Plastic Surgery

Believe it or not, plastic surgery is a procedure done since 700 BC. Ancient India has had physicians who used skin grafts for reconstructive purposes since 8th century BC. In the work done by Ancient Indian doctor Sushruta Samhita, he described otoplasty and rhinoplasty.

Also, the ancient Romans performed simple plastic surgery techniques from as early as 1 BC. These include the repair of damaged ears. However, religious reasons prevented them from dissecting animals and human beings. Aulus Cornelius Celsus had accurate descriptions of anatomical procedures which included his studies of skeletons and the genitala.

In the year 1791, an operative procedure was performed on a man's lip using a skin from the neck. Then, in 1814, an operative procedure by Joseph Carpue was performed on a military officer in the British army who lost his nose due to the toxic effects of mercury.

Meanwhile, Carl Ferdinand von Graefe wrote Rhinoplastik in 1818. In the year 1845, a more comprehensive rhinoplasty text was written by Johann Friedrich Dieffenbach - Operative Chirurgie and described the re-operation of improving cosmetic appearance of the nose.

It was in 1872 when the first plastic surgeon in the US - Dr. John Peter Mettauer - performed the first ever cleft plate operation using instruments he himself designed. During the first world war, a New Zealand otolaryngologist developed a lot of techniques currently used for modern plastic surgery. His work was further developed by his cousin Archibald McIndoe during the second world war. It was also McIndoe who pioneered special treatments specifically for aircrew RAF who were suffering from burns.

It was during the 20th century when plastic surgery tremendously evolved specifically in America. Dr. Vilray Blair was one of the founders and was Division of Plastic and reconstructive Surgery Chief at St. Louis, Missouri's Washington University.

Dr. Blair treated and assisted World War One soldiers who underwent complex maxillofacial injuries. His paper entitled "Reconstructive Surgery of the Face" established the standard for reconstruction of the craniofacial area.

Dr. Blair was also one of the primary surgeons who had no background in the dental field but was elected to be a member of the American Association of Oral and Plastic Surgery.