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Glossary of aesthetic surgery and medicine: technical terms explained by the surgeon

Pierluigi Gigliofiorito

This glossary provides simple and clear explanations of the main terms you'll hear during a cosmetic surgery or medicine consultation. A guided journey to understand concepts such as dual plane, full face, dynamic fillers, CC implants, HD liposculpture, and much more. All with clinical explanations and real-world examples.

By Dr. Pierluigi Gigliofiorito – Plastic Surgeon in Milan and Caserta

Dr. Pierluigi Gigliofiorito is a plastic surgeon specializing in breast augmentation, HD liposuction, and buttock fillers. He is the creator of the G-Fill technique for buttock reshaping and the Dynamic Lips Filler Technique. He practices in Milan, Caserta, and Rome.

Glossary of medical aesthetics with the question "Why do doctors use acronyms?"

If you want to learn more about each individual treatment, you can find dedicated articles on breast augmentation , buttock fillers , liposuction and lip fillers.


SECTION 1 – BREAST (MASTOPLASTY, MASTOPEXY, PROSTHESIS)


Dual Plane: What does it mean?

Dual-plane breast augmentation is a breast augmentation technique in which the implant is placed partly under the muscle and partly under the mammary gland. This approach achieves a more natural result, especially in the upper breast, improving implant coverage and reducing the visibility of the edges. It is particularly suitable for patients with thin tissue or small breasts. In my experience, it is a very versatile technique that I use in most cases, adjusting the level based on the anatomy of the chest and the type of implant chosen.

🔗 Recommended reading: the 30 most frequently asked questions about breast augmentation in Milan.


CC of prosthetics: what does this number indicate?

CC indicates the volume of the breast implant, expressed in cubic centimeters. However, it does not correspond to the "final size" of the breast, because the result also depends on other factors such as chest width, height, implant projection, and tissue characteristics. In my experience, CC is one of the most misunderstood parameters: the choice is not based on a required number, but on the actual body measurements to achieve a proportionate and natural result.


Projection (high, medium, low): what changes?

The projection indicates how much the implant "pushes forward" relative to the chest. A high projection creates a fuller, more prominent breast, while a medium or low projection tends to produce a more natural and less noticeable result. However, the final result also depends on the patient's chest shape and tissues. In my experience, projection is one of the parameters that most influences breast aesthetics and is always chosen through precise measurements and a personalized assessment.



SECTION 2 – FACE (FILLER, BOTULOMA, FULL FACE)


Dynamic filler: what does it mean?

Dynamic filler is a type of treatment that adapts to the natural movements of the face without stiffening expressions. It uses highly elastic materials, which integrate better with facial expressions and are particularly suitable for lips, cheekbones, the nasolabial fold, and full-face treatments. In my experience, it is the basis of techniques such as the Dynamic Lips Filler Technique and the Dynamic Full Face, because the real goal today is to achieve a natural look that remains even during movement.


Full Face Contouring: What is it?

Full Face Contouring is an approach that aims to harmonize the entire face, working on areas such as the cheekbones, chin, and jaw to improve proportions and symmetry. It's not a single filler, but a comprehensive strategy that addresses the "frame of the face" to achieve a three-dimensional and natural result. In my experience, it's one of the most requested treatments because the face is designed as a whole and evaluated in motion, not just when stationary.


SECTION 3 – BODY (LIPOSUCTION, ABDOMEN, LIPOSCULPTURE)


HD Liposculpture: What does it mean?

HD liposculpture is an advanced technique that defines muscle contours, such as the abdomen, obliques, and pectorals, creating a more athletic and sculpted appearance. It uses thin cannulas and three-dimensional design to naturally shape lines and shadows, following the body's anatomy. In my experience, it's a very precise procedure that requires extensive experience and is particularly suitable for athletes, as it's more than just liposuction, but a true body reshaping.


SECTION 4 – BUTTOCKS (FILLER, POLYLACTIC ACID, G-FILL)


G-Fill: What is it?

G-Fill is a buttock reshaping technique that combines fillers and cellulite treatment to improve the volume, shape, and quality of the skin. It uses hyaluronic acid or polylactic acid combined with a controlled rigottomy, allowing for treatment of both projection and skin irregularities. In my experience, it's an original technique I developed to achieve a natural, lifted, and harmonious result from every angle.


SECTION 5 – GENERAL TECHNICAL TERMS

Day Surgery: What does it mean?

Day Surgery is a surgical procedure that allows the patient to be discharged on the same day as the procedure, without requiring a prolonged hospital stay. It requires a licensed operating room, the presence of an anesthesiologist, and well-defined safety protocols, and is now a standard in modern cosmetic surgery. In my experience, many procedures, such as breast augmentation, small-area liposuction, otoplasty, or PRP treatments, can be performed as day surgery or with a short overnight stay, ensuring safety and comfort.


GLOSSARY MINI-FAQ

How do you interpret the technical terms of cosmetic surgery?

Many terms originate from surgical jargon and are not intuitive. This glossary helps you understand them easily, avoiding misunderstandings and guiding you through the information process before your appointment.

What are the most important terms to know before a procedure?

It depends on the type of treatment, but in general, it's helpful to understand concepts like dual plane, projection, CC, dynamic fillers, liposculpture, and surgical pocket. Knowing the meaning of these terms will help you participate in your consultation with greater awareness.

Is it normal to not understand some concepts at first glance?

Yes, absolutely. Cosmetic surgery uses highly technical language. This glossary was created specifically to clarify common doubts in advance and facilitate communication with your surgeon.

When is it necessary to ask the surgeon for clarification?

Whenever a term isn't clear or a procedure isn't fully understood, no question is trivial: a proper understanding of concepts is a fundamental part of informed consent.

To learn more, you can read my guides dedicated to breast augmentation, buttock fillers, liposuction e lip filler.

👉 Book a personalized consultation
📞 WhatsApp: 345/2138775
📩 Email: info@gigliofiorito.com

The information on this site is for informational purposes only and does not replace a doctor's opinion during a visit. Each treatment is individually assessed based on each individual case. Results may vary from patient to patient. No content is intended to be promotional or to encourage the performance of medical procedures.

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