Evolution of Plastic Surgery

  •   Thu, Jul 14 2022
  •   By Dr Thomas Joe

July 14, 2022

The earliest mention of plastic surgery done is at the dawn of time when God after creating man, caused a great sleep to come over him. He then removed a rib from the man and created a woman out of that. Though no one can comprehend the procedure, it can definitely be concluded that the foundation of General Anesthesia and Plastic surgery, was laid at that point in time by the Divine Creator Himself.

Travelling down further in the annals of time, it is indeed a matter of pride for us at while the great philosophers of the west, like Plato, Aristotle etc. were busy putting forth postulations and deriving abstract conclusions, great Indian Sages/Surgeons like Sushrutha and others, were performing the practical part of operative surgery, especially the branch of reconstruction and re-modelling of deformed or destroyed parts of the human body.

Unfortunately, the momentum was not sustained and it is a fact that plastic surgery techniques improved and flourished in the west and has grown exponentially in the last several decades, more so after the huge causalities of the World Wars. Thanks to the increased communication facilities and exchange of ideas and wide consultations, this speciality has advanced and is practiced with equal expertise and success in many countries of the world, especially in India; the country of its origin. In this context, it is very much proper & appropriate that ‘The Indian Plastic Surgery Day’ is also recognized and celebrated as ‘World Plastic Surgery Day‘.

The word Plastic is derived from the Greek language ‘ plasticos’ which means, to mould or shape. This word describes the speciality, which has two main fields, Cosmetic and Reconstructive.

Aesthetic (cosmetic) surgery as the name implies is the branch wherein a person’s appearance or beauty is enhanced using various surgical or non-surgical techniques. Procedures like tummy reduction, breast lifts, hip reduction, problems of face etc. are commonly performed. Though only available to the elitist and affluent society a few decades ago, now the expertise is availed by all age groups, cutting across social, gender and economical barriers.

Reconstructive surgery forms the major bulk in the practice of Plastic surgery. Though the general public is not fully aware, this branch deals with the reconstruction and re-modelling of various body parts that have been mutilated by disease, trauma, severe burns, industrial accidents, or even after extensive cancer-clearing surgeries. Re-attachment of severed fingers, hands and other body parts are routinely done, here. Treatment of birth defects and thus restoring the deformed face or an abnormal limb of a newborn baby, management of large life-threatening wounds with infections, diabetic feet, and bed sores all come under the purview of plastic surgery. With the latest equipment available and techniques and skills imbibed, the plastic surgeon today can tackle any seemingly impossible problem and restore structure and function to a great extent, thus helping the unfortunate patient lead a near-normal, non-dependent life.

Although Plastic surgery has developed by leaps and bounds, advances will remain subject to technological progress and more importantly the skill of the surgeon. The practice of Plastic Surgery is need-based, patient-specific and incorporates path-breaking ideas and ongoing, on-the-spot innovations to suit every need and situation. Whereas every other surgical speciality is restricted by area or disease, plastic surgery encompasses the entire body and tries to improve both structure and function of any salvaged part in unison with the rest of the body which is after all the purpose & plan for man in all his complexity and completeness.

 

 

 
By Dr Thomas Joe
Dr Thomas Joe, consultant - Plastic And Cosmetic Surgery, KMC Hospital, B R Ambedkar Road, Mangaluru.
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Comment on this article

  • Rita, Germany

    Fri, Jul 15 2022

    It looks like there is no end and no beginning in plastic surgery.Young people are so fond of it Pull here pull there ,cut here and repair there.Why you waste your valueable time in this surgery I ask.Lacs of rupees are wasted on this ..Even repairing all these parts,you see like Barbie Doll.Men too are not sitting back .They have different decisions .Sure sometimes when women or men doesnt feel well in her finger or toe ,that will be dont not by other parts.When people suffer from unnatural looks or have to be operated when some parts dont fillup their duties.That make sense.Today all stars ,teenies too are back of advertisement to show off their parts to others.In future we see more people designing their body as they want ,but not necessarily good.


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