The History of Cosmetic Oculoplastic Surgery

    Whether regarding cosmetic oculoplastic surgery or life in general, a knowledge of the history that brought us to the present provides many advantages, most of which relate to warnings of potential unfortunate events, or encountering concepts that have been already discovered. If one knows the history, one can benefit from the experiences of others, and even endeavor to improve upon existing methods. Far too often, I read about or watch surgeons display their 'discoveries' only to be disappointed that they were unaware of, or do not acknowledge, those before them who, even many years previously, had authored the same results. So many of the procedures discussed today in the literature, at meetings, and in this text have roots far back in time. In this chapter, I have added to the comprehensive writings of Larry Katzen, who traced back some of the pinnacle historical discoveries of periorbital surgery. For instance, in his research, he found that the first recorded resection of excessive upper eyelid skin was performed over 2000 years ago. Many other procedures performed today such as resection of orbital fat, and the formation of the upper eyelid crease also have a long history, as do the appreciation and value of reviewing preoperative photographs, and cultural-specific attitudes towards cosmetic surgery. In this chapter, we will present some of the historical discoveries and developments of cosmetic oculoplastic surgery that have brought us to the present.

    Before the technicalities of cosmetic surgery are presented, we provide a background that further contributes to our appreciation of what has gone into the development and advances of modern cosmetic eyelid and facial surgery, and demonstrate that many of our current techniques are merely modifications of those developed long ago.
    This chapter has been updated to include the many new advances in cosmetic eyelid plastic surgery and aesthetic facial rejuvenation over the last 20 years. Not surprisingly, some procedures and techniques have been improvements of existing methods that had fallen out of favor, but have been reintroduced as promises of more recent developments have not lived up to expectations. These include the origins and evolution of some of the more recent technological advances, including laser surgery and skin resurfacing, extended and more sophisticated periorbital and midfacial procedures, the latest devices for improved soft tissue fixation, botulinum toxin, and an update on the advances in injectable agents for facial soft tissue augmentation.