Plastic and reconstructive surgery is a medical specialty that uses a number of surgical
and nonsurgical techniques to change the appearance and function of a person's
body. Plastic surgery procedures include both cosmetic enhancements as
well as functionally reconstructive operations. In the former case, where aesthetics
are considered more of the concern than changing the functionality, plastic
surgery is also sometimes incorrectly referred to as "cosmetic surgery". However,
most procedures involve both aesthetic and functional elements.
The
word "plastic" derives from the Greek plastikos meaning to mold or to shape;
its use here is not connected with the synthetic polymer material known as
plastic. Plastic surgeons typically mold and reshape the following tissues of the
body: bone, cartilage, muscle, fat, and skin.
Plastic surgery reaches
back to the 700s BCE. Physicians in ancient India including Sushruta were
utilizing skin grafts for reconstructive work as early as the 8th century BC. In
his work Sushruta Samhita describes rhinoplasty and otoplasty. This knowledge
of plastic surgery existed in India up to the late 18th century as can be seen
from the reports published in Gentleman's Magazine (October 1794).
The
Romans were able to perform simple techniques such as repairing damaged ears
from around the 1st century BC. In 1465, Sabuncuoglu's book, description, and
classification of hypospadias was more informative and up to date. Localization
of urethral meatus was described in detail. Sabuncuoglu also detailed the description
and classification of ambigius genitalia (Kitabul Cerrahiye-i Ilhaniye
-Cerrahname-Tip Tarihi Enstitüsü, Istanbul) In mid-15th century Europe, Heinrich
von Pfolspeundt described a process "to make a new nose for one who lacks it
entirely, and the dogs have devoured it" by removing skin from the back of the
arm and suturing it in place. However, because of the dangers associated with
surgery in any form, especially that involving the head or face, it was not until
the 19th and 20th centuries that such surgery became commonplace.
Common
techniques used in plastic surgery are: incision, excision, microsurgery,
chemosurgery, electrosurgery, laser surgery, dermabrasion, and liposuction. |
