Cosmetic Surgery In Modern Times

Modern cosmetic surgery has its roots in the trenches of World War I, when casualties of war underwent surgery to repair disfigurements. However, it wasn't until after the war that Americans realized surgical techniques could be applied to civilian life.

During the Flapper Era, Americans were amazed by the exploits of beloved vaudeville actress, successful comedienne and star of Ziegfeld Follies, Fanny Brice - especially when she 'bobbed' (surgically straightened) her nose in 1923. At the time, people clamored for an explanation as to why the star performed the publicity stunt in a hotel room, and why she did it at all. Cosmetic surgery, at the time, was far from commonplace. Ironically, when Barbara Streisand emerged on the national scene some forty years later, her first big role was playing Brice in the musical Funny Girl, and most Americans wondered why she hadn't decided to have a nose job of her own.

Publicity Stunt

Brice's nose job was performed as a publicity stunt under questionable circumstances and it confirmed most American's less than favorable impression of cosmetic surgery in 1923. By the 1960s, Streisand found herself answering why she hadn't had the procedure done as it was by then considered safe, sterile, and even routine. It was looked upon as one of the wonders of postwar medicine.

Historical Roots

Today's cosmetic surgeons proudly proclaim themselves practitioners of both an ancient art and an ancient medical practice.They trace their roots to India as early as 600 BC, when a Hindu surgeon worked on a patient's nose. Another version of what's come to be known as modern rhinoplasty was preformed as early as 1000AD. But many modern cosmetic surgeons often claim a kinship with the Italian Gasparo Tagliacozzi, who they call the father of the discipline.

Today's Celebs

Of course today's Hollywood and cosmetic surgery go hand in hand - even if some of the finger pointing is only speculation. Gossip surrounded Hilary Duff when she was spotted with an unusual busty look at the City of Hope's 2007 Spirit of Life dinner and an appearance by Nicole Kidman at a recent New York Film Festival set jaws wagging with talks of Botox, chemical peels, and laser skin resurfacing.

But not every celebrity leaves us wondering. Some recent photos of Madonna's wrinkled hands led to valid speculation that her otherwise fresh and youthful appearance meant the aging singer had treated herself to several facelifts, and other personalities like Cher and Michael Jackson leave little doubt about their affinity for cosmetic surgery.

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