Aesthetic plastic surgery has become a very popular trend, typically among celebrities and those of high incomes, considering the cost of most procedures, all seeking to enhance their looks in some way. While it is rather common these days, where did plastic surgery begin?

The first book on plastic surgery was written in Latin in 1597, entitled De Curtorum Chirurgia per insitionem by Gaspare Tagliacozzi. The first documented breast augmentation was done in 1895 with the first training program in United States established almost three decades later, in 1924, by Dr. John Davis at Johns Hopkins. Dr. Davis was later appointed the first professor of plastic surgery.

Aesthetic plastic surgery today includes procedures of all kinds, both cosmetic and reconstructive, from arm lifts to cleft palates to hair replacement. While most of the procedures are surgical, some of them are nonsurgical.

If you are considering aesthetic plastic surgery for any reason, be sure to do your research first. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons  is the perfect place to visit to find information on all procedures, and to find a surgeon near you.

Not only is there information, but you can also browse through the articles and galleries on their website to view before and after photos and watch videos on various procedures.

As mentioned before, aesthetic plastic surgery is not a cheap endeavor. This often leads to plastic surgery tourism. If for some reason you are seeking a new look, but don’t want to pay the high price, the cheaper price of surgery abroad could be highly persuading, but there are dangers that can come along with that lower price.

When it comes to aesthetic plastic surgery, just like with anything else, there are some do’s and don’ts to be aware of. The most important thing to do is to have realistic expectations. While plastic surgery is meant to alter your appearance, there are still limits and you must have that understanding and be content with that prior to the procedure.

On the other side, don’t get plastic surgery simply because someone said you should. The procedure you choose will not alter their appearance, but yours. If this is not something you are sure that you want, don’t do it.