India’s Initiative Going Global
Started as National Plastic Surgery Day, observed on July 15, originated in India and gained global attention, becoming World Plastic Surgery Day. The term “plastic surgery” derives from the ancient Greek word “plastikos,” meaning to mould or give form. It does not refer to the synthetic material “plastic” that we commonly know today. Plastic Surgery has ancient Indian roots, with a similar process mentioned in the “Sushruta Samhita” (approximately 2600 years ago). Similar mentions can be found in ancient Egypt and Rome. Plastic Surgery is not just about cosmetic touch-ups; it is reconstructive surgery, burn care, microvascular repair, congenital corrections, and many more. The impact of plastic surgery extends far beyond physical transformation. It empowers individuals by restoring their confidence, improving their quality of life, and enabling them to participate fully in society. For many, it’s about regaining lost function, overcoming disfigurement, and finding a renewed sense of self-worth.
The True Spirit of Plastic Surgery
is Beyond Aesthetics.
“National Plastic Surgery Day”, observed on July 15, originated in India and was initiated by Dr. S. Raja Sabapathy, then president of the Association of Plastic Surgeons of India (APSI). By 2021, the initiative had caught international attention. That year, it was unanimously agreed to observe the day globally, marking its evolution into “World Plastic Surgery Day”. The observation is to bring awareness about the full spectrum of plastic and reconstructive Surgery. There is no specific reason for identifying the date of observation.
The term “plastic surgery” originates from the ancient Greek word “plastikos,” meaning to mould or give form. It does not refer to the synthetic material “plastic” that we commonly know today. Plastic Surgery has ancient Indian roots. “Sushruta Samhita”, ~2600 years back, documented surgical procedures akin to plastic surgery. Similar mentions can be found in ancient Egypt and Rome. The word “plastic” in a surgical context first appeared in 1816. The term “Plastische Chirurgie” (plastic Surgery) was formally coined by Eduard Zeis in 1838. Surgeons like Sir Harold Gillies are considered pioneers of modern plastic Surgery for their innovative techniques in plastic surgery.
Celebrating Transformation.
Plastic Surgery is not just about cosmetic touch-ups; it is reconstructive surgery, burn care, microvascular repair, congenital corrections, and many more. Plastic Surgery encompasses two primary categories of surgery: reconstructive and cosmetic. Correcting birth abnormalities like cleft lip and palate, fused fingers, and other developmental issues. Rebuilding body parts affected by cancer removal, such as breast reconstruction after mastectomy or facial reconstruction after head and neck cancers, enables patients to regain normal eating, speaking, and social functions. Helps manage and treat complex and non-healing wounds. It is a lifesaving and life-changing procedure. Its reconstructive impact and aesthetic empowerment are restoring lives. It is a field dedicated to restoring form, function, and psychological well-being.
Plastic surgeons are distributed across the countries, with the US leading the numbers, followed by Brazil, China, Japan, South Korea, and India. South Korea is often referred to as the “plastic surgery capital of the world”. Dr. S. Raja Sabapathy from India is widely regarded as a pioneer and one of the most respected figures in this field. Dr. Murray was awarded the Nobel Prize jointly with E. Donnall Thomas for “their discoveries concerning organ and cell transplantation in the treatment of human disease.”
Plastic Surgery Heals, Restores.
Empowering Lives, Restoring Dignity.
The impact of plastic surgery extends far beyond physical transformation. It empowers individuals by restoring their confidence, improving their quality of life, and enabling them to participate fully in society. For many, it’s about regaining lost function, overcoming disfigurement, and finding a renewed sense of self-worth.
Plastic Surgery:
Helping Many to Align Their Appearance
with Their Identity.
Toons: Anusha
Logs: M Sai Baba
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