S

S.c. (Subcutaneous)	This indicates that the medication should be administered in subcutis. E.g. Insulin.
Safety margin	Cancer-free margin around the tumor. Various safety margins are depending on the type of cancer. BCC 3-5mm, PCC 5-7mm.
Satellite metastases	Satellite metastases are defined as spreading to the dermis, subcutis, or deeper structures at a distance < 2 cm from the primary tumor.
Scapha (ear)	The depression between helix and antihelix.
Scarpa’s fascia	Fascia extending over the lower thoracic and anterior abdominal wall. It is located superficial to the external oblique muscle and deep to the Fascia of Camper.
Second-degree burn	A burn to the skin which can be divided into a superficial dermal and deep dermal burn. The superficial dermal burn will heal without scarring, while the deep dermal burn will heal with scarring. Both types of burns cause swelling of the skin and fluid-filled bullae. If a bulla bursts, the surface will appear red, glistening, and wet. The deep second-degree burn will have a slower capillary response when compressed. Link: https://plastsurgeon.com/burns-treatment/assessment-of-burn-degrees/
Secondary breast reconstruction	Reconstruction of the breast during a different operation/session rather than directly after the mastectomy(link to mastectomy). Examples are the need for expansion of the tissue before a permanent prosthesis (see the section on breast reconstruction), or reconstruction with a DIEP flap after mastectomy and radiotherapy.
Secondary defect	When dissecting a flap to close the primary defect, a secondary defect occurs where the flap is harvested. It can either be sutured directly or covered with a skin graft.
Secondary suturing	Postponed suturing of a defect, beyond the first 6-8 hours. It should be done within 2-3 days after the wound was caused to avoid the wound becoming too rigid. Contraindicated if an infection is ongoing.
Sentinel node biopsy	Each area of the skin drains fluid, cells, and tumor cells via the lymphatic pathways to specific anterior sentinel lymph nodes (SN – Sentinel nodes) in the axilla, inguinal or neck. SN is found by injecting radioactive tracer around the tumor into the skin/breast, then following the tracer to relevant lymph nodes which are excised for diagnostics. Spread of cancer cells or malignant melanoma cells to the lymph node. Used for planning further surgery, immunotherapy or chemotherapy. Link: https://plastsurgeon.com/melanoma/procedure/sentinel-node/
Serum	The serum is a wound fluid/lymph fluid that forms in a pocket, for example, in the axilla after removal of one or more lymph nodes. Usually fades spontaneously and is harmless, but depletion may be required if the patient feels uncomfortable or the surrounding skin is threatened.
Silicone bandage	Bandage suitable for the treatment of scars.
Sinister	Latin term for ”left”.
Skin hook	A surgical instrument used to delicately hold tissue aside without damaging the surrounding skin. Link: https://plastsurgeon.com/surgical-instruments-2/skin-hooks/
SMAS	Superficial musculoaponeurotic system. A connective tissue system (layer) on the side of the face, that divides the upper and lower layer of adipose tissue. If dissecting in this layer during a facelift, you will stay clear of underlying facilias nerve.
Squamous cell carcinoma	The second most common form of skin cancer. The cancer cells originate from squamous cell epithelium. Are found in more than 50% of cases in the head or neck region. Case: https://plastsurgeon.com/non-melanoma-skin-cancer/squamous-cell-carcinoma/
Stalked flap	The flap is moved to a neighboring area without cutting the original blood supply. E.g. the musculus latissimus dorsi flap.
Stem cells	Cells that can differentiate into other types of cells and have an unlimited number of mitoses.
Sterile gloves	Gloves used in sterile procedures. Unpacked and applied with a special technique to avoid contamination. Preparing gloves: https://plastsurgeon.com/surgery-preparation/preparing-surgical-gown-and-gloves/preparation/ Take on gloves: https://plastsurgeon.com/surgery-preparation/take-on-gloves/gloves/
Sterile technique	A technique where equipment and personnel behavior ensure an environment as clear from external microorganisms as possible. E.g.: A sterile green cover is used, hands have been rubbed and sterile gloves are applied without contaminating them.
Strattice	A cellular tissue matrix made from treated pig dermis so that it is sterile and no longer contains cells. It is strong and integrates well with surrounding tissues. Used in breast reconstruction as a “hammock” in which the breast implant is placed and stabilized.
Surgical (tissue) forceps	Forceps, characterized by having teeth at the gripping end, as opposed to an anatomical forceps, which have grooves. The teeth appear less traumatic on the tissue compared to an anatomical forceps. Link: https://plastsurgeon.com/microsurgery/instruments-in-microsurgery/
Surgical hand washing	Thorough systematic washing of hands, wrists, and forearms performed before surgery. Link: https://plastsurgeon.com/surgery-preparation/surgical-scrub-2/surgical-scrub/
Surgical suture	Thread used for sewing/suturing the wound/defect with. Divide into resorbable (E.g. Dexon and Vicryl) and non-resorbable (nylon) sutures. The thickness of the suture depends on the area being sutured. Generally, a thicker 3/0-4/0 is used for the scalp, body, and extremities, while a thinner 5/0-6/0 is used for the face, hands, and feet. Link: https://plastsurgeon.com/sutures-and-surgical-knots/sutur-material/
Suturing	Closing a defect by sewing with one or more sutures. Link: https://plastsurgeon.com/sutures-and-surgical-knots/