Secrets of the History of Plastic Surgery
Although the 20th century was one that altered the face of plastic surgeries, (no pun intended), the history of cosmetic surgeries dates several millennia back into the ancient past.
In the East, facial reconstructive surgery has been performed to correct disproportioned facial features such as noses, lips and ears, well before the birth of modern medicine.
But the development of plastic surgery in Europe was initially slow.
The majority of early plastic surgeries consisted of skin grafting, which involves removing skin tissue from one part of the patient's body and transplanting it in another part, where skin has been damaged by lacerations or burns.
Historically cosmetic surgeries were performed in members of the higher classes of society, who could afford such advanced treatments.
First the procedures were reconstructive, performed as a means to rectify damage caused to bodily features by injury, and later also as a way to alter natural features in order to enhance beauty.
Until anesthesia was introduced in 1846, all cosmetic surgeries, like other surgical procedures, involved a great deal of pain and discomfort to the patient.
Plastic surgery has evolved significantly after the First World War.
As soldiers returned to their homes from the front, their faces and bodies disfigured by previously unheard-of injuries, plastic surgery techniques were developed in order to improve their condition.
Beginning in the 60's and 70's of the last century, the field of plastic medicine has experienced a second period of rapid development, with modern medical technology revolutionizing what surgeons are able to accomplish.
As with other areas of medicine, the modern world introduced many new procedures.
Areas of the body that were not previously operated on were now getting attention, and newer more advanced techniques were invented.
Today, plastic surgery techniques continue to evolve, allowing for safer procedures, and briefer recovery periods, as well as minimizing the scars resulting from the procedures.
The modern surgical procedures also provide patients with the result of a more natural appearance.
In the East, facial reconstructive surgery has been performed to correct disproportioned facial features such as noses, lips and ears, well before the birth of modern medicine.
But the development of plastic surgery in Europe was initially slow.
The majority of early plastic surgeries consisted of skin grafting, which involves removing skin tissue from one part of the patient's body and transplanting it in another part, where skin has been damaged by lacerations or burns.
Historically cosmetic surgeries were performed in members of the higher classes of society, who could afford such advanced treatments.
First the procedures were reconstructive, performed as a means to rectify damage caused to bodily features by injury, and later also as a way to alter natural features in order to enhance beauty.
Until anesthesia was introduced in 1846, all cosmetic surgeries, like other surgical procedures, involved a great deal of pain and discomfort to the patient.
Plastic surgery has evolved significantly after the First World War.
As soldiers returned to their homes from the front, their faces and bodies disfigured by previously unheard-of injuries, plastic surgery techniques were developed in order to improve their condition.
Beginning in the 60's and 70's of the last century, the field of plastic medicine has experienced a second period of rapid development, with modern medical technology revolutionizing what surgeons are able to accomplish.
As with other areas of medicine, the modern world introduced many new procedures.
Areas of the body that were not previously operated on were now getting attention, and newer more advanced techniques were invented.
Today, plastic surgery techniques continue to evolve, allowing for safer procedures, and briefer recovery periods, as well as minimizing the scars resulting from the procedures.
The modern surgical procedures also provide patients with the result of a more natural appearance.
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