Cosmetic surgery includes dozens of different procedures that can change your appearance from the shape of your nose to the size of your breasts. It can help boost your self-esteem or improve your body’s function after traumatic accidents or surgeries.
Though cosmetic surgery is more popular now than ever, there’s a lot you may not know about this fascinating surgical specialty, its history, and how it’s changing today.
The First Recorded Plastic Surgery Occurred in 600 B.C.
In 600 B.C., a surgeon named Sushruta performed the first recorded plastic surgery in India. His notes carefully describe a rhinoplasty (nose job) surgery using skin from the cheek. His notes also describe other cosmetic procedures such as ear lobe surgeries and cleft lip repairs. Sushruta even describes using wine as an anesthetic and creating his own tools for surgical incision.
Barbers Used to Perform Plastic Surgery
Barbers yes the people who cut your hair used to serve as surgeons in medieval Europe. They would cut hair, pull teeth, remove skin lesions or ulcers, and even amputate limbs. Fortunately, surgery education become more formalized over time so that the two professions separated.
The First Plastic Surgeons Were Certified in 1938
Plastic surgery first become recognized as a surgical specialty in 1938, when it was recognized by the American Board of Surgery. Now surgeons could go through formalized training and examinations before becoming board-certified. Around this time, plastic surgery went through major changes as soldiers from both WWI and WWII required reconstructive procedures to treat war injuries.
Cosmetic Surgery is Becoming More Popular
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, there has been an increase in the number of plastic surgery procedures performed each year over the last five years. While plastic surgery classics like liposuction and breast augmentation continue to lead the way in number of procedures, other body-based procedures like buttocks augmentation are also increasing rapidly.
Cosmetic Surgery is Becoming Less Invasive
New technologies like lasers, laparoscopic cameras, and other advances are helping reduce the size of incisions in plastic surgery. This helps reduce risks for bleeding and infection while still delivering excellent results.
At Galardi | Bowen Plastic Surgery in Virginia Beach, we offer the latest cosmetic surgeries to improve your appearance and boost your confidence. Our experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon offers reliable results and safe procedures. Contact us today at (757) 496-5556 to schedule your consultation.
