There are many theories that attempt to explain the origins of cosmetic surgery, and why it has made such as impact on modern society. Before cosmetic surgery came to be, it was first referred to as belonging under the general practice of plastic surgery. According to historical sources, reconstructive surgery has been around in Egypt since 1600 BC. There were Egyptian papyruses that were uncovered and were found to contain medical guides on how to reshape the nose, and enhance overall appearance.  

In India, at around 800 to 600 BC, there were historical notes that documented the practice of Sushruta Samhita, who was also called the father of plastic surgery in the region. Among the notes found included detailed procedures on how to graft skin, repair cuts on the lip or ear lobe, as well as how to reshape the nose. Sushruta was able to instruct many others in plastic surgery, and his predecessors continued on to develop the methods.

Originally, plastic surgery, as it was further developed in the 1900’s in the West, was for reconstructive purposes, such as for patients with cleft palates, as well as soldiers who were burned and wounded in the war. Later on, as the new millennium approached, more and more people have opted to undergo plastic surgery for aesthetic purposes. Hence, many newer methods on cosmetic enhancement, both surgical and non-surgical have been perfected.

Did you know that in 2007 alone, Americans spent more than $13 billion in cosmetic surgery procedures? The American Society of Plastic Surgeons actually predicts that by the year 2015, nearly 17% of all Americans would have gone under the knife. These stats and predictions include men and women, and even teenagers, too. Most of the procedures that were commonly undergone were Botox, liposuction, nose lifts, and breast augmentation, among many others.

Perhaps part of the general yearning of people for cosmetic surgery procedures stems from the status that Hollywood celebrities possess. In a way, these stars are like walking advertisements for plastic surgery or cosmetic surgery. You’ve seen how they look before, and you now see how they look today. That should be reason enough for many admirers to try out the treatments for themselves.

It is true that cosmetic surgery has made it possible to reshape modern society, literally and figuratively. Cosmetic surgery has become a competitive but financially rewarding career for most surgeons, and it has also become like a fashion accessory that helps denote one’s status symbol. If decades ago, nearly all women started wearing the Wonder Bra, in the same way, a lot of women today would be going through breast augmentation surgery, because it offers aesthetic benefits.

Today, cosmetic surgery continues to evolve, with procedures being perfected, so that effects become longer lasting for its clients. Furthermore, every year, the revenue of cosmetic surgery clinics will continue to rise, indication of how hooked most people are on it. One just has to wait and see as to how far cosmetic surgery will take society.