Journal: Extreme Makeover: History Of Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is plastic surgery that can be used to improve the look of the nose or improve its function. Cosmetic rhinoplasty makes the nose more beautiful, while medical rhinoplasty improves the function of the nose and is referred to as reconstructive rhinoplasty. The word rhinoplasty originates from two Greek words: rhinos and plastikos. Rhinos means nose in Greek and plastikos means ‘to shape’.

The first known instances of successful rhinoplasty were carried out in India in circa 500 B.C. An Indian surgeon named Sushata Samgita used surgery and skin reconstructions to improve the shape of noses that had been injured or cut off. Cutting of the nose or nose tip was a common way of punishing thieves in India during this period of time. The injured nose served as a warning to others and the convicts naturally wished to have their noses restored. By surgically reshaping noses and transplanting skin, Sushata Samgita made it possible for convicts to get a fresh start and live a life where they were not stigmatized by their previous conviction.

Today, cosmetic rhinoplasty is commonly used to make noses smaller, change their shape, lift up the nose tip, get rid of a humpback nose, take away a hanging septum, adjust a concave nose profile or make the overall nose appearance smoother. Fashion, injuries and birth defects are three common reasons behind rhinoplasty.

See also:
Extreme Makeover: Why Do Some People Go Under The Knife?
Extreme Makeover: The Decision To Undergo Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery: Fact Vs. Fiction