Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Author: Song Ruyao
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2002-05-06
Features: Currently, plastic surgery is divided into two specialties: reconstructive plastic surgery and cosmetic plastic surgery, the latter referred to as cosmetic surgery. The world-renowned plastic surgery master, Professor D. Ralph Millard, said, "Cosmetic surgery is a profound and delicate specialty. It not only aims to restore the normal appearance and function of the face and body but also requires something more beautiful than normal." Cosmetic plastic surgery has only formally become a specialty in the world for over 40 years. However, for a long time, both surgeons and patients, as well as the general public, believed that all plastic surgery results should be aesthetically pleasing. Therefore, plastic surgery was closely related to or encompassed cosmetic surgery from the very beginning. Anyone discussing the growth of cosmetic plastic surgery cannot avoid the development of plastic surgery. From the early 20th century to the present, there have been ten major events in plastic surgery and cosmetic plastic surgery, in chronological order and content as follows:
(1) The occurrence of two major wars, the First World War and the Second World War. Both wars resulted in a large number of wounded soldiers whose appearances were disfigured, limbs were disabled, and vital organs, including reproductive organs, lost function. Most of them were young soldiers who had just entered the world, and whether from a patriotic or humanitarian perspective, they had to be treated. As a result, plastic surgery, including cosmetic surgery, became extraordinarily important.
(2) Due to the need for treating war injuries, many highly talented surgeons engaged in this specialty and completed their work at a high level.
(3) After the invention of endotracheal intubation anesthesia, many safe and effective anesthetic techniques and drugs were developed.
(4) After the invention of the skin grafting machine, many refined plastic and cosmetic surgery instruments appeared.
(5) Plastic and cosmetic surgeons, who had always emphasized surgical technique, began to focus on the study and application of anatomy.
(6) Various anti-infective drugs continuously emerged, ensuring greater success in surgeries.
(7) The efforts of preventive medicine specialists and public health workers over the years led to fundamental changes in diseases in society. For example, various surgical emergencies that previously required surgery have greatly reduced; additionally, in recent years, labor protection systems and measures have become increasingly, reducing industrial accidents significantly. As a result, many surgeons who had long focused on basic surgery have turned to plastic and cosmetic surgery.
(8) The average lifespan of people worldwide has generally increased, and many middle-aged and elderly men and women seek cosmetic plastic surgery to maintain or restore a youthful appearance for a more fulfilling life.
(9) With the continuous improvement of people's living standards, more and more people are able to afford cosmetic surgery treatment.
(10) After the Third Plenary Session of the Eleventh Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, our country implemented an open-door policy, and the trend of Western and developed countries valuing cosmetic plastic surgery rapidly spread, attracting attention from people across all social strata to cosmetic plastic surgery.
The above ten major events demonstrate that, due to demand, the social status of plastic and cosmetic surgery has greatly improved compared to the 19th century; moreover, with many talented surgeons joining the field, its level has reached unprecedented heights, surpassing the era when "secret doctors" dominated the discipline in the last century. Thanks to excellent anesthetic methods, refined surgical instruments, and various anti-infective drugs, plastic and cosmetic surgery has become a safe, reliable, and highly effective surgical specialty. The last of the ten major events—China's growing emphasis on cosmetic plastic surgery—is particularly significant. Given that China's population accounts for over 20% of the world's total, such a large number of people valuing cosmetic plastic surgery will have an immeasurable impact.
Despite this, cosmetic plastic surgery has only recently gained formal recognition in Chinese society, and the field is still in its early stages. Like any endeavor, development requires a strong foundation. At this pivotal moment in the inception of Chinese cosmetic plastic surgery, I believe the following four points should be noted.
First, cosmetic surgery is a highly technical and artistic surgical specialty. However, it remains a branch of surgery and must always adhere to surgical principles, advancing on the path of science. The past of foreign cosmetic surgeons who neglected science and were consequently excluded by the scientific community must be avoided at all costs.
Second, medical professionals engaged in cosmetic surgery must uphold the honor of their discipline, always prioritize the interests of patients, and serve them wholeheartedly. Only then can cosmetic plastic surgery earn respect from society and the medical community. It is absolutely unacceptable to act as "secret doctors" under the guise of cosmetic surgery, solely for personal gain.
Third, China has a large population but relatively fewer medical workers, and even fewer truly skilled cosmetic plastic surgeons. To develop this discipline and benefit the Chinese people, we must take our own path, embracing "five lakes and four seas." Doctors from all specialties, including oral surgeons with an interest or expertise in cosmetic surgery, should be recognized and united in this family.
Fourth, we must not follow the example of some cosmetic surgeons in other countries who keep their practices secret. Instead, we should exchange experiences to learn from one another and improve collectively.
In the autumn of 1948, after completing my studies in the United States, I returned and began working in plastic and cosmetic surgery at West China University of Medical Sciences in Chengdu. At that time, my focus was primarily on double eyelid surgery and "hunchback nose" plastic surgery. Since then, I have continued to perform cosmetic surgery treatments for over 40 years. Over the years, many young colleagues have suggested that I summarize my experience and write it down. However, due to a lack of time and suitable secretarial assistance, this task has been postponed for a long time.
In the summer of 1988, I visited the Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Hospital of the National Defense Science and Technology Commission and was delighted to see that the 30 or so patients who had undergone surgery had excellent results, completely on par with those achieved in renowned cosmetic surgery centers abroad where I had worked. I was immensely proud to see that China's young generation had achieved such success so early and that Chinese cosmetic plastic surgery could very well surpass the world by the end of this century.
At the initiative of Hospital Director Fang Zhanglin of the National Defense Science and Technology Commission Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Hospital, Vice Hospital Director Ding Zhilin, and Vice Hospital Director He Ping of Beijing Fourth Hospital, along with Director Zhuang Hongxing and Director Song Yeguang of our hospital, I participated in the writing of this book. It is necessary to point out that an important feature of this book is that the surgical methods recognized by the authors are those they have personally performed and found effective. Methods they have not personally practiced are not included. We consider this book a reference, with the main characteristics of authenticity and depth, rather than a comprehensive textbook. Fortunately, there are many foreign and domestic experts who have written numerous on cosmetic surgery, which readers can consult if needed. Of course, the authors will also add necessary content in future editions.
Additionally, many foreign plastic surgery books, especially those on cosmetic surgery, include numerous large pre- and postoperative photos after each procedure. Those books use high-quality paper and excellent printing and publishing techniques, truly reflecting the authors' rich medical experience. However, the cost and price of these books are significantly higher, making them unaffordable for many medical workers. This book, by listing only the conventional techniques commonly used worldwide, avoids the need for such photos to prove their correctness. Therefore, we have intentionally omitted pre- and postoperative photos to reduce readers' unnecessary financial burden.
We have referenced and quoted relevant domestic and international materials in this book and would like to express our gratitude to the original authors.