History of Plastic Surgery 

The surgeries that lead to breast augmentation, facial reconstruction, and smoother skin, possess a deep history under the interesting umbrella of plastic surgery. This medical specialty combines a variety of surgical and non-surgical procedures, and is used to alter the look or function of various body parts. Over time, the ancient practice of facial and body reconstruction has evolved into a booming industry that provides never-ending advancements in cosmetic enhancement for all walks of life. Today, plastic surgeons are heavily sought after for the reshaping and forming of the body that may involve bone, skin, muscle, and fat.

The First Plastic Surgery
The history of plastic surgery involves numerous ancient civilizations and evolving practices that first started more than 4,000 years ago. The first plastic surgery on record included reconstructive efforts that took place in India around 800 BC. Skin grafts were commonplace in ancient India, as well as rhinoplasty (nose job) and otoplasty (external ear surgery).

An Indian physicist named Sushruta, who described numerous examinations, treatments, diagnoses, and procedures that spanned a variety of medical concerns, wrote a detailed account of true reconstructive surgery. He included processes that used cheek skin grafts to mend earlobes, and forehead tissue to repair noses. Archeologists have also uncovered evidence that ancient Indians mainly used reconstructions as a way to restore body parts and facial features that were injured while in combat. 

The thousands of years to follow would show little advancement in the field. However, the past reveals that plastic surgery found a place in many different time periods and locations throughout the world. For example, evidence reveals that ancient Egyptians performed cosmetic surgery. This included procedures to fix facial trauma, including fractures of the nose and mouth.

With the progress of the Greek city-states and the power of the Roman Empire, surgical procedures became quite advanced. In ancient Rome, evidence reveals that simple techniques were created for the repair of damaged ears around 1st century BC. The exchange of medical knowledge also helped elevate health practices of the past. Additionally, the Greco-Roman period highlighted many different changes and growth in medicine. Ancient texts showcase sophisticated knowledge regarding tissue stability, bone reconstruction, and the circulation of blood. Ancient Roman medical writers were using techniques quite similar to the Indians, as they often spoke of the reconstruction of destroyed lips, noses, and ears. 

Facial reconstruction continued to thrive throughout the Middle Ages, as seen with the nasal procedure performed on the Byzantine Emperor Justinian II. Various religious and political movements slowed the progress of plastic surgery, as some churches began to condemn certain procedures. However, early 10th century publications would mention the success of cleft lip (palate) repair.

In the United States, it wasn’t until the late 19th century that the country became part of the reconstructive surgery world. The first major plastic surgery to take place in America was performed by Dr. John Peter Mettauer in 1827. He was responsible for the first cleft palate operation in North America, using instruments he made on his own. 

Changes in Plastic Surgery
While many different surgery techniques have progressed throughout the years, one of the glaring changes regarding this type of procedure is the management of pain. Until modern anesthesia was invented in the 1800s, all surgery involved a great amount of pain. Additionally, the lack of sterile practices, disinfectants, and antibiotics reduced surgery success, as well as added to the threat of infection and sometimes death.

The techniques and procedures of plastic surgery have certainly changed, as there is nearly no end to what an individual may request. Today, the most common plastic surgery selections include liposuction, scar revision, and microsurgery. Recently, millions of face-lifts, tummy tucks, eyebrow lifts, and breast enlargements (augmentations) have been performed on a yearly basis.

Procedures such as dermabrasion, chemosurgery, laser surgery, and electrosurgery are some of the more recent additions to plastic surgery in relation to its long history. The skin grafts of yesterday now use a wide-range of methods, including donor tissue (same species or different species), cultured cells, and synthetic components (silicone). Nowadays, reconstructive plastic surgery assists burn victims, facial bone injuries, cleft palates, as well as the removal of tumors and cancers.

Popularity in the Western World
To date, plastic surgery is attracting an increasing number of people who wish to enhance their appearance. An estimated 11 million plastic surgeries were performed in the United States in 2006. The demand for cosmetic surgery is so great that recent years have seen patients looking toward less expensive options offered in countries, such as Thailand, India, Argentina, and Cuba. With savings of up to 50%, the spread of medical tourism is on the rise. Despite the threat of complications and lack of post-surgery assistance, more people are willing to overlook these consequences in an effort to take advantage of cheaper surgery.

Hollywood and Plastic Surgery
Another factor encouraging the appeal and acceptance of plastic surgery is the influence of Hollywood celebrities. With an emphasis placed on beauty and youthfulness, a large number of celebrities have undergone procedures to "perfect" their body or enhance their appearance. At first, admitting to having had plastic surgery was taboo, as many celebrities were unwilling to reveal their "secret" for looking refreshed and younger than their years.

Today, Hollywood is more open about plastic surgery, including both men and women of all ages. It is also not uncommon to hear one boasting about their recent enhancements. Common Hollywood procedures include liposuction, chin augmentation, collagen injections for the lips, nose jobs, breast enhancements, AND eye and brow lifts, Botox injections, and skin resurfacing and rejuvenation, have been very popular with well known celebrities such as Melanie Griffith, Jennifer Grey, Pamela Anderson, and Wayne Newton.

Unfortunately, many celebrities go too far in their plastic surgery and sometimes become unrecognizable. It is not uncommon to see Hollywood faces sport an unnaturally stretched face or disturbingly plump lips.  in the case of Jennifer Grey (of Dirty Dancing fame), the nose job (rhinoplasty) that she believed would enhance her career, did no good, producers actually liked her former signature look. Sometimes, breast implants and other procedures are reversed as a result of unhappiness, as seen in the case of Jenna Jamison.

Future Techniques of Plastic Surgery
As science and medicine continue to advance, so do the techniques of plastic surgery. Just recently, the first successful face transplant attempts have made history. In the future, you may encounter an array of plastic surgery techniques and products that have newly hit the market or are looking to make an impact in the industry. For those who are unresponsive to Botox, the FDA may soon approve the use of another substance.  Studies have shown that it could possibly provide much longer-lasting and immediate results.  Radiance uses calcium hydroxylapatite (found in human bones and teeth) that can enlarge lips and fill in unwanted lines in the skin. Stem cell research may also show promising results in the future of plastic surgery.