Rhinoplasty in Ancient India

One of the first recorded accounts of reconstructive plastic surgery, according to many historians, is found in ancient Indian Sanskrit texts from 600 B.C.

In the Sushruta Samhita, a text by Hindu surgeon Sushruta, the “attached flap” method of plastic surgery is described.  This procedure was used to repair noses and ears that were lost either as punishment for crimes (such as adultery) or in battle.  During a nose reconstruction, skin was cut from the cheek or forehead, twisted skin-side-out over a leaf of the appropriate size and sewn into place forming a new nose.  In order to keep the air passages open during healing, two polished wooden tubes would be inserted into the nostrils. This method became known as the “Indian Method of Rhinoplasty” and was kept secret for centuries in India.

Today, rhinoplasties are preformed to improve function and for cosmetic reasons.  A functional rhinoplasty can improve your airway function and sense of smell.  This procedure can also reduce nose bleeds, sinus infections and sinus pressure headaches caused by airway obstruction.   Cosmetically, a rhinoplasty can improve the appearance of your nose by altering its size and shape using sculpting techniques and removing nasal bumps and other deformities.

All of us at the Swier Clinic look forward to helping you improve the function of your nose or boost your self-confidence if you feel as if your nose is an undesirable physical feature.

Please call our office to schedule an appointment at your convenience, 302-645-7737.

Patrick Swier, MD is a board-certified and Johns Hopkins trained plastic surgeon.  He specializes in plastic surgery, reconstructive surgery and peripheral nerve surgery.

The Swier Clinic has two locations for your convenience and privacy:

The Swier Clinic, Sussex County

1400 Savannah Road

Lewes, Delaware 19958

302-645-7737

The Swier Clinic, New Castle County

2600 Glasgow Avenue | Suite 102

Newark, Delaware 19702-4777

302-645-7737