06 Apr Why is it Called “Plastic” Surgery, Anyway?
Yes, “plastic surgery” is an outdated term and we are all about shifting to “cosmetic surgery” at Dr. Shaun Parson Plastic Surgery & Skin Center. But why did the whole “plastic” concept get started anyway? Most think it’s because many people have long assumed that breast implants are made with plastic—which isn’t technically true (as anyone who has felt breast implants can attest). Breast implants are, and have always been, made with either silicone or saline.
In 1961, the first silicone breast implant was created, but we have of course come a long way since then. Some people say that silicone is a type of plastic, but it is actually a hybrid of rubber and plastic. So, yes, in a sense there is some “plastic” in silicone breast implants, but not the kind of plastic that you’ll find in your Tupperware bin. Some people even argue (outside the world of surgery) that the makeup of silicone, implants excluded, simply doesn’t abide by what makes up “plastic.”
However, strangely enough, the term “plastic surgery” actually predates implants. So, where did it come from?
The Long History of “Plastic Surgery”
Not only does the term “Plastic surgery” predate breast implants (by many decades!), but it also comes before the invention of any kind of synthetic plastic as well. The word “plastic” comes from the Greek plastikos and the Latin plasticus, which means “fit for molding, capable of being molded into various forms; pertaining to molding” according to the Online Etymology Dictionary. So, “plastic” surgery actually has nothing to do with present day plastics, breast implants, or “fakeness” (sorry, Mean Girls). Instead, it refers to a kind of molding that is done to the body when someone undergoes these surgeries.
The first mention of plastic in regards to molding or sculpting art appeared in the 16th century, spelled “plasticke.” At this time, this usually meant working with wax or clay. However, by the 17th century, it became an umbrella term for the artist who performed the sculpting as well as a definition of the finished work. Plastic since then has been spelled many ways, including plastick and plastique to name just a few. It evolved and turned into an adjective as well, and was used to describe materials that could be molded and manipulated.
The Rise of Plastic Surgery
Marrying “plastic” with surgery first happened in 1837 and can be found in the renowned Lancet medical journal. This article describes it as a “branch of surgery in which alone the operating surgeon becomes a real artist.” Now, that’s a description we can get behind. This article highlighted the fact that “plastic” does not just mean that a surgeon is working with materials that can be molded, but that he is both doctor and artist.
Lancet may have played a major role in how terms for different plastic surgeries came to be, too. For example, the 19th century definition of “rhinoplasty” (a “nose job”) described it as “the art of restoring the nose.” There is, indeed, incredible art and skill needed for natural-looking results when it comes to cosmetic surgery. That’s why it’s so important to work exclusively with a surgeon with a reputable background—and an amazing before and after gallery.
The New Face of Plastic Surgery
Even though the term “plastic surgery” is relatively new and continues to evolve, people (including plastic surgeons) have been molding the body into more desirable forms—and boosting confidence—for centuries. For instance, Ramses II got a nose job circa 1,200 BCE (postmortem, of course). Unlike Ramses, you no longer have to wait until your wake to get the body you’ve always wanted thanks to “plastic surgeons” like Dr. Parson.
Getting any kind of plastic surgery is a big deal and you deserve to work with the best. Take a look at before and after galleries to get an idea of the kind of results you can expect. Next, consider the background, skill, experience, and training of your surgeon. Are they board-certified? How long have they been practicing? Do they specialize in just a handful of procedures, including those you want, rather than embrace a surgeon-of-all-trades approach? Those are all signs that you’ll love your results. Schedule your consult with Dr. Parson today by calling the office or, for the quickest response, complete the online form.