Nip and Tuck -- the early episodes

Cosmetic surgery is nothing new. This is a plate from De curtorem chirurgia per insitionem, by Gaspare Tagliacozzi, published 1597.

Tagliacozzi was an Italian surgeon who pioneered plastic surgery. He was the first to repair noses and ears lost in duels or through syphilis (which was rife in the 16th century). He took flaps of skin from the arm and grafted them into place. The plate show the instruments and methods used.

Tagliacozzi was condemned by the Church for interfering with God's creation; his body was exhumed and reburied in unconsecrated ground.

Image and description from UCL Library Services, Special Collections.