A. Gautam
Illustration of Sushruta
Dramatic media portrayals often offer glimpses of science that are hard to believe. This applies to the medical field of plastic surgery as well. Many myths surround this specialty, and people know few facts about it. Plastic surgery is a centuries-old medical specialty like many specialties otherwise taken seriously by people. The surgeons who perform these procedures are highly trained experts.
The word “plastic” comes from Greek plastikē meaning “reshaping” or the art of modeling malleable flesh. The first such surgeries were done in India in 800 BC. Physician Sushruta made tremendous contributions to plastic and cataract surgery. An ancient method of nose reconstruction became famous worldwide resulting in works of Sushruta, the Father of Plastic Surgery, being translated into Arabic, which reached Europe. British physicians traveled to India to study rhinoplasty (plastic surgery on the nose) for many years. One such surgeon, Joseph Constantine Carpue performed the first major plastic surgery in Europe in 1815.
Plastic surgery is a surgical specialty for restoration, reconstruction, or alteration of the human body. There are two main categories: reconstructive and cosmetic. Reconstructive surgery reconstructs a part of the body. It also improves a body part’s function. Cosmetic surgery improves the appearance of a body part.
One of the myths that damages the reputation of the field is that only vain people undergo plastic surgery. However, many require reconstructive and cosmetic surgery for health reasons. Taking steps for better health doesn’t make an individual shallow. Some require surgery for reconstructive reasons like birth defects for aesthetic as well as functional purposes. In addition, fixing problems like a cleft palate helps people feel the best about themselves and boosts their self-confidence for a greater overall quality of life. The philosophy behind the practice of plastic surgery is repair, functionality and good results after the procedure, not just vanity. Which idea is introduced in paragraph 1 and further developed in paragraph 2?
Responses
A The first known plastic surgery was in the nose of a human. The first known plastic surgery was in the nose of a human.
B Plastic surgery didn’t become famous until Sushrut practiced it. Plastic surgery didn’t become famous until Sushrut practiced it.
C Plastic surgery is an ancient practice that many experts engaged in. Plastic surgery is an ancient practice that many experts engaged in.
D The myths of plastic surgery were clarified after Sushrut’s success. The myths of plastic surgery were clarified after Sushrut’s success.
1 answer
C. Plastic surgery is an ancient practice that many experts engaged in.
This idea is introduced in paragraph 1 when it mentions that plastic surgery is a centuries-old medical specialty, and it is further developed in paragraph 2 with specific historical examples, including the contributions of Sushruta and the subsequent influence on European practices.
