What is plastic surgery?
In the timeless pursuit of self-improvement, the art of sculpting the human form has a rich history that extends far beyond today’s associations of plastic surgery with youth and beauty. The term, which comes from the Greek word “plastikos,” meaning “to mold” or “to bring into shape,” reflects a history associated with medical necessity. Plastic surgery, often associated with modern procedures like breast augmentation, actually has a long history. Its origins lie in the effort to correct physical deformities and improve quality of life. Over the centuries, this practice evolved into what is now known as cosmetic surgery. Today, plastic surgery has reached an advanced level and uses minimally invasive techniques. Constant innovation in this field aims to improve outcomes, offer safer procedures, shorten recovery times and increase patient satisfaction. The journey from rudimentary instruments to state-of-the-art technologies is a sign of the remarkable progress of plastic surgery.
Ancient times
1600 B.C. BC
The roots of plastic surgery date back to ancient Egypt, where the pursuit of beauty and healing took a fascinating turn. The oldest known procedures are found in the “Edwin Smith Papyrus,” an early Egyptian medical text that resembles a manual for trauma surgery. This historical treasure unlocks the secrets of ancient practices and reveals not only the treatment of injuries and fractures, but also a primitive but innovative approach to restoring the shape of the nose after injury: “the gentle manipulation of the nose into the desired position and securing it with wooden splints , lint, swabs and linen wads.”
1213 B.C. BC
In ancient Egypt, cosmetic surgery was important not only for the living but also for the deceased. The mourners of King Ramses II, who was known for his distinctive nose, took special measures. To ensure he would be recognized as king in the afterlife, they surgically inserted bones and seeds into his nose.
600 B.C. BC
Exploring the ancient history of India, the evolution of plastic surgery takes a fascinating leap towards advanced cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. In the 6th century B.C. In the 4th century BC, Indian physicians, particularly Sushruta, often hailed as the father of plastic surgery, laid the foundation for what we know today as reconstructive surgery. He advanced the field with a sophisticated method of nasal reconstruction in which new noses were created by using skin from other areas of patients’ faces, either the forehead or the cheek. The Sushruta Samhita is his famous surgical manual in which he explains the basic principles of plastic surgery, including a primitive form of cosmetic rhinoplasty.
100 BC to 5th century AD.
On a journey through ancient Rome, we discover more early chapters of plastic surgery documented by the encyclopedist Aulus Cornelius Celsus. In these historical pages, Celsus reports on a groundbreaking procedure for aesthetic beautification – the surgical removal of excess skin around patients’ eyes (what we would today call blepharoplasty or eyelid lift). The Romans, wanting to improve their image, also used simpler plastic surgery techniques, such as repairing damaged ears. Celcus’ book has guided plastic surgeons for over 1,700 years.
15th century
The teachings of the Sushruta Samhita find their way to Europe after being translated into Arabic. In Italy, the surgeons Gustavo Branca and his son Antonio advanced the development of techniques, particularly in rhinoplasty. Innovatively, they decided to harvest skin from the forearm instead of the forehead and cheeks to minimize scarring. However, this groundbreaking approach came with a unique condition: the forearm had to be attached to the nose for ten days!
18th century
The term “plastic” became associated with cosmetic surgery when the German surgeon Karl Ferdinand von Graefe introduced it in his important work Rhinoplasty, a modification of the Italian method. The surgeons Felix Jean Casimir Guyon from Paris and Jacques Reverdin from Geneva rediscovered the skin transplant technique and developed it further in 1869. A milestone in the development of plastic surgery was the first documented breast augmentation in 1895, when surgeons corrected asymmetries by transplanting tissue from the back to the chest.
20th century
In the seventeenth century, plastic surgery experienced a decline. The real turning point came in the 20th century, particularly during World War I, when the need for reconstructive plastic surgery for numerous seriously injured soldiers became apparent. The bullets and explosive shells caused devastating head and facial injuries that required innovative medical approaches. This period saw a paradigm shift as doctors, driven by the sheer volume of patients and advances in blood transfusions and infection control, tried groundbreaking techniques. Major Harold Gillies, who served in the Royal Army Medical Corps, set up a specialist facial repair facility at Queen Mary’s Hospital in London, where all patients were brought together. Called the “father of modern plastic surgery,” Gillies performed groundbreaking procedures that profoundly influenced the development of plastic surgery. World War II continued to advance the development of plastic surgery by introducing new techniques such as limb reconstruction, extensive skin grafts for burn victims, microsurgery, and an expanded understanding of physiology and antibodies.
The modern time
The 1960s and 1970s were a time of change for plastic surgery, during which it established itself as an integral part of the medical sciences. Silicone breast implants were a game-changer. They were originally developed to treat skin imperfections, but were soon used for cosmetic breast augmentation. As silicone technology advanced, the material became versatile, offering a variety of options for contouring and enlarging the body and face. In the 1990s there was a decisive change in public perception that broke the taboo surrounding plastic surgery for aesthetic reasons. Economic prosperity made them accessible to the masses, leading to an increase in demand for procedures. Cosmetric procedures such as breast augmentations, nose jobs and facial contouring became widespread. The 1980s and 1990s brought not only improved public perception but also an influx of high-quality information about the procedures. Non-surgical alternatives such as injectable fillers and laser treatments gained popularity, offering cosmetic improvements without surgical intervention. Plastic surgery, evolving with new technologies, has become mainstream and is changing lives by offering affordable and innovative solutions to the desired look.
Plastic surgery today
At the beginning of the 21st century, technological advances have brought plastic surgery into a new era and brought revolutionary changes. The introduction of safe and highly effective tools and regenerative techniques has expanded horizons and our dreams. Advances in technology have not only improved precision, but have also significantly reduced the time required and increased the longevity of the results. With the development of smaller instruments and regenerative technologies, plastic surgeons can increasingly maintain and improve the effectiveness of their operations while minimizing the size of incisions, thereby significantly reducing the risk of scarring. Plastic surgeons continue to be the leading specialists in cosmetic surgery and innovations in regenerative medicine in the 21st century.
REDEKER AESTHETICS – pioneer for innovations in aesthetics
We end our journey through the history and development of plastic surgery at REDEKER AESTHETICS – one of the leading addresses for plastic surgery and regenerative medicine in Cham, Zug. We perform treatments using the most modern techniques and technologies and maintain our commitment to excellence. Guided by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, I actively participate in conferences and clinical trials to integrate scientific advances into my practice. I offer patients the certainty that the treatments are safe, effective and state-of-the-art and lead to excellent and natural-looking results. I create individual treatment plans that are tailored to the uniqueness and specific needs of the individual. At REDEKER AESTHETICS, the satisfaction rate is remarkably high, regardless of whether it is regenerative medicine or cosmetic surgery. With our expert guidance, the journey towards your goal of improved body image will be truly special. Embark on a new journey and arrange a consultation appointment with REDEKER AESTHETICS. Discover the safest and most advanced plastic surgery options and redefine your aesthetic journey today!