Jacques Joseph: Father of modern aesthetic surgery

Abstract

When we review the history of modern aesthetic surgery, a name that stands out as bright as a beacon and precious as gold is undoubtedly that of Jacques Joseph. A surgeon, par excellence, far ahead of his time, who chose to think out of the box, Joseph, despite all odds set out to give respectability to Aesthetic Surgery without depriving it of any scientific core values. By his words and deeds proved beyond doubt that only the very best in the field of reconstructive surgery, can visualize the hidden perfection in imperfection and formulate a treatment plan and a surgical strategy to achieve that elusive perfection. The rich surgical literature that he has left behind, the wealth of surgical instruments that he had designed and above all a way of thinking that he propagated, that aesthetic surgery is not frivolous but very serious endeavor, and treating the psychology of the patient is as important as treating his disease, undoubtedly makes him the revered 'Father of Modern Aesthetic Surgery'.

Keywords: Jacques Joseph; history of modern aesthetic surgery.

Figure 1

Jacques Joseph (September 6, 1865 -February 12, 1934) (Source: http://www.aafprs.org/patient/about_us/h_father.html)

Figure 4

Jacques Joseph's gravestone at the Jewish Cemetery in Berlin-Weissensee. (Source: http://www.jacques-joseph.de/JJ_GB/Grave_GB.html)

Figure 2

Jacques Joseph being honoured 75 years after his death in the Inaugural Ceremony of the 14th. IPRAS Meeting in Berlin by unveiling of his bust size statue by Prof. Robert Goldwyn, former Editor of PRS. (Source: Author's personal collection)

Figure 3

A bust of Jacques Joseph in 14th. IPRAS meeting in Berlin. (Source: Author's personal collection)