Plastic surgery

Plastic surgery is a general term for operative manual and instrumental treatment which is performed for functional or aesthetic reasons. The word "plastic" derives from the Greek plastikos meaning to mould or to shape; its use here is not connected with modern plastics.

History

The history of cosmetic surgery spans back to the ancient world. The Romans were able to perform simple techniques such as repairing damaged ears. In the Middle Ages, there were techniques to restore a severed nose by attaching the arm to the face and letting a blood supply form, then removing the arm from the new nose. Nevertheless, it was not until modern times that its use became commonplace.

Related Topics:
Romans - Middle Ages

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Physicians in ancient India were utilizing skin grafts for reconstructive work as early as 800 B.C. However, it didn’t move very quickly so it wasn’t really until the 19th and 20th centuries that it was actually performed. The U.S.'s first plastic surgeon was Dr. John Peter Mettauer. He performed the first cleft palate operation in 1827 with instruments that he designed himself.

Related Topics:
India - Skin graft - 19th - 20th centuries - U.S.'s - Dr. John Peter Mettauer - 1827

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