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The History of Plastic Surgery

When seeking a reputable site for plastic surgery in Denver, patients know they can trust the certified physicians at Boulder Plastic Surgery. While most people may automatically only think of face lifts, breast implants, and nose jobs when they hear the term “plastic surgery,” its history actually has its origins deeply rooted in healing rather than simple aesthetics. We often forget that plastic surgery also largely involves skin grafting and muscle reconstruction, as well as reshaping deformities such as cleft palates or lips. In fact, the word “plastic” is actually derived from the Greek word “plastikos,” which means to mold or give form.

Dating back as far as ancient India, physicians have used methods to affect damaged or misshapen body parts for both reconstructive and aesthetic purposes. Plastic surgery in the Western world really took off as a result of WWI, when doctors had to find innovative ways to reconstruct the burned and broken faces of badly wounded soldiers. While this was a major springboard for the practice itself, it still took many decades for plastic surgery to find a stronger foothold in the medical community. The development of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons throughout the 1920s and 1930s furthered the advancement of physicians in the field to enhance their skill level to broaden their medical knowledge with other physicians in the arena, as well as create a solid set of standards by which to abide. It is this organization that governs the standards by which all board certified plastic surgeons must adhere.

The 1960s and 1970s saw the introduction of silicone use for both skin reconstruction and breast implants for the first time, as plastic surgery became more widely known. The 1980s and 1990s found more people wanting information about cosmetic plastic surgery, with increasing demand for breast implants. The 21st Century has seen a large surge in plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures just in the last 13 years, especially with the increase of minimally invasive procedures such as facial fillers. Yet, the rise of cosmetic surgeries for simply aesthetic purposes does not take away the innovative techniques plastic surgeons incorporate every day to correct abnormalities due to disease or accidents.

Everything From Reconstruction to Simple Skin Treatments

Plastic surgery meets many different patient needs, and the board certified physicians at Boulder Plastic Surgery are equipped to meet the needs of the greater Denver area. Contact us today with any questions you may have and make an appointment for a consultation.

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