P

P.A. - see Physician Assistant

Palate - the roof of the mouth

Palpebra - the eyelid

Palpebral fold - the crease in the upper eyelid

Palsy - partial or total paralysis, as in Bell's palsy

Panorex - a wide x-ray that shows all the teeth on one film

Panniculectomy - surgery to remove an apron of excess skin and underlying fat from the lower abdomen

Pannus - from the latin meaning "piece of cloth; refers to apron of fat and hanging skin from the abdomen

Papillary dermis - the upper portion of the dermis

Parsol 1789 - a chemical ingredient in sunscreen that inhibits UVA absorption

Pectoralis - the primary muscles of the chest

Penile enhancement - surgery to lengthen or widen the penis; also known as "phalloplasty"

Perioral - Around the mouth.

Periodontal disease - Inflammation of the gums and surrounding bone and soft tissues.

Periorbital - Around the eyes

Phalloplasty - surgery to lengthen or widen the penis for increased confidence and enhanced sexual experiences

Pharmaceutical - a drug that alters the structure and function of the affected organ

Phenol - a strong chemical solution used to remove deep wrinkles in the skin

Phlebectomy - procedure in which varicose veins are removed through tiny nicks in the skin along the path of the vein

Phlebitis - inflammation of a vein

Photoaging - skin changes caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation

PhotoRefractive Keratectomy - surgery using light energy (laser) to improve near- and far-sightedness and astigmatism; abbreviated as PRK

Photosensitivity - an abnormal sensitivity to light, increasing the chances of severe sunburn; often caused by medication

Physician Assistant (P.A.) - a person who is licensed to practice medicine under the supervisoin of a licensed physician, and who thereby extends the physician's capacity to provide medical care

Pinched tip - refers to the tip of the nose being too thin which can occur from lack of cartilaginous support

Pinguecula - a benign white or yellowish bump on the surface of the cornea caused by trauma or UV exposure

Plano - in ophthalmology, an eye with no refrative error: perfect vision

Plaque - a sticky film on the surface of the teeth containing bacteria that contributes to tooth decay and gum disease

Plastic surgery - the branch of surgery dealing with the repair or enhancement of malformed, injured, or lost organs or tissues

Platysma - the superficial muscle of the neck

Platysmal bands - cords of the platysma muscle that extend from the jaw to the collarbone on either side of the neck

Platysmaplasty - commonly called neck muscle repair: surgery to repair a separated muscle under the chin and in front of the neck to create a better neckline and treat neck muscle bands

Plicate - to fold or tuck

Poikiloderma - a skin condition characterized by flushed blotchy, red neck with white spots

Porcelain veneer - a thin covering attached to the surface of the tooth to improve it's appearance

Pore - tiny opening in the skin

Port-wine stain - a congenital overabundance of blood vessels beneath the surface of the skin

Post Inflammatory Hypergpigmentation - an abnormal increase in pigment production after any damage to the skin; can occur after chemical peels and laser resurfacing; abbreviated as PIH

Posterior - referring to behind

Postoperative - refers to a period of recovery and healing that takes place after a surgical procedure

Power Bleaching - rapid whitening of the teeth using strong compounds and laser or UV light in the dentist's office

Photo Refractive Keratotomy - surgery to improve nearsightedness using the excimer laser to reshape the cornea; abbreviated as PRK

Precancer - a lesion from which a malignancy is believed may develop

Prejowl - indentation between the jowl and chin

Presbyopia - the condition of aging of the eye that limits function of the eye muscles and makes it more difficult to see objects close up; also commonly called aging eyes

Presbyopic - the condiiton of having presbyopia; inability to see objects close up due to aging eyes

Pretrichial - in front of the hairline; an incision used for forehead lifting that also lowers the hairline or shortens the forehead

Propecia - see Finasteride

Prophylactic - preventative, as in antibiotics taken after surgery to prevent infection

Pruritis - itching

Pseudofolliculitis - ingrown hairs usually on the neck that cause redness, bumps, and sometimes pus to form in the hair follicle

Psoriasis - a chronic skin disease characterized by inflammation and pink or silvery scaly patches

Ptosis - drooping or sagging, commonly referring to eyebrows, eyelids, and breasts

Pulmonary Embolism - an obstruction in lung from a clot that has travelled through the body; impairs breathing ability and can be lethal; abbreviated as P.E.

Pulp - the soft inner part of the tooth that contains the nerve and blood supply

Pulse duration - length of time during which a flash of laser light is emitted

Pulsed light - a beam of light emitted in a short burst of energy

Punch excision - removal of a circular (usually 4mm or less) piece of superficial skin for transplantation, scar removal, or biopsy

Punctal plugs - used to block drainage of the tear ducts, increase moisture in the eyes, and treat dry eye syndrome

Pupil - the black area in the center of the eye that opens or closes to regulate incoming light