Plastic Surgery today has evolved from what was originally used for hiding scars and healing mental illness to what is now called cosmetic surgery. People use the procedures it to improve their appearance as a cosmetic or even as a method of a makeover. Though it can be thought as advancement in technology and the proof of life getting more luxurious, some might need to consider where plastic surgery originated from and for what purpose.



Traces of plastic surgery can be found from ancient India in 700 BC. Physicians in ancient India practiced the use of skin grafts for reconstructive work. Skin grafting is one of the most common procedures in plastic surgery today. It is a process where you transfer skin tissue from where you don't need it to where you need it. Pig skins are sometimes used in place of human skin. The Romans were able to perform techniques such as repairing damaged ears.

In mid 15th century Europe, a process of removing skin from the back of the arm and suturing it in place of where it needs to be was practiced, but because of the dangers associated with surgery in any form at that time, it was not practiced widely till the 19th century. Before anesthesia became widely used, all surgery involved a great risk and pain. It would involve more risk when performing the above method because of the possibility of infection until antibiotics and disinfectants were introduced.

Numerous accounts of successes of skin grafts were recorded before the 1900s. in 1791, Chopart performed a procedure on a lip using a flap from the neck, in 1814. Many books on plastic surgery, or skin grafting as it was used then, were written. Theories, experiences were being shared and corrected. The practice improved the most during war times. During World War I, many techniques developed which can now be called modern plastic surgery in caring for those who suffered in facial injuries. In World War II, the techniques went further, not only in skin grafting but treatments of severe burns were being developed but more radical, experimental treatments were being developed.

Today, plastic surgery can be split into two parts: Reconstructive plastic surgery and Cosmetic surgery. Reconstructive plastic surgery usually involves correcting functional impairments caused by burns, traumatic injuries, congenital abnormalities, developmental abnormalities, infections or removals of tumors. The procedures are performed to correct mishaps of the body while the cosmetic surgery is to improve the appearance. The cosmetic surgery includes everything from a nose job and face lift to breast enlargement and reshaping areas and getting rid of excess fat. Procedure involving Botox is in the rise while concerns of it actually being poison and the effects it might have are rising as well.

Celebrities in many countries are going through a lot of plastic surgery to improve their appearances and many of their fans are going through it as well. Though it can be seen as a new culture and a sign of improvement of technique in plastic surgery, there are people who still worry and think that their loved one might actually have looked different in the past. Though it will take time for this new cosmetic culture to set in, we should wait to see what the real deal would be.