Clear definitions of the terms used in our treatments and articles, with a link to the page where each one is explained in depth.
Chronic venous insufficiency: A condition in which blood from the legs does not return properly to the heart because of changes in the vein walls and valves (IMSS guideline definition).
Venous reflux: Backward flow of blood in a vein whose valves do not close properly; it is the mechanism behind varicose veins.
Saphenous vein: The main superficial vein of the leg (great and small); its insufficiency is a common cause of varicose veins.
Endovenous thermal ablation: A family of techniques that close the vein from the inside with heat, such as endovenous laser (EVLA) and radiofrequency.
Endovenous laser (EVLA): Ablation with a laser fiber inserted into the vein under ultrasound guidance and local anesthesia.
Duplex Doppler ultrasound: A scan that shows blood flow and confirms reflux; IMSS recommends it before treatment.
CEAP scale: The international classification of venous disease by clinical signs, cause, affected veins and mechanism.
Foam sclerotherapy: Injection of a sclerosing agent as foam under ultrasound guidance; an alternative when ablation is not suitable.
Deep vein thrombosis: A clot in a deep vein; an uncommon complication ruled out with the control ultrasound.
Paresthesia: Tingling or numbness in an area of skin; it can appear after endovenous laser and usually improves over time.
Biopolymers or filler substances: Unauthorized materials (liquid silicone, oils, paraffin, polyacrylamide) injected to add volume; COFEPRIS considers them high risk.
Iatrogenic allogenosis: A term proposed by plastic surgeon Felipe Coiffman for the disease these substances cause in the body.
MRI: An imaging test that shows the extent, depth and migration of filler material.
Seroma: A fluid collection under the skin; a frequent complication after removal surgery, usually resolved with drainage.
Mastopexy or breast lift: Surgery that raises the bust, repositions the areola and removes excess skin.
Breast ptosis: Breast sagging; it is graded by nipple position.
Regnault classification: A scale that defines the degree of ptosis by nipple position relative to the fold under the breast.
Pseudoptosis: The nipple is well positioned but breast tissue drops below the fold.
Laser-assisted lipolysis: A procedure in which a laser fiber liquefies localized fat before removal with fine cannulas.
Laser megalipolysis: Laser-assisted lipolysis applied to several areas or a larger volume in a single procedure.
Large-volume liposuction: Removal of more than 5 liters; the American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends a hospital setting with overnight monitoring.
Compression garment: A garment that helps control swelling and lets the skin adapt after the procedure.
Endolifting: A 1470 nm diode laser inserted under the skin to stimulate collagen and improve firmness.
Fractional CO2 laser: An ablative laser that creates micro-zones of renewal on the skin surface to improve texture and sun damage.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: Dark spots after skin inflammation; the most frequent complication of facial laser, especially in darker skin.
Phototype: A skin classification by response to sun (I to VI); phototypes IV to VI need an adjusted laser protocol.
VISIA analysis: A skin study that evaluates spots, texture, pores, wrinkles and sun damage before choosing treatment.
