Sushruta - A True Pioneer in the field of Plastic Surgery

Abstract

Plastic and reconstructive surgery is a branch of surgery that specializes in restoring form and function to damaged or missing tissues and skin. Plastic surgery consists of reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery / aesthetic surgery. It is a specialty which adapts surgical principles and thought processes to the unique needs of each individual patient by remolding, reshaping and manipulating bone, cartilage and all soft tissues. Plastic surgery is one among the branches of surgery that has seen peak surge of procedures conducted across the globe post-pandemic period wherein aesthetic and reconstructive surgeries being the major ones.  According to the global statistics as per ISAPS, the most commonly performed plastic surgeries are breast augmentation, liposuction, eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty and abdominoplasty.  Defective healing of the wound either leading to hypertrophied scar or keloid formation and various approaches for closure of large wounds and has always been a surgical challenge from ancient period. Acharya Sushruta had laid down the principles of plastic surgery centuries ago which are quite relevant even in the present era of advanced plastic surgery.