Historical evidence has found that reconstructive and cosmetic surgery can
be dated as far back as at least around 600 BC As time progressed, methods and
procedures became more exact and safe. Many textbooks were written during the
Renaissance period on these procedures. Some would later become the foundation
for modern cosmetic surgery, such as Vesalius' anatomical text "Fabrica"
(1543) and the textbook of Gaspare Tagliacozzi (1597).
Real need of cosmetic surgery came about from various wars of each nation.
After the American Civil War, with the introduction of anaesthesia and antiseptic
methods, the need for cosmetic surgery was desperate.
With the close of World War I, plastic and cosmetic surgery finally became
organized. French army surgeon, Morestin, created a treatment center in France.
After seeing Morestin's work, many other doctors set up similar centers for treatment
in other countries.
It is in most relatively recent years that effectiveness of cosmetic surgery
has been developed. With the formation of various national and international surgical
foundations, research and information has been made readily available to surgeons
and the public alike.
As we grow old with age, we see nature progress: a wrinkle here or there,
wider hips and larger waists, or less hair on our heads. Most people choose to
let nature take its course, by accepting that their appearance will slowly diminish.
But there is small (and growing) percentage of people who are willing to do anything
to fix a slight flaw that they see in their appearance.
There are many options for these people choose, including everything from simple
hormone treatments to expensive surgery. These treatments can not only be used
for touching up a normal person's appearance, but can also help victims of deep
cuts and bruises with their injuries. Each of these treatments do have side effects
or could possibly be fatal. For someone thinking of having this type of surgery
done, it is wise to look at it from all perspectives.
It's not just women who are seeking this type of surgery. While women still
outnumber men 4:1 on the average, men account for more than 25% of nose jobs (over
70,000), 14% of eyelid tucks (around 73,000), and 10% of face lifts (over 54,500).
That is a combined 20% of all plastic surgery. These numbers grow every year as
well. Doctors say this is because men themselves today are starting to take care
of their physical appearance more than in the past.
