Glossary

Aspiration - The withdrawing of fluid from the body by means of suction

Biocompatible - Being biologically compatible by not producing a toxic, injurious or immunological response in living tissue

Breast Augmentation - A surgical procedure that enlarges the breast through implantation of a prosthesis

Capsular Contraction - Tightening of the scar tissue envelope surrounding an implant

Envelope - The outer lining of an implant that traps the inner fluids and seals them in

Fibrous Tissues - Connective tissues composed mostly of fibers

Glandular - Relating to a gland

Hemorrhage - Abnormal internal or external discharge of blood

Inpatient Surgery - A surgical procedure in which the patient is required to stay overnight in a hospital

Milk Ducts - Tubes for the passage of secreting milk

Opaque - Impenetrable by visible light rays and X-rays (not transparent)

Outpatient Surgery - A surgical procedure in which the patient is not required to stay overnight in a hospital

Pectoralis Major - A muscle located in the upper chest which provides support for the breasts and is necessary for arm movements

Saline - A solution which is made up of water and a small amount of salt (approximately 71 percent of an adult's body weight consists of this saltwater solution)

Sensory Nerves - The nerves that conduct afferent impulses from sensory receptors to the brain or spinal cord

Sepsis - The presence of various microorganisms and/or their poisonous products or their toxins in the blood or tissue

Silicone - An organic material that is derived from sand and generally well-tolerated by the body with the capacity to be formed into various shapes

Thrombosis - The formation or development of a blood clot