Plastikos - By Maria Ramos

Plastic and reconstructive surgery is a surgical specialty that aims to repair, construct, or
reconstruct tissue to improve its appearance or function. While it is often seen today as a luxury
reserved for Hollywood celebrities, plastic surgery has a long history and was widespread even
in ancient times. The name "plastic" comes from the ancient Greek word plastikos, which means
to mold. The oldest known procedures were carried out in ancient Egypt and India, with the
Egyptians developing techniques to fix nasal injuries and the Indians performing rhinoplasties in
the sixth century BC. An Indian physician named C. Sushruta is considered the Father of Plastic
Surgery, having developed advanced techniques of skin grafting using parts of the cheek to
rebuild torn-off noses. Around the 4th century, we know of the first cleft lip repair procedures
carried out by the Chinese; meanwhile, in Rome, excess tissue was removed (a predecessor of
the facelift perhaps?). In these times, alcohol was used as an anesthetic, and there was a very
high risk of infection
Plastic surgery steadily evolved, with new advances in anesthesia and a significant
growth spurt during World War I and II. Wounded soldiers with facial deformities became a
canvas that allowed physicians to experiment with facial anatomy and revolutionary
reconstructive techniques. The primary focus was on restoring functions such as breathing,
chewing, and sight, rather than cosmetic enhancements. The French were at the forefront of
cosmetic procedures, using paraffin wax for assorted face toting, although it was not very
efficient. During the interwar period, the first records of sex reassignment surgery appeared.
The stigma around cosmetic surgery arose from the belief that it was a separate discipline
from general surgery, leading to doctors and physicians being afraid of losing respectability
within their profession if they engaged in it. However, the post-war period saw a surplus of
doctors and physicians who were not needed anymore in the armed services, leading to an
increase in the popularity of plastic surgery.
During the 1960s, plastic surgery procedures such as face reshaping craniotomies, breast
augmentation, and rhinoplasties became increasingly popular. This trend continued steadily until
the 1990s, when there was a significant surge in cosmetic procedures, with almost double the
amount of cosmetic procedures being performed compared to functional ones. The last growth
spurt occurred during the pandemic, when people sought out recovery periods for subtle changes
privately.
Nowadays, there is a wide variety of procedures available, ranging from
snack-by-policeman under-eye fillers to lip lift actions and even more dangerous procedures such
as BBLS and buccal fat removals. These procedures are not only limited to victims of facial
disfigurements or celebrities, but rather the vast majority of regular people who are unhappy
about certain parts of their bodies and seek to modify them.
Being a plastic and reconstructive surgeon is a tough job, as the patient is the one who
judges your work according to their standards, so your goal must be to please them while striving
for perfection.
 Plastic and reconstructive surgeons are required to have specific skills that are necessary
to perform their job effectively. One of the most important skills is hand-eye coordination, which
is necessary for performing delicate surgical procedures. These surgeons must have the ability to
manipulate surgical instruments with precision, often in small or tight spaces, without causing
harm to surrounding tissues.
Another important skill is visual spatial awareness, which is necessary for understanding
the three-dimensional structure of the body and its various components. Surgeons must be able to
visualize the patient's anatomy, anticipate how different tissues will behave during surgery, and
mentally plan out the steps of the surgical procedure.
Good vision is also essential, as surgeons need to be able to see fine details and
differentiate between different tissues during surgery. They must be able to distinguish between
different shades of color and texture, and identify abnormalities or irregularities in tissue.
An artistic appreciation is also a valuable skill for plastic and reconstructive surgeons, as
they are often working to improve the appearance of a patient's body. A surgeon with an artistic
eye can help ensure that the final result of the surgery is aesthetically pleasing and harmonious
with the patient's overall appearance.
Finally, stamina, both physical and mental, is required for plastic and reconstructive
surgeons. These surgeries can often be lengthy and require intense focus and concentration, as
well as the ability to stand for long periods of time. Surgeons must be able to maintain their
energy and focus throughout the procedure, even when it becomes physically and mentally
challenging.
Despite their mostly cosmetically focused modern use, plastic and reconstructive surgery
have been implemented even in antiquity. Cosmetic procedures have historically been seen as
painful and unrespectable, but they have remained crucial for victims of war and natural
disfigurement, as well as for celebrities and regular people.
In conclusion, plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery have evolved dramatically
throughout the years, and their most notorious implementation is to help people accept parts of
their bodies they do not like. Even from ancient times, people have been unhappy with some
aspect of themselves, and until societal and cultural changes occur, plastic surgeons will still be
relevant and significant in treating poor self-esteem and social aesthetics.

References:

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