BOTOX
An image taken from the prescribing instructions for BOTOX® Cosmetic is shown. It has been modified slightly to show some of the areas that are targeted by the physician. The areas shown in black are those for which the FDA has approved treatment. Areas marked in red are some of the other locations that trained physicians may inject to relax certain other muscles known to cause facial wrinkles. (Illustration by Allergan Inc.)

Laser Surgery
Cosmetic laser surgery in progress. The wavelengths of the laser's light can be matched to a specific target, enabling the physician to destroy the capillaries near the skin's surface without damaging the surrounding tissue. (Photograph by Will & Deni McIntyre, Photo Researchers, Inc. Reproduced by permission.)

Breast Implants
A silicone breast implant. (Photograph by Peter A. Simon. Phototake. Reproduced by permission.)

Breast Implants
During a breast implant procedure, a local injection of anesthetic is administered at many points around the breast (A). An incision is made under the areola (B). The surgeon uses his fingers to create a pocket for the implant (C). The implant is placed under the pectoralis muscle of the chest (D), and is inflated to full size with saline injections (E). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

Liposuction
The areas to be treated during liposuction are marked before surgery (A) and then injected with a solution to aid in fat removal (B). The surgeon inserts a cannula into the areas (C), then suctions out fat with a back and forth motion (D). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

Dental Implants
A dental drill is used to make a hole for the implant in the jawbone (B). The bone implant is secured into the drilled hole (C), and the tooth prosthesis is built onto the implant (D). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

Breast Reduction
In a breast reduction surgery, the breast tissue is cut along predetermined lines and (A) excess tissue is removed (B). The nipple is placed higher on the breast (C), and the two sides of the incision are brought together (D), removing any excess skin (E). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

Rhinoplasty
During an open rhinoplasty, an incision is made in the skin between the nostrils (A). Closed rhinoplasty involves only incisions inside the nose. Rhinoplasty may involve a change in nostril width (B) or removal of a hump on the nose (C) using bone sculpting. After surgery, a splint supports the nose (D), and a cold compress reduces swelling (E). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) surgery. Portions of the lower abdominal tissues have been removed and the navel repositioned. The remaining skin flaps will be sutured. (Photography by MM Michele Del Guercio. Reproduced by permission.)

Abdominoplasty
In an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, an incision is made in the abdomen (usually from hip bone to hip bone). Excess skin and fat is removed (B). The muscles may be tightened (C). The navel will be placed into the proper position (D), and the major incision closed beneath it. (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

Septoplasty
Septoplasty is used to correct a deviated septum (B). First an incision is made to expose the nasal septum (C). Pieces of septum that are obstructing air flow are removed (D), and the incision is then closed (E). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

Face Lift
For a face lift, an incision is made around the ear at the base of the hairline (A). The skin is removed from underlying tissues in a procedure called undermining (B and C). The skin is pulled up to tighten it (D). The skin is stitched into place and excess is removed (E). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

Dermabrasion
A doctor performs dermabrasion with a high-speed rotary wheel (A). The tool takes off the top layers of the skin (B) to improve the appearance of wrinkles or scars (C). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

Tooth Extraction
A dental surgeon uses special forceps to pull out a tooth (A). In its place, a blood clot forms (B), which becomes new bone with gum tissue over the top (C). If the blood clot does not form or falls out, a dry socket occurs (D). No new bone forms, and the nerves are exposed, causing pain. (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

Breast Reconstruction
Woman with reconstructed breast (on left) following mastectomy. (Biophoto Associates/Science Source. Reproduced by permission.)

Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction is often performed after a mastectomy. In an autologous procedure, a section of tissue from the patient's abdomen (B) is used to create a natural-looking new breast. In a separate procedure, a layer of the patient's existing nipple can be grafted onto the new breast (D). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

Otoplasty
During a setback otoplasty, an incision is made in the back of the ear, exposing cartilage (A). Permanent sutures in the cartilage pull the ear back closer to the skull (B). The incision is closed (C), and dressings are applied (D). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

Orchiopexy
An orchiopexy is used to repair an undescended testicle in childhood. An incision is made into the abdomen, the site of the undescended testicle, and another is made in the scrotum (A). The testis is detached from surrounding tissues (B) and pulled out of the abdominal incision attached to the spermatic cord (C). The testis is then pulled down into the scrotum (D) and stitched into place (E). (Illustration by Argosy.)

Sex Reassignment Surgery
To change male genitalia to female genitalia, an incision is made into the scrotum (A). The flap of skin is pulled back, and the testes are removed (B). The skin is stripped from the penis but left attached, and a shorter urethra is cut (C). All but a stump of the penis is removed (D). The excess skin is used to create the labia (external genitalia) and vagina (E). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

Hair Transplantation
In a hair transplant, plugs of hair and supporting tissues are removed from a donor area at the back of the head (A and B). Pieces of skin are removed at the front of the head, and grafts are placed (C). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

Root Canal Treatment
During a root canal, the diseased pulp of a tooth (A), is removed (B). The remaining empty tooth is filled and sealed with a filling or crown. (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

Skin Grafting
Skin grafts may be used in several thicknesses (A). To begin the procedure, a special cement is used on the donor skin area (C). The grafting machine is applied to the area, and a sample taken (D). After the graft is stitched to the recipient area, it is covered with nonadherent gauze (E) and a layer of fluffy surgical gauze held in place with suture (F). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

Pectus Excavatum Repair
In a minimally invasive pectus excavatum repair, two incisions are made on opposite sides of the chest. A clamp is guided beneath the sternum to create a tunnel for the bar (A), which is then fed through (B). The bar is turned over to push the sternum out (C and D) and attached to the ribcage. (Illustration by Argosy.)

Cleft Lip Repair
Infant in recovery from a cleft lip repair. (Biophoto Associates/Science Source. Reproduced by permission.)

Cleft Lip Repair
The edges of the cleft between the lip and nose are cut (A and B). The bottom of the nostril is formed with suture (C). The upper part of the lip tissue is closed (D), and the stitches are extended down to close the opening entirely (E). (Illustration by Argosy.)

Penile Prostheses
An incision is made at the base of the penis to implant a prosthesis in an area of erectile tissue (B and C). Once in place, a pump placed in the scrotum can be used to inflate and deflate the implant when an erection is desired (D). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

Craniofacial Reconstruction
A child undergoing surgery on the skull. (Photograph by Alexander Tsiaras. Science Source/Photo Researchers. Reproduced by permission.)

Craniofacial Reconstruction
To repair severe fractures around the nasal bone (A), an incision is made into the patient's skin at the top of the head (B). The skin is pulled off the face to expose the fracture (C), which then can be repaired with plates and screws (D). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

Vein Ligation and Stripping
To treat varicose veins in the leg, the saphenous vein may be removed by ligation and stripping (A). First an incision is made in the upper thigh, and the saphenous vein is separated from its tributaries (B). Another incision is made above the foot (C). The lower portion of the vein is cut, and a stripper is inserted into the vein (D). The stripper is pulled through the vein and out the incision in the upper thigh (E). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

Hemangioma Excision
To remove a hemangioma that is very large or in a troublesome area (A), the surgeon makes an incision around the mark (B), then closes the skin around it (C). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

Sclerotherapy for Varicose Veins
During sclerotherapy for the treatment of varicose veins, the doctor injects a chemical solution directly into the vein (A and B). The needle travels up the vein, and as it is pulled back, the chemical is released, causing the vein to form fibrous tissue that collapses the inside of it (C). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)