B

Bariatrics - branch of medicine concerned with the management of obesity and related diseases

Basal cell - cell found at the base, or bottom, of the epidermis

Basal cell carcinoma - the most common form of skin cancer; caused by the uncontrolled growth of basal cells of the epidermis, damaged by exposure to ultraviolet light

Beauty mark - a mole or nevus

Becker implant - see "double lumen implant"

Bell's palsy - facial paralysis thought to arise after a viral infection of the facial nerve

Belly button surgery - surgery to create a particular shaped belly button including a belly button that sits "in" rather than stands "out"; also known as "umbilicoplasty"

Bends - decompression sickness encountered with changes in pressure such as when scuba diving; (treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy)

Benign - not containing cancerous cells

Betadine - an antispetic used to skill bacteria in the surgical site. Frequently used to prepare the skin for surgery

Betahydroxy acid (BHA) - a family of chemical exfoliants (including salicylic acid) that have antiaging and antiacne effects with minimal irritation.

Bifid lobule - torn earlobe

Binder - a broad bandage, especially one that encircles the abdomen; used after abdominal liposuction or abdominoplasty

Biopsy - the process of removing tissue form living patients for diagnostic examination

Birthmark - a mole or blemish that is present on the skin at birth

Bite - see "occlusion"

Bleaching agent - in dermatology, a medication that slows or blocks the production of pigment producing cells; used to lighten age spots, fade blotchiness, and help erase dark circles under the eyes

Blemish - any mark or discoloration on the skin that mars the appearance

Blepharitis - inflammtion of the eyelids

Blepharochalasis - redundancy of skin in the upper eyelids

Blepharoplasty - any operation to correct a defect in the eyelids. In cosmetic surgery, referred to as an eye lift

Blepharoptosis - drooping of the upper eyelid

Blepharospasm - spasmodic winking or contraction of the muscle surrounding the eye; sometimes managed with Botox injections

Blue Peel (Obagi Blue Peel ) - a chemical peel using trichloracetic acid (TCA) with a blue dye that helps the physician determine the depth of the peel

Board Certified - having passed an examination by an administering authority; designed to test the physician's knowledge base and provide proof of having completed a certain level of education.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) - a psychiatric condition in which those afflicted become preoccupied with an imagined defect in their appearance

Body implants - silicone implants enhance the appearance and contour of the upper chest, lower legs, or buttocks

Bonding - a process by which a resin is applied to the teeth to reshape or recolor them

Botox - a substance derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum; used to temporarily paralyze muscles and treat cross-eyed condition, muscle spasm, excessive sweating, and migraine headaches

Brachioplasty - surgery on the arm: usually the upper arm to remove excess skin and fat

BRAVA - trade name for external suction device with plastic domes placed over the breast to stimulate breast tissue growth

Breast asymmetry correction - create breast symmetry by increasing the size of the smaller breast and / or reducing the larger breast

Breast augmentation - surgical placement of breast implants to increase breast size and fullness

Breast implant - a silicone rubber shell filled with either silicone gel or inflated with a saline solution used to enlarge the breast

Breast lift - surgery to remove excess skin and raise the nipple for perkier, fuller breasts; to counteract gravity, loss of elasticity, and sagging; also called mastopexy

Breast reduction - surgery to remove excess skin, breast, and fatty tissue for smaller, shapely breasts, and to reduce back and neck strain

Breast implant removal - surgery to remove implants with or without replacement; for desired changes in proportions, or due to implant-related complications

Breast implant revision - surgery to enhance the appearance of breasts with surgery on the implant pocket, or replacement of the implant itself

Bridging - in dentistry, an appliance containing an artifical tooth is used to replace a missing tooth

Broad spectrum sunscreen - refers to sun protective cream that prevents both UVA and UVB absorption

Bromelain - an enzyme derived from pineapples that is used to reduce inflammation and swelling

Browlift - a surgical procedure to elevate the brow and permanently smooth forehead wrinkles; also called a forehead lift

Bruxism - grinding of the teeth, usually occurs involuntarily at night, especially with stress

Buccal fat - the fat pat in the lower cheek area