The history of rhytidectomy

Between Cantrell [23] and Cabanès [21] in the first decade of this century and the many practitioners of contemporary rhytidectomy, the concerns and labors of aesthetic plastic surgeons have a familiar tone. We have inherited their improvements and need not waste efforts which theirs have spared us in techniques. Only if we are also the grateful heirs of their subjective scientific and humanistic ideals can we carry forward surgical research to the goals implicit in their pioneering-the safe and effective prolongation of youth and retardation of aging.The evolution of aesthetic plastic surgery to its present status as a rigorously controlled medical technique received its power from the perennial drive of men and women to preserve the appearance of their body and face in consonance with the vigor of their personalities and desires. We have always known that inner psychic and spiritual changes bring about a new external radiance, but we are now discovering that the process also works in reverse: Change the external appearance-restore the lost years-of a person struggling continually against indifferent or negative social reactions, and the inner light that has died within begins to glow once more.