Plastic surgery procedures’ history is not as new as it seems. First attempts at plastic and cosmetic surgery predate many other branches of medicine. Egyptian and Roman plastic surgeons, if we may call them by this term, focused mostly on the reconstruction of noses and other body parts which sustained some damage.
Ancient texts dated to roughly 2500 to 3000 BCE have descriptions of broken noses and their repair. Then, there was the fall of Rome and the Middle Ages, during which the authority of the Catholic Church prevented further developments in aesthetic surgery.
The lack of anesthesia meant much pain in attempts to perform plastic surgery procedures, rather than the lack of disinfection, which caused a high risk of postoperative infection. The awaited change was brought by the dawn of both anesthesia and modern disinfection; however, it was not until World War that plastic surgery procedures became a part of the medical mainstream.
The image of plastic surgery clinics has changed as plastic surgery procedures gain popularity over the years. While it is an object of interest for middle-aged women who try to keep their youth and fight against aging, nowadays, aesthetic surgery is a choice also made by many women and men of every age.
As an example, liposuction is a very effective way of fighting stubborn fat tissue accumulating in the lower abdomen and is often impossible to be removed through traditional ways such as workouts and a regular diet. Even nose jobs become more and more popular among men who do not like the shape of their noses.
Breast augmentation (boob job) which was treated as a synonym for plastic surgery was joined by breast reduction, helping women who do not feel comfortable with big breasts and prefer a smaller size.
Recent developments and new technology used have significantly reduced the amount of pain experienced both during, before, and after surgery. On top of that, as in any surgical procedure, some amount of discomfort is common and usual.
There are many reasons why people decide on plastic surgery. The predominant one throughout the ages was using aesthetic surgery for the reconstruction of damaged noses, ears, or faces. War veterans or gladiators wanted to have their faces corrected by the first plastic surgeons.
However, there is also a second branch – cosmetic surgery for aesthetic reasons. Some people want to look younger and fresher as they feel inside. Others try to change a feature they've never liked or internalized. The decision of cosmetic plastic surgery is very personal rather than -usually- medical.
One of the important factors is to set realistic expectations. Because plastic surgeries may change appearance, and improve self-esteem but may not solve problems or change lives.
Plastic and cosmetic surgeries became a driving power behind the development of medical tourism in the world. Getting plastic surgery abroad seemed to many people a most suitable option for many reasons. First and foremost, there is a price issue.
The cost of plastic surgery at home can be several times higher than that of plastic surgery abroad. At the same time, you don't have to worry about quality and results, as foreign cosmetic clinics are often well-equipped and have good staff, helping many patients to make this decision.
You also have the opportunity to compare the best plastic surgeons in the world when evaluating medical tourism options. Cheap flights also contributed to the steady growth of the number of people who decide for plastic surgery abroad. Examples of the most popular plastic surgery destinations: