Rhinoplasty, also referred to as “nose job surgery,” might seem like a purely modern convenience. The truth is, though, that the roots of this procedure go back thousands of years! Are you curious about the history of rhinoplasty? This blog post explains some highlights of how nose jobs have evolved over the centuries.
Ancient Rhinoplasty
Sushruta, an Indian doctor who lived around 600 BCE, is considered the “father of plastic surgery.” He left behind medical texts that provided detailed instructions on rhinoplasty techniques. There is also evidence to indicate the ancient Egyptians practiced some form of rhinoplasty, as suggested by nose reconstructions on some of their statues.
It seems that ancient Roman physicians were also interested in nose reconstruction. Two medical texts, one of which is from 14 CE, provided guidelines on how to perform rhinoplasty.
Rhinoplasty in the 16th Century
Syphilis was a major public health concern of the 16th century. One potential consequence of this disease is destruction of the body’s soft tissues, including those of the nose and face. To help individuals with this problem, doctors sometimes used skin flaps taken from donors to reconstruct the nasal area.
The Birth of Modern Rhinoplasty
Thanks to advancements in medicine and pain management, rhinoplasty techniques took a major leap forward in the 19th century. In 1887, American otolaryngologist Dr. John Orlando Roe performed the first closed rhinoplasty. (All incisions were concealed inside the nostrils).
In the first half of the 20th century, further advancements were made as doctors sought to provide reconstructive surgery for veterans of the First and Second World Wars.
Later in the 20th century, open rhinoplasty techniques improved. Dr. Wilfred S. Goodman was a notable doctor who advocated for making an incision along the columella (the tissue that divides the two nostrils) to increase a surgeon’s control during rhinoplasty surgery.
Appreciating 21st Century Techniques
Rhinoplasty has continued to improve in recent years. Refinements in both technology and techniques have made this type of treatment more effective, comfortable, and predictable than ever before. If you have questions about the specific methods that might be used during rhinoplasty procedure, ask your local surgeon. They will be happy to walk you through the process so you can make a well-informed decision about whether rhinoplasty might be right for you.
Meet Dr. Wiesman
Dr. Gary Wiesman is an experienced facial plastic surgeon in Chicago who specializes in procedures for the nose, head, and neck. If you are thinking about undergoing rhinoplasty, you can rely on Dr. Wiesman and our team to provide you with straightforward information and top-quality care during every stage of your treatment journey. To learn more about how we may be able to serve you, get in touch with us at 312-796-5550.
