A brief history of plastic surgery
BMJ 2007; 335 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/sbmj.0712462 (Published 01 December 2007) Cite this as: BMJ 2007;335:0712462
- Elizabeth Bullivant, student1
- 1University of Birmingham
Edivence of reconstructive surgery exists in Egyptian medical papyruses that date back to 1600 BC
As surgical specialties go you may think that plastic surgery is one of the best known at the moment, courtesy of media coverage of celebrity “enhancements” and the never ending pursuit of the perfect appearance. Plastic and cosmetic surgery have, in the eyes of the public, become almost interchangeable terms, but in medical and historical contexts this isn't so. Cosmetic surgery involves elective procedures performed for aesthetic reasons, but plastic surgery refers to surgical reconstruction of deformity, providing normal appearance and function.
The specialty developed from its ancient Egyptian origins more than three thousand years ago. It progressed geographically, as knowledge disseminated from epicentres, including northern India at about 600 BC, Sicily in the 15th century Renaissance, Germany in the 19th century, and finally Britain in the two world wars.
Egyptian beginnings
Evidence of reconstructive surgery exists in Egyptian medical papyruses that date back to 1600 BC, describing reconstructive techniques employed by the priest-doctors of the time to restore appearance.
Pair of sketches from Karl Graef's Rhinoplastik
Of these, the Edwin Smith Surgical Papyrus is the best example, describing case histories and advice for practical management, unlike other texts, which outlined combinations of magical and practical techniques. Of the 48 preserved, case 12 describes how to approach “a break in the chamber of the nose,” including a description of its appearance and methods of packing the nasal cavity to stop bleeding and reproduce a normal profile. Also included are suturing techniques, which allowed large lacerations to heal with minimal scarring.
In the upper echelons of Egyptian society huge importance was placed on appearance, …
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