Glossary of Medical Terms

autologous fat grafting

The transfer of a patient's own (autologous) fat from one part of the body to another; the scientific name for fat transfer.

BIA-ALCL

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma — a rare lymphoma of the fluid or capsule around an implant, linked mainly to textured implants.

BIA-SCC

Breast implant-associated squamous cell carcinoma — a very rare cancer in the capsule around an implant.

biostimulator

A broad category of injectable products intended to stimulate a tissue response such as collagen production, for selected approved indications.

breast augmentation

Surgery to increase breast size or change shape, using implants or, in selected cases, the patient's own fat.

breast implant

A medical device placed surgically to increase breast volume or restore shape, filled with saline (salt water) or silicone gel.

breast implant illness

A term used for self-reported systemic symptoms such as fatigue, "brain fog", joint pain and rash attributed to implants; not an established diagnosis.

breast reduction

Surgery that removes breast tissue, fat and skin to reduce breast size and weight, often to relieve physical symptoms.

capsular contracture

Tightening and hardening of the scar tissue capsule that naturally forms around an implant; a common reason for revision surgery.

capsulectomy

Surgical removal of the scar capsule around a breast implant, sometimes performed at the same time as implant exchange or removal.

cohesive gel implant

A silicone implant whose gel holds together, so it tends to stay in shape even if the shell is cut; often called form-stable or "gummy bear".

dermal filler

An injectable product used for certain approved aesthetic indications; not approved for breast enlargement.

explantation

Surgical removal of breast implants, with or without replacement.

external volume expansion

Pre-stretching the breast with a bra-like vacuum device worn for hours a day for weeks before fat transfer, aiming to improve fat survival.

fat necrosis

Death of transferred fat cells that fail to establish a blood supply; may cause lumps, oil cysts or calcification visible on imaging.

fat transfer

Enlargement or reshaping using the patient's own fat, removed by liposuction, processed and injected into the breast. Also called lipofilling or autologous fat grafting.

haematoma

A collection of blood (bruise) that can form after surgery and may require drainage.

hyaluronic acid filler

A gel filler based on hyaluronic acid, used for approved aesthetic indications; its suitability for the breast is not established.

implant rupture

Loss of integrity of a breast implant shell. A silicone rupture can be "silent", producing no symptoms, which is why screening is advised.

inframammary fold

The natural crease under the breast; a common and well-hidden incision site for implant placement.

lipofilling

Another name for fat transfer: injecting the patient's own fat, usually after liposuction, to add volume or refine shape.

liquid silicone

Injectable silicone that is not an implant and must never be used to enlarge the breast; linked to disfigurement, embolism and death.

mammography

X-ray imaging of the breast used for screening and diagnosis; implants, fat transfer and fillers can change its appearance.

mastopexy

A breast lift: reshaping and raising sagging breasts without deliberately adding volume.

MRI screening

Magnetic resonance imaging used to check silicone implants for silent rupture, recommended by the FDA at intervals after placement.

oil cyst

A pocket of liquefied fat that can form after fat necrosis following fat transfer; usually benign but may require assessment.

periareolar

An approach or incision around the edge of the areola.

poly-L-lactic acid

A biodegradable collagen-stimulating injectable (for example Sculptra), licensed for specific facial indications, not for breast enlargement.

PRP

Platelet-rich plasma: a preparation made by concentrating platelets from the patient's own blood, used in various regenerative procedures.

ptosis

Sagging or drooping of the breast; its degree helps determine whether a lift is appropriate.

revision surgery

An operation to adjust, exchange, reposition or remove breast implants after a previous procedure.

saline implant

A breast implant filled with sterile salt water; if the shell leaks, the implant collapses and the fluid is absorbed or expelled.

seroma

A collection of fluid that can form after surgery or around an implant.

silicone implant

A breast implant filled with silicone gel, which tends to feel more like natural breast tissue and does not collapse if the shell leaks.

subglandular

Placing a breast implant behind the breast tissue but in front of the pectoral muscle.

submuscular

Placing a breast implant behind the pectoral muscle.

transaxillary

An approach to breast augmentation through an incision in the armpit (axilla).