Modern plastic surgery was introduced during the wars of the 20th century as surgeons developed techniques to reconstruct horrific facial injuries. These techniques were later applied to accident victims, cancer reconstruction and birth defects in civilian life. The advances in surgical technique and safety of modern anaesthesia allow us to go one step further; to rejuvenate and to enhance toward an aesthetic ideal.
We must never forget where our skills have come from and this is why I believe it is important to maintain a strong interest in facial reconstruction. I believe that the understanding of anatomy, function and aesthetics one needs to totally rebuild a nose lost to cancer or birth defect helps one immensely when performing a cosmetic rhinoplasty. This is true for many other areas of the face and body.