In the modern world, the fashion for plastic surgery has acquired the character of a mass epidemic. Movie stars, politics, music, public people, and ordinary citizens are simply obsessed with the idea of eternal youth and attractiveness. Modern methods of transformation simply boggle the imagination: you can completely change the features and even the structure of the face, remove unwanted fat, change the shape and length of the legs. It seems that all these operations were invented quite recently, but, as numerous studies show, the history of plastic surgery goes back many thousands of years.
Ancient Egypt
Back in the 3rd century BC, Egyptian doctors performed plastic surgery. It is also known that special attention was paid to rhinoplasty. In order for the nose to retain its previous shape after the injury, special tampons were inserted into the nostrils, and when sutures were applied, the skin was lubricated with fat, which facilitated the sliding of the needle.
Also, Egyptian doctors have succeeded in operations to eliminate the cleft lip. During archaeological excavations, mummies were found with traces of operations to eliminate this congenital defect.
Another interesting find is an Egyptian mummy with traces of an operation on the auricles. In order to eliminate lop-earedness, the patient's ears were sewn to the scalp. Experts say that this surgery ended very badly for the ancient Egyptian - he died of infection.
Ancient Rome
In this powerful state, the cult of beauty flourished. A beautiful body and face was considered a blessing of the gods, and physical disabilities were almost equated to a crime. The ancient Roman physician Mark Lucius left the most curious records to descendants. He described how he performed breast reduction surgery on a young boy, the son of a prominent politician. The operation ended in the death of a young man.
India
The Indian healer Sushata Samgita, who lived in the 6th century BC, was already practicing skin grafting at that time. He did this in order to cover up defects on his face. Interestingly, the material for transplantation was confiscated from captured enemies and criminals.
Ancient China
In the 5th century BC. Chinese physician Bian Que has performed successful operations on the ears and eyes. At that time, there was a ban on operations in China. It was believed that only divine intervention is able to heal the patient. However, Chinese surgeons were among the most skilled doctors in the ancient world. Despite the ban, they carried out operations that seem truly unique today.
In China, there were also massive operations to transform the female foot. Girls aged 5–6 years had a tight bandage on their feet. Over time, the foot became deformed, and the girls could no longer walk on their own. At the time, it was considered beautiful and unusually sexy. This foot was called the "lotus foot" and was the privilege of the aristocrats of that time. By the way, the most beautiful leg was considered to be no more than 10 centimeters long.
Renaissance
In the 16th century, plastic surgery in Europe was in great demand. This is not surprising, because at that time on this continent there was a huge number of local conflicts, which were accompanied by multiple injuries. However, the Catholic Church was categorically against the undertakings of doctors, and a ban on cosmetic surgeries was soon introduced.
First liposuction
It is known that the first fat removal operation was performed over 50 years ago in London. A professional dancer consulted a doctor about excess fat in the knees and thighs. A successful operation was performed, which is now considered the forerunner of modern liposuction.
