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Did you know how the history of plastic surgery dates back to ancient Egypt?
Plastic surgery, as a surgical specialty, not only encompasses the repair, reconstruction and transformation of the human body, but also reveals its long history. Whether it is reconstructive surgery or cosmetic surgery, the techniques and knowledge of plastic surgery have actually existed for thousands of years. When we look to ancient Egypt, we can see that the roots of this field were deeply embedded in the lives of ancient civilizations.
The term "plastic" in plastic surgery comes from the Greek word "δος, plastike", which means "the art of shaping".
The origin of plastic surgery
The earliest record of plastic surgery in ancient Egypt appears in the Edwin Smith Papyrus, which dates to around 1600 BC and mentions the repair of a broken nose. Ancient India began exploring plastic surgery in 800 BC, and Sushruta, a famous doctor of this period, contributed to the development of plastic and cataract surgery.
Sushruta is considered the founder of plastic surgery and his works have had a profound influence on later generations.
In ancient Rome, early plastic surgery techniques were also used to repair ears. The inheritance of medical knowledge has always relied on previous literature, especially the works of the Greeks. It is worth mentioning that the ancient Roman physician Aulus Cornelius Celsius gave a detailed description of human anatomy. , paving the way for subsequent plastic surgery techniques.
The Arab World’s Contribution
In 750 AD, Arab doctors further advanced the techniques of plastic surgery. They spread this knowledge to Europe by translating ancient Greek medical texts. The Branka family in Italy and Gaspa Taki Akkizi introduced the technology of Sushta into Europe and developed.
Arabian surgeon Al-Zaharavi proposed to use silk threads for suture, which was revolutionary in the operation at the time.
19th Century Progress
Over time, plastic surgery techniques from India made their way further into the Western world. Joseph Constantine Capi performed the first major surgery in the Western world in 1815 after studying local plastic surgery techniques in India for 20 years, while German doctor Carl von Grafe published his book on plastic surgery in 1818. Rhinoplasty, which effectively improved the technology at that time.
World War I and the Development of Plastic Surgery
During World War I, due to the heavy casualties caused by the war, reconstruction of facial injuries became an urgent need. During this period, Dr. Harold Gillis founded a hospital specializing in facial injuries. He used skin grafting technology and focused on helping soldiers rebuild their faces. Plastic surgery during this period not only focused on functional recovery, but also emphasized the patient's mental health, trying to help patients return to normal life.
Dr. Gillis's technical achievements benefited more than 5,000 soldiers and promoted the development of modern plastic surgery.
The diversity of modern plastic surgery
As technology continues to advance, the subfields of modern plastic surgery are becoming increasingly diverse. From cosmetic surgery to wound repair, from burn surgery to craniofacial surgery, each subfield has its own unique techniques and challenges. According to the American Board of Plastic Surgery, nearly 16 million cosmetic procedures were performed in the United States in 2014, and that number is rising.
The development of plastic surgery is not only a revolution in medical technology, but also a reflection of cultural changes and social needs.
Facing the challenges of the future
In the current society, plastic surgery is no longer limited to changing appearance. With the advancement of technology, today's surgeries can be more precise, with better recovery results and less risk in the process. However, the issue of young people pursuing plastic surgery has also sparked widespread discussion. In this context, what new ethical and technical challenges will plastic surgery face in the future?
