Plastic Surgery: A Brief Historical View
Since the dawn of time, mankind has constantly strived to find new and more efficient paths with which to improve themselves
. Because humans, by nature have always sought fulfillment through self-improvement, plastic surgery just may be one of the world oldest arts.
In fact, evidence of these practices for use in treating facial injuries dates back more than 4,000 years ago. Physicians in India have been experimenting with skin grafts relating to reconstructive work as early as 800 B.C.
Like most medicine, the practice of plastic surgery moved forward at a dismal pace, fighting advancement for hundreds of years. It wasn't until the 19th and 20th centuries that the ideas and techniques that we know today really began to take shape in both the United States and Europe.
The first American physician to make his mark was Dr. John Peter Mettauer, who performed the first cleft palate operation with tools and instruments he designed himself. Though successful, many Americans found the methods used during the early days despicable, and thus the practice was often deemed improper in western society.
In fact, it was war which played a huge role in pushing the evolution of cosmetic surgery forward. World War I presented surgeons with a multitude of facial wounds and burns, creating a large demand for new techniques and procedures almost overnight. Some of the world's greatest medical talent immersed themselves in exploring new techniques and ideas as a way to treat men who had been injured in the war. It was during this time that developments in many aesthetic surgical procedures also began to take shape.
Despite the modern day definition, the word "plastic" is actually derived from the ancient Greek word, "plastikos", meaning to give form or mold. In this context, it's easy to see why the techniques and treatments were placed in such a category.
As time moved forward, so did cosmetic surgery. New treatments and techniques have steadily evolved to the point where many times, it's hard to tell if someone has actually undergone treatment at all.
In recent years, physicians have been able to get Congress to support mandatory insurance coverage for breast reconstruction patients. They are also currently working to ensure that treatments related to children's deformities will also be covered.
While new advancements continue to unfold each day, it's safe to say that as an industry, plastic surgery is certain to maintain its place among popular culture.
by: Abigail Aaronson
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