Despite the popular misconception, the word "plastic" in "plastic surgery" does not imply "artificial," but is derived from the ancient Greek work "plastikos," which means to mold or give form.

Plastic surgery includes both the reconstructive and aesthetic subspecialties. Because human beings have always sought fulfillment through self-improvement, plastic surgery -- improving and restoring form and function -- may be one of the world's oldest healing arts.

In fact, written evidence cites medical treatment for facial injuries more than 4,000 years ago. Physicians in  our ancient India were utilizing skin grafts for reconstructive work as early as 500 B.C.