The Story of Plastic Surgery

Dedication

We, the surgeons of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, dedicate this 75th Anniversary book to all the patients who have trusted us to help them reclaim their lives, re-establish their self-confidence, and restore their dreams. We are proud to be a part of the history and honored to be a part of the future of so many people.

We are amazed every day by the determination of our patients, in awe of their extraordinary spirit, and grateful you have allowed us to be a part of your lives. We are better surgeons and better people for the experience. As we celebrate our 75th Anniversary, we would like to thank you for changing our lives by allowing us to change yours.

The Word "Plastic"

The word "plastic" in plastic surgery comes from the Greek "plastikos," which means to mold or give form. It is a fitting way to describe what surgeons do: mold and give form to the human body.

The Earliest Plastic Surgeons

Surgical practices designed to transform the human body begun in ancient Egypt in 3000 BC. Later, during the Renaissance, facial wounds from duels and jousts were repaired by pioneering plastic surgeons.

Plastic Surgery Evolves

The foundation for modern plastic surgery was laid in the 1800s as surgeons developed more sophisticated tools and techniques to transform the human body.

It was World War I, and its unprecedented volume and scope of facial wounds, however, that catapulted the specialty into prominence. Plastic surgeons were able to reconstruct soldiers' faces, restore their self-confidence, and repair their lives.

Continuous Improvement

Since the 1950's, continued improvements in anesthesia, skin grafting techniques, and other medical advances have made plastic surgery procedures safer and more popular.

From burn victims, to children born with congenital defects, to everyday Americans who want to improve their appearance, plastic surgeons help mold and give form to hundreds of thousands of American lives every year.

Read the second chapter on Art.