Cosmetic Surgery Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Cosmetic Surgery, including details on microsurgery, reconstruction, techniques, risks.

The nose between ethics and aesthetics: Sushruta's legacy.

Sorta-Bilajac I, Muzur A

Department of Social Sciences, Rijeka University School of Medicine, Rijeka, Croatia. iva.sorta@medri.hr

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this article is to determine the origin of interest in rhinoplasty in ancient India, as well as to discuss the ethical and aesthetic implications of the nose in human history. STUDY DESIGN: Literature review. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Articles on history of medical ethics and rhinoplastic surgery were reviewed. RESULTS: Sushruta is considered "the father of plastic surgery," and ancient India a cradle of rhinoplastic method called "the Indian method." Origin of interest in and need for rhinoplasty is deeply rooted in ancient Indian society due to the practice of nose mutilations as a form of public punishment for immoral conduct. CONCLUSION: The nose, once symbol of morality expressed through physical integrity, today becomes an important factor of human beauty. Rhinoplastic surgery is, both then and now, deeply pervaded with both ethics and aesthetics.

Published 30 October 2007 in Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 137(5): 707-10.
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