Evolution of Cosmetic Procedures

Rhinoplasty, a procedure performed to reconstruct the nose, was the first-ever cosmetic surgery reported in 1877. Since then, advancements in medicine have let to breast augmentation, breast implant procedures, skin grafting, liposuction, body contouring, paving its way to minimally invasive procedures to facilitate or even replace surgeries. During the 19th and 20th centuries, the main jobs for plastic surgeons were to treat soldiers who were wounded in battle. As technology advanced more, cosmetic surgery was on the brink of improvement. After World War 1, aesthetic procedures began taking a place in society among the diverse economic class, social and religious beliefs. But the main goal of these procedures was to use technology to improve self-confidence and reform appearance. This has been true so far, although the field of the aesthetic procedure has been broadened, thanks to curiosity, technological advances, better results, and better gradual economy of the country. 

Currently, people are getting more and more cosmetic procedures ranging from major surgeries to minor laser treatments to enhance one’s physical appearance. In 1997, the number of Americans who went through cosmetic procedures was 2.1 million, and 2012, the numbers rose to a remarkable 13.8 million operations per year and counting. The reasons behind the drastic number difference in such a short time frame include better economic conditions in the United States, modernity in lives, and mainly, the improvement of technology. The accessibility to these procedures is also convenient, as many minimally invasive procedures can be done at a doctor’s office and not necessarily in a surgical setting which required having to undergo general anesthesia. 

The Cosmetic Surgery Foundation was formed in 2000, which facilitated research as well as education in cosmetic surgeries, bought a series of advancements in the field of cosmetic procedures. In the past, surgeries, in general, were done without painkillers. But with the invention of anesthesia and antibiotics, it was possible to subside pain and the likelihood of success by fighting off infection during surgery. Results, therefore, were able to be better as surgeons were able to treat patients and worry less about pain management. It let doctors be more comfortable with going through with aesthetic procedures. With more and more research, these procedures became easier and even non-invasive in some cases. Botox, dermal fillers, lip injections, photo facials, micro-needling treatments, FaceTite, BodyTite, etc. are some examples of the newer and less costly procedures that promise maximum results. 

Biomedical Engineering has let us to many technological advancements that allow for the same results as traditional cosmetic surgery with the least amount of downtime, which is cost-efficient. Doctors and scientists are performing more and more research and clinical trials to use novel technologies that will lead to progressive new ways for cosmetic procedures. If you have further questions about the aesthetic procedure that is offered at Sleep and Wellness, please visit our website or call our office at (609) 587-9944 or e-mail us at info@sleep-wellness.org.

References: 

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/about-asps/history-of-plastic-surgery 

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/542448_2#:~:text=The%20term%20plastic%20surgery%2C%20from,allowed%20for%20improvements%20in%20technique. 

http://www.accentmd.com/blog/then-and-now-how-far-cosmetic-surgery-has-come/ 

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jocd.13057