The history of facial plastic surgeons

The subspeciality of facial plastic surgery has its origins in otolaryngology but in modern practice is a collaboration of otolaryngologists, plastics surgeons, and maxillo-facial surgeons. The devastation of the World Wars brought unprecedented facial injuries, necessitating urgent advancements in reconstructive surgery. During the war, otolaryngologists such as Sir Harold Gillies, deemed the “father of plastic surgery”, developed ground breaking techniques that laid the foundation for the modern discipline of “Plastic and Reconstructive” surgery. Early surgeons such as Jacques Joseph and John Orlando Roe provided the foundation for the facial plastic surgery evolution during this period. Today, Australia boasts a thriving facial plastic surgery sector, characterized by a blend of reconstructive and aesthetic procedures. The scope of practice for otolaryngologists/facial plastic surgeons in Australia includes rhinoplasty, browlifts, blepharoplasty, facelifts, microvascular reconstruction of the head and neck, craniomaxillofacial trauma reconstruction, facial reanimation and correction of defects in the face after skin cancer resection. Facial plastics surgery is an evolving field through ongoing dialogue between surgeons of different training pathways, based on common historical roots, a shared scientific foundation, and cooperative educational efforts to advance patient care.