History of Aesthetics - Rewinding time on Aesthetic Procedures

Aesthetic procedures have become increasingly popular in modern society, with millions of people opting for various forms of cosmetic surgery to enhance their physical appearance. However, the history of aesthetic procedures dates back to ancient times, when people used natural substances to improve their physical appearance or enhance their beauty. This article seeks to explore the history of aesthetic procedures and their evolution over time.

History of Aesthetic Procedures

The idea of beauty has always been significant in human history, and people have used various natural substances to enhance their beauty. The ancient Egyptians used cosmetics made from natural substances like malachite, kohl, and galena to enhance their eyes and lips. By 4000 BC, the Egyptians were also using painful and dangerous substances like lead and mercury to lighten their skin. The ancient Greeks also valued physical beauty, and they developed the concept of the proportions of the human body, which they used to create harmonious, balanced sculptures.

In the Middle Ages, cosmetic surgery was limited to scar revision and rudimentary plastic surgery techniques. Misshapen noses were corrected, and facial scars were reduced through skin grafts. However, the risks associated with these early procedures, such as infection or improper healing, meant that such surgeries were rare and performed only on the rich.

Plastic surgery began to develop as an accepted medical practice in the earl part of the 19th century with the use of ether, chloroform as safe anesthetic agents. In the late 1800s, German and French surgeons introduced the concept of rhinoplasty or cosmetic surgery of the nose.

In the early 20th century, plastic surgery gained wider acceptance and the number of procedures increased. During World War I, plastic surgery was used to treat facial trauma from the war, and this led to new developments in techniques and procedures.

In the 1960s, the first breast implants were performed, and this marked the beginning of the modern era of aesthetic procedures. The continuing advancements in medical technology over the past several decades have allowed for a wide range of surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures to develop. Procedures like the facelift, liposuction, rhinoplasty, and breast augmentation are now routine and are accessible to a wider range of patients.

From early 2000’s we have seen a rise in the non-surgical aesthetics industry. America used to be the home of cosmetic surgery but it seems demand in the UK is set to outstrip the US, according to a survey by the doctor booking website, RealSelf.

A survey of more than 1000 UK residents aged over 18 years of age showed that 76% of UK residents wanted to change something about their face or body compared to 80% in the US, but here, more people are considering taking action. The survey showed 40% on Brits are considering a surgical or nonsurgical cosmetic treatment in the next 12 months while 37% of American’s are thinking of booking in.

Some 37% of UK respondents said they were considering a nonsurgical treatment while 22% were considering going under the knife, reflecting the trend toward quicker procedures with less downtime and cost.

Driving demand are the millennials with 62% of 18-34 year olds thinking about having a non- surgical treatment within the next 12 months compared to 28% of the 35+ age group. Close to half of millennials (44%) were also considering a surgical treatment as opposed to 14% of the over 35’s.In the early 20th century, plastic surgery gained wider acceptance and the number of procedures increased. During World War I, plastic surgery was used to treat facial trauma from the war, and this led to new developments in techniques and procedures.

In the 1960s, the first breast implants were performed, and this marked the beginning of the modern era of aesthetic procedures. The continuing advancements in medical technology over the past several decades have allowed for a wide range of surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures to develop. Procedures like the facelift, liposuction, rhinoplasty, and breast augmentation are now routine and are accessible to a wider range of patients.

From early 2000’s we have seen a rise in the non-surgical aesthetics industry. America used to be the home of cosmetic surgery but it seems demand in the UK is set to outstrip the US, according to a survey by the doctor booking website, RealSelf.

A survey of more than 1000 UK residents aged over 18 years of age showed that 76% of UK residents wanted to change something about their face or body compared to 80% in the US, but here, more people are considering taking action. The survey showed 40% on Brits are considering a surgical or nonsurgical cosmetic treatment in the next 12 months while 37% of American’s are thinking of booking in.

Some 37% of UK respondents said they were considering a nonsurgical treatment while 22% were considering going under the knife, reflecting the trend toward quicker procedures with less downtime and cost.

Driving demand are the millennials with 62% of 18-34 year olds thinking about having a non- surgical treatment within the next 12 months compared to 28% of the 35+ age group. Close to half of millennials (44%) were also considering a surgical treatment as opposed to 14% of the over 35’s.

Driving the trend: A big event such as a milestone birthday or wedding were also sited as reasons for wanting procedures as well as divorce or starting a new job or relationship.

A fear of ending up with a bad result, concerns about the long terms effects, finding the right practitioner and money to pay for procedures were among the top reasons holding people back from booking in. To view the complete report please visit www.realself.com/press.

In conclusion, the history of aesthetic procedures dates back to ancient times, where people used natural substances to enhance their beauty. The development of plastic surgery in the 19th century and the introduction of modern breast implants in the 1960s brought about significant changes in the field of aesthetic surgery. The continuing advancements in medical technology and the availability of these procedures to a wider range of patients have led to an increase in their popularity.

However, it is important to remember the risks associated with any surgery or cosmetic procedure and to consult with a qualified medical professional before undergoing any kind of aesthetic procedure.