Plastic surgery is a medical specialty focused on the alteration, restoration, and reconstruction of the human body’s form and function. This field addresses a wide range of conditions, from congenital defects and traumatic injuries to aesthetic enhancements. The name of the specialty often causes misunderstanding, leading many to assume that the procedures rely heavily on the synthetic materials commonly known as plastics. The origin of the term, however, is entirely separate from the modern material.
The True Meaning of “Plastic” in Surgery
The word “plastic” in the context of surgery does not refer to the synthetic polymer material used in everyday consumer products. The term is instead derived from the ancient Greek word plastikos. This root word translates to “to mold,” “to shape,” or “to form.”
This surgical specialty was named for the action of the procedure: the physical reshaping of human tissue. The term was established in the 19th century, long before the invention of synthetic polymers. German surgeon Karl Ferdinand von Graefe used the term in 1818 to describe nose reconstruction, highlighting the molding of living tissue.
The Primary Materials Used in Surgical Reconstruction
The most common material used in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery is the patient’s own tissue, which is referred to as autologous material. This approach is highly preferred because the body recognizes its own cells, significantly reducing the risk of rejection and complications. Surgeons frequently utilize autologous skin grafts, which involve transferring healthy skin from one area of the body to cover a defect elsewhere.
Fat grafting (lipofilling) uses adipose tissue harvested from the abdomen or thigh to restore volume in areas like the face or breasts. Cartilage is often taken from the ear or rib to reconstruct complex structures such as the nose. For structural support, a surgeon may use a bone graft from the patient’s hip or skull to repair defects in the jaw or craniofacial region.
Specific Applications of Synthetic Polymers and Implants
While the name is misleading, modern synthetic materials, which are technically polymers, are sometimes used in plastic surgery when autologous tissue is unavailable or inappropriate. Silicone is the most well-known of these polymeric materials, used extensively in breast implants and for creating soft, custom-made facial implants for the chin or cheek. Its chemical stability and biocompatibility make it an excellent choice for long-term implantation in the body.
Another common synthetic is expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), often recognized as Gore-Tex. This porous polymer is used as a patch for soft tissue repair or as an implant for facial contouring, such as in rhinoplasty. Specialized ceramics and metals, like titanium, are also employed in craniofacial reconstruction to repair extensive bone defects and provide rigid structural support.