Why is it Called Plastic Surgery?

Plastic Surgery's Early Forms and Its Origin

Plastic surgery is a medical speciality in which trained professionals perform procedures to change, correct, or enhance a person's physical appearance. Humans have practised various forms of this surgery for centuries, with historical mentions found across cultures.

In our fast-paced world of technology, continuous research and development have transformed these procedures, making them less daunting and much more accessible to everyone.

But you might wonder—why is it called "plastic" surgery? The word "plastic" originates from the Greek word plastikos, meaning to shape or mould.

Origins of the Term Plastic Surgery

Let us go back in time to the ancient text that mentions the practice of plastic surgery:

• 1600 BC: Ancient papyrus scrolls mention primitive nasal reconstruction surgeries, hinting at early forms of plastic surgery.

• 1213 BC: Egyptians continued this practice for corpses while preparing them for the afterlife. Some evidence shows that Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses II underwent an insertion procedure. In this process, bone and seeds were put into his nose to retain their shape after death.

• 600 BC: There are texts that mention Sushruta, an Indian physician and a pioneer of modern-day surgical operations and techniques. His surgical compendium by  Sushruta Samhita provides principles and step-by-step guidance on plastic surgery.

• 100 BC to 5th Century AD: During this period, Romans were actively participating in the reconstruction of the ear. Aulus Cornelius Celsus, a medical enthusiast, describes plastic surgery practices using skin from another area of the body to restructure facial deformities.

• 15th Century AD: The Sushruta Samhita made its way into Arabic and eventually reached Europe. In Italy, surgeons Gustavo and Antonio Branca took it a step further by trying out rhinoplasty, using skin taken from the forearm.     

Modern Day Plastic Surgery

Before it became a common choice for everyday people, plastic surgery had to work hard to gain acceptance throughout the early part of the 20th century. With globalisation on the rise and information flowing more quickly than ever, plastic surgery has become a hot topic. Nowadays, medical professionals are using these techniques not just to tackle the visible signs of ageing but also to help people feel more youthful. Plus, there has been an increase in its use for enhancing physical appearance and for treating burns and deformities.

Around the 1960s and 1970s, research and development in this industry introduced a new substance, silicone. In 1962, Dr Thomas Cronin put this silicon into application to create silicone breast implants. It has now become one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures.

Non-surgical Plastic Surgery

By the end of 1990, plastic surgery procedures did not require creating an incision to achieve certain aesthetics. The introduction of non-surgical procedures like injectable fillers and laser treatments gave plastic surgery more traction, leading to its commercialisation. Hair treatment and surgical procedures for hair fall under the surgical procedures category.

Popular Types of Plastic Surgery Procedures

There are numerous surgeries focusing on resolving different issues. Plastic surgery has three types: cosmetic, aesthetic, or reconstructive. Let us know more about the procedure that is common among plastic surgery enthusiasts:

Facial Surgery

It includes all the surgeries done to the face like rhinoplasty (nose job), blepharoplasty (eyelid reshaping), rhytidectomy (facelift) and otoplasty (ear pinning or ear reshaping). It also includes procedures like Botox injections, dermal fillers, and laser services targeting hair and tattoo removal.    

Breast Surgery

The surgery relating to breasts is carried out for multiple purposes, such as cosmetic reductions, corrections, and augmentations. Surgical procedures relating to breasts involve mastopexy (breast lift), breast augmentation (enlargement), breast reduction, and correcting asymmetrical breasts.

Tummy tuck and Liposuction

The liposuction procedure involves the removal of fat from areas like the stomach, thighs, buttocks, and others. Meanwhile, in lift surgery, medical professionals perform excess skin removal and tightening procedures to deal with sagging skin. The areas where lift surgery is common are the face, neck, and stomach. Some common procedures are brachioplasty (arm lift), body contouring, and abdominoplasty (tummy tuck).

The medical field is growing through consistent research and development to improve human conditions. If you are feeling an inclination towards getting plastic surgery, consider consulting a reliable medical professional.