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Timeline of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Explore the timeline to understand the roots and evolution of the art and science of aesthetic enhancement.

Dive into the fascinating history of aesthetic plastic surgery with the timeline below. From ancient techniques in India and Renaissance innovations in Italy, to groundbreaking advances during the World Wars and modern-day technological marvels, explore how the field has transformed through the centuries.

Interested in exploring a timeline specific to ISAPS History?

Ancient Times and Middle Ages

6th Century BCE

Sushruta, an ancient Indian physician, is often considered the father of surgery. His work, "Sushruta Samhita," describes surgical techniques including reconstructive procedures such as rhinoplasty (nasal reconstruction).

10th Century CE

In Europe, the Italian physician Albucasis writes "Al-Tasrif," a medical text that includes techniques for repairing facial injuries.

15th Century

Italian surgeon Antonio Branca is credited with pioneering the use of skin flaps for facial reconstruction.

Renaissance Period

16th Century

Gaspare Tagliacozzi, an Italian surgeon, is often called the father of modern plastic surgery. His work, "De Curtorum Chirurgia per Insitionem" (On the Surgery of Defects by Implantation), describes the use of skin grafts from the upper arm to reconstruct noses.

18th and 19th Centuries

1794

British surgeons observe and document Indian rhinoplasty techniques, which influence Western surgical practices.

1814

Joseph Carpue performs the first major rhinoplasty operation in the Western world.

1890

American surgeon John Orlando Roe performs the first modern cosmetic rhinoplasty.

Early 20th Century

1901

Jacques Joseph, a German surgeon, refines rhinoplasty techniques and begins to develop other facial plastic surgery procedures.

1907

Charles Miller publishes "The Correction of Featural Imperfections," the first American textbook on cosmetic surgery.

1910

The term "plastic surgery" is popularized by German surgeon Karl Ferdinand von Graefe.

World War I and Interwar Period

1917

Harold Gillies, a New Zealand-born surgeon, develops new techniques for treating facial injuries during World War I, laying the groundwork for modern reconstructive surgery.

1920s-1930s

The rise of Hollywood and the movie industry increases public interest in aesthetic surgery. Surgeons like Suzanne Noël in France begin specializing in cosmetic procedures.

Mid-20th Century

1940s-1950s

Advances in anesthesia, antibiotics, and surgical techniques lead to safer and more effective cosmetic procedures. 

1950

The American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (now the American Society of Plastic Surgeons) is founded.

1962

American surgeon Thomas Cronin develops the first silicone breast implant.

Late 20th Century

1970s

Liposuction is developed in Europe by Drs. Arpad and Giorgio Fischer. The procedure gains popularity in the United States in the 1980s.

1980s

CO2 laser technology is introduced for skin resurfacing, and collagen injections become popular for soft tissue augmentation.

1990s

Advances in endoscopic techniques lead to less invasive facial surgeries. 

Early 21st Century

2000s

Non-surgical procedures like dermal fillers, laser treatments, and chemical peels become increasingly popular. The Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) gains popularity, and botox is approved for cosmetic use by the FDA.

2010s

The rise of social media and celebrity culture significantly influences public interest in aesthetic procedures. The use of fat grafting, particularly for facial rejuvenation, becomes more widespread.

2013

The FDA approves the first cohesive gel silicone breast implants, known as "gummy bear" implants.