the breast mound after mastectomy using implants or tissue from elsewhere in the body. Each reconstruction plan is highly individualized.
Body Contouring After Weight Changes or Pregnancy
Pregnancy, weight loss, and aging can leave behind loose skin and stubborn fat that do not respond to diet or exercise alone. Body contouring procedures help restore smoother, firmer contours.
Addressing Changes After Pregnancy
A mommy makeover combines multiple procedures—such as a tummy tuck, liposuction, or breast surgery—into one comprehensive plan.
Dealing With Loose Abdominal Skin or Muscle Separation?
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens stretched muscles.
Struggling With Stubborn Fat Deposits?
Liposuction removes unwanted fat using thin cannulas and can be performed on various areas of the body.
Concerned About Loose Skin After Major Weight Loss?
A body lift removes excess skin from the midsection and lower body and is often performed after significant weight loss.
Noticing Sagging in the Upper Arms?
An arm lift, or brachioplasty, removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms and may be combined with liposuction.
Intimate & Feminine Wellness Concerns
Experiencing Discomfort or Changes in the Labia?
Labiaplasty removes excess tissue to reduce the size or shape of the inner labia, improving comfort and confidence.
Looking for Nonsurgical Vaginal Rejuvenation?
Nonsurgical vaginal rejuvenation treatments are designed to tighten tissues, boost collagen, manage incontinence, and enhance comfort and sexual wellness.
What Does “Board-Certified” Mean—and Why It Matters?
Board certification indicates that a plastic surgeon has completed extensive training and examinations through the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Any cosmetic or plastic surgery procedure should be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Taking the Next Step
Whatever concern you’d like to address, I hope you’ve found this guide to be a short, sweet way to better understand some of the terms, procedures, and treatments you’ll find throughout my website and other resources. To learn more, please contact us online or call (713) 571-0600.
Browse my before and after gallery to see the results I’ve achieved for patients across a range of procedure types.
This post was originally published in 2016 and updated in 2024.
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