For many people, the term cosmetic surgery makes them think of younger women getting breast implants or an older actress having a facelift to help boost her career. While it’s true that women are
statistically more likely to have cosmetic surgery than men, the history of cosmetic surgery is far more complex than you might think, and people electing to receive cosmetic surgery are more diverse than simply young wealthy women.
Below, we’ve listed three surprising facts you might not have known about cosmetic surgery:
The first rhinoplasty was performed in ancient India
The first recorded rhinoplasty (cosmetic surgery on the nose) was performed in India around 600 BCE. The nose was reshaped using skin from other parts of the body, mostly the forehead and cheeks. Hollow wooden tubes were inserted into the patient’s nostrils to aid breathing during the recovery process. Sushruta, regarded as one of the world’s first surgeons, is believed to be the first to describe rhinoplasty, and is considered to be the innovator of the cosmetic technique.
Another notable first includes the perfection of skin grafts during World War I. Recently, the surgical records of Dr. Harold Gillies were published, detailing his revolutionary contributions to the process of skin grafting. Dr. Gillies pioneered techniques used to treat severely disfigured soldiers, helping them return to life as normal civilians.
Liposuction and rhinoplasty are among the most common elective procedures for men
Male cosmetic surgery is far more common now than it used to be. The number of males undergoing elective surgery increased by 106 percent between 1997 and 2012. The most common cosmetic procedures for men include liposuction, rhinoplasty, facelift, and gynecomastia (male breast reduction).
Over 200,000 rhinoplasty procedures were executed on males in 2014, making it the most common cosmetic operation for men.
Cosmetic surgery among teenagers is becoming surprisingly normal
In 2014, almost 64,000 cosmetic surgery patients were between the ages of 13 and 19 years old. One of the most frequent concerns that leads teens to cosmetic surgery is self-esteem. In many cases, successful cosmetic surgery can help with the problems that cause teenagers to feel uncomfortable in social environments. Physical characteristics teenagers typically want to correct include misshapen nose, protruding ears, asymmetrical or oversized breasts, or severe acne and scarring. Teens tend to have faster recovery times than adults after cosmetic surgery.
Looking for more information about cosmetic surgery? Aside from reading our blog, speaking with an experienced cosmetic surgeon is the best way to get all your questions answered. GLOW Surgical Arts offers a variety of cosmetic surgery and minimally invasive procedures to help you look and feel more attractive. If you’re ready to talk with an experienced surgeon, request a free consultation online, or call GLOW Surgical Arts at (650) 241-2209.
