Introduction to Plastic Surgery By: Heather Harding
Dec 23, 2015
“Plastikos”
The term “plastic surgery” is derived from the Greek word “Plastikos”
Means to mold or give form
As early as 2,000 BCE in India as a form of punishment!
In 600 BCE Sanskrit texts described reconstruction of a mutilated nose using tissue from the cheek
When was the first reconstructive surgery performed?
Renaissance Times
Primarily rebuilding of nose Start of experimentation with Indian ideas
of using local and distant tissue to reconstruct wounds
War Times
The need for reconstructions launched during World War 1
Massive disfiguration of burn victims creates new challenges to surgeons
1920s-1930s
European surgeons Maliniac and Aufricht launch The American Society of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeons (ASPRS)
1st division of Plastic Surgery in a public hospital is formed
By the late 1930s The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is created-qualification as plastic surgeon
Maliniac
Aufricht
1940s
The Journal Debuted in 1946 Forum for Plastic Surgeons to share their
knowledge/discoveries
Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation (PSEF) Founded in1948 Supports education on plastic surgery to surgeons and
public Awards scholarships & prizes Seminars and meetings Exchange programs w/physicians around the world
1950s
ASPRS is fully board certified Communication with the public heightens
Television New innovations
Latest innovation is internal wiring for facial fractures
Being tested in hospitals in Korea
1960s
Public exposure increases number of procedures being performed
Silicone development Initially used to treat skin
imperfections 1962 begins usage as breast implant
device
1970s & 1980s Personal advertising of surgeons is banned Specialties and individual procedures start
getting marketed through brochures Flame retardant children’s clothing is developed
Plastic Surgery
1990s Internet
Websites for surgeons to post questions, get answers and share procedure info
ASPRS becomes ASPS to assure that plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery are the same
Silicone Implant Crisis due to complications Links to illness The Horrors of Breast Implants is released nationally on TV Toll free hotline is set up regarding silicone implant safety Silicone implants can only be used for reconstruction under clinical
studies
Health Care Reform Insurance companies are required to cover cost of reconstruction breast
surgery for women who have undergone a mastectomy
2000s Botox approval: average 1.1 million injections/year
10 deaths leads to 3 month pause of office based surgery
Improved Public Perceptions Magazines and TV shows
By 2006 16.2 million+ surgeries are being performed annually
Reintroduction of Silicone Implant General patient usage is approved in 2006 after tests
prove no connection to illness