mammaplasty: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare (Low-Frequency Medical Term)Formal, Technical/Medical
Quick answer
What does “mammaplasty” mean?
A surgical procedure to alter the shape or size of the breasts.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A surgical procedure to alter the shape or size of the breasts.
Surgical reconstruction or modification of the breast for medical (e.g., post-mastectomy) or cosmetic reasons.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The double 'm' spelling ('mammaplasty') is standard in both, though the single 'm' variant ('mamoplasty') is also attested. The term is equally technical in both dialects.
Connotations
Purely clinical and neutral in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally rare in both UK and US outside medical contexts. More common terms like 'boob job' (informal), 'breast surgery', or specific procedure names (augmentation mammoplasty) are used in general discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “mammaplasty” in a Sentence
patient underwent [a] mammaplastysurgeon performed [a] mammaplasty on [patient][a] mammaplasty was indicated for [condition]to schedule/carry out [a] mammaplastyVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mammaplasty” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The surgeon will mammaplastise the tissue to achieve better contour. (Note: 'mammaplastise' is extremely rare, 'perform a mammaplasty' is standard)
American English
- The surgeon decided to mammaplastize the area during the revision. (Note: 'mammaplastize' is extremely rare, 'perform a mammaplasty' is standard)
adjective
British English
- The mammaplasty consultant reviewed the patient's notes.
American English
- She sought a second opinion on the mammaplasty procedure.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in medical textbooks, research papers, and clinical studies on plastic surgery techniques and outcomes.
Everyday
Virtually never used; replaced by plain-language terms like 'breast surgery' or informal slang.
Technical
Standard term in surgical operative notes, medical coding (e.g., CPT codes), and professional communication between surgeons.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mammaplasty”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mammaplasty”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mammaplasty”
- Misspelling as 'mammoplasty' (single 'p') is common but non-standard. Confusing it with 'mammoplasty', an older variant. Using it in everyday conversation where simpler terms are expected.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Boob job' is a very informal, slang term that usually refers specifically to cosmetic breast augmentation. 'Mammaplasty' is the formal, medical umbrella term that includes augmentation, reduction, reconstruction, and lifts.
In British English, it's /ˈmæməplæsti/ (MAM-uh-plas-tee). In American English, it can be /ˈmæməˌplæsti/ (MAM-uh-plas-tee) or with a first syllable like 'mom' (/ˈmɑːməˌplæsti/).
It provides precise, unambiguous terminology in medical and legal contexts. It distinguishes the specific surgical reshaping from other types of breast surgery (e.g., biopsy, mastectomy).
The three main categories are: Augmentation Mammaplasty (increasing size), Reduction Mammaplasty (decreasing size), and Mastopexy (breast lift, often grouped under mammaplasty). Reconstructive mammaplasty rebuilds the breast after trauma or mastectomy.
Mammaplasty is usually formal, technical/medical in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'MAMMA' (like mother, or mammary gland) and 'PLASTY' (like plastic surgery). It's the plastic surgery for the mamma.
Conceptual Metaphor
BODY AS CLAY / SCULPTURE (The breast tissue is reshaped and molded by the surgeon).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'mammaplasty' be MOST appropriate?