History Of Plastic Surgery

The history of plastic surgery is extensive and intricate, having begun thousands of years ago. Its roots can be seen in historical societies like India, where corrective surgeries like rhinoplasty were carried out as early as 600 BC. Similar evidence points to the practice of cosmetic surgery, such as breast augmentation, in ancient Egypt.

However, with the developments in anaesthesia, sterilisation methods, and surgical instruments, the modern era of plastic surgery got underway in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Surgeon's efforts to treat troop's disfiguring injuries during World Wars I and II significantly expedited its development.

Important advances in plastic surgery occurred in the 20th century, such as the development of methods for body contouring, breast augmentation, and facial reconstruction. The rise of celebrity culture and media power also played a role in the acceptance of cosmetic surgery.

These days, plastic surgery includes both cosmetic and reconstructive operations, from correcting birth abnormalities to improving physical attractiveness. The field of surgery is still grounded in its historical goal of returning the human body to its original form and function, even with the continuous developments in techniques and technology.