The development of Skin Graft

The development of Skin Graft

Plastic Surgery has never stood still and it is in a constant state of evolution toward problem solving since the beginning of the time. The early 19th century was especially important for the great advnaces in Plastic Surgery such as development of skin grafting, anesthesia and asepsis. In 1817, Sir Astley Cooper performed the first successful human skin graft, covering the stump of an amputated thumb with skin from the amputated part. Initially Baronio published his experimental work on skin graft in sheep. It was the second half of the 19th century, however, that a more significant development occurred in skin grafting. The partial-thickness graft was first applied by Reverdin and followed by many later on. Such grafts, in which the donor area would quickly resurface itself  offered the opportunity to cover large open areas for the first time. At the same time, specialized full thickness grafts for critical areas such the eyelid were perfected by others.

What is Plastic Surgery?

Since the Term "Plastic Surgery" involves the word "Plastic", people historically assume that much of this surgical endeavor involves use of Plastic or some other foreign material in the procedures to achieve the desired effects. But, fortunately, this concept is not a fact at all but a well established or may be widely assumed myth. The word "Plastic" actually derives from a Greek word-"Plastikos" which means to mold, shape or form. In this way, Plastic Surgery actually gives a new and improved shape to the desired or sometimes defected part of the body. There is absolutely no question of putting any kind of plastic in any of the procedure.

Sometimes plastic surgeons use synthetic materials such as silicone gel implants to achieve the enhanced shape but those are quite safe and technically not plastic. Implants are optional and only could be used after you choose & decide to have one in your body.  Another well known myth is Plastic Surgery can change your face to another person's (just like we see in Bollywood movies). Here, I would like to clarify that Plastic Surgery can never change the complete look of anyone's face. It only can remove the signs of aging, reshape a ill-shaped nose or chin, enhance the cheeks or jaw-line etc but still you will never be able to match any celebrity who ever  you fantasize to look like. Plastic surgery can certainly improve your looks but never make you a complete new person.