Growth in Skin Surgery: Historical Advancements Since 1950
July 1992
in “
Clinics in Dermatology
”
TLDR Skin surgery has significantly advanced since 1950, with improvements in chemical peels, hair restoration, lasers, and Mohs surgery, and the development of less invasive techniques and specialized training.
The document outlines the historical advancements in skin surgery within dermatology since 1950, focusing on chemical peels, dermabrasion, hair restoration, laser technology, and Mohs micrographic surgery. Chemical peels have evolved with the use of phenol and TCA. Dermabrasion has improved with power-driven instruments. Hair restoration has seen progress with the concept of donor dominance and the introduction of minigrafts and micrografts. Laser technology has advanced from the ruby laser to the FDA-approved pulsed dye laser. Mohs surgery has become more patient-friendly with the fresh-tissue technique. Injectable collagen products, autologous fat transplantation, and liposuction have also seen significant developments, with the latter becoming almost bloodless with the tumescent technique. The document also notes the establishment of societies, fellowships, journals, and curricula in dermatologic surgery.
