History of Plastic Surgery

When was the term “plastic” popularized?

“Plastique” was first used by Desault in 1798, and by von Graefe in his monograph entitled Rhinoplastik published in Berlin in 1818. But it was popularized in 1838 in the publication Handbuch der plastischen Chirurgie by Zeis. It is derived from the Greek word “plastikos” meaning “fit for molding.”

Who offered the following quote: “reconstructive surgery is an attempt to restore the individual to normal; aesthetic surgery attempts to surpass the normal”?

Sir Harold Delf Gillies.

What are the general ages in the history of plastic surgery?

Ancient times, the Renaissance, the Decline, the Rebirth, and Modern Times.

What were some of the first surgical procedures performed?

Trephination of the skull, practiced by ancient man perhaps as early as 10,000 bce; cataract surgery performed by the Babylonians circa 1950 bce.

For what is Sushruta best known?

The famed Indian practitioner (circa 600 bce) described operations for nasal and earlobe reconstruction in the Sushruta Samhita. In particular, he used a pedicled forehead flap for nasal reconstruction, as nasal amputation was a common practice to punish criminals.

What contribution did Celsus (25 bce to 50 ace) make to plastic surgery?

He used advancement flaps and was probably the originator of the island flap with a subcutaneous pedicle.

What contributions did Galen (130–200 ace) make to plastic surgery?

Likely no significant contributions. Although his contributions to anatomy are well documented, he did not concern himself with plastic surgery techniques.

What contributions did Paulus Aegineta (625–690 ace) make to plastic surgery?

He was thought to be a major link between the medical learning of the Hindu and Arab schools and the increasing number of Western schools during his lifetime. He is considered one of the originators of plastic surgery, as it is known today. He described procedures varying from the treatment of nasal and jaw fractures to operations for hypospadias.

When/where was the Renaissance in plastic surgery?

Emerged in Italy in the 14th century and reached its zenith during the 15th and 16th centuries. During this time the foundations of modern anatomic studies were laid, particularly in the De humani corporis fabrica by Vesalius in 1543.

What contributions did Gaspare Tagliacozzi (1545–1599) of Bologna, Italy, make to plastic surgery?

His treatise De Curtorum Chirurgia per Insitionem, published in 1597, summarized his life’s work. In it, he described the technique for preparing the arm flap for transplantation to reconstruct the nose, and thereby specified the details of the delayed flap.

When was the Decline of plastic surgery?

The 17th and 18th centuries. During this time all surgical disciplines languished throughout Europe. Although considered the “Age of Enlightenment,” this was not true for plastic surgery.

When was the Rebirth of plastic surgery?

During the 19th century. Joseph Carpue, a surgeon in London, read stories of nasal reconstruction performed in India. Physicians working with the East India Company who had witnessed the operations spoke of the techniques, and by 1814 Carpue performed his first forehead flap. He released his report in 1816. This led to many other works.

Who was von Graefe?

Professor of Surgery at the University of Berlin, who interrupted his academic career to assume the responsibilities of Surgeon General of the Prussian Army at the end of the Napoleonic Wars (1813–1815). In 1818, his Rhinoplastik documented his use of the Indian, Tagliacotian, and his own modification of techniques for nasal reconstruction. His was the first treatise on plastic surgery after Tagliacozzi (1597).

What was the contribution of Dieffenbach?