The Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at KLE Hospital and Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), KAHER, observed World Plastic Surgery Day with an awareness programme aimed at highlighting the wider role the specialty plays beyond cosmetic procedures.
The event was attended by Dr. Mudhol, Director of Hospital Affairs, and Dr. Madhav Prabhu, Director of Clinical Services. Dr. Rajesh Powar, Principal of JNMC and Professor in the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, presided over the programme.
As part of the day, a poster competition was held on the theme “Plastic Surgery: Myths vs Facts.” Students took part with posters aimed at clearing up common misconceptions about the field, while also getting a chance to show their creative side.
Through the programme, organisers stressed that plastic surgery is not limited to aesthetics. Doctors pointed out that the specialty plays a key role in restoring form and function for patients, helping rebuild confidence and improve quality of life after accidents, illness or birth conditions.
The programme also touched on access, with organisers noting that plastic and reconstructive surgery is available to people across all sections of society, and that the field continues to help patients reconstruct their lives and regain hope.
World Plastic Surgery Day is observed to raise awareness about the medical and reconstructive value of the specialty, moving the conversation beyond the cosmetic stereotype it is often reduced to.
About World Plastic Surgery Day
World Plastic Surgery Day is observed every year on July 15. The day began as National Plastic Surgery Day in India, an idea first put forward in 2011 by Dr. S. Raja Sabapathy, then President of the Association of Plastic Surgeons of India (APSI).
His goal was to create a dedicated day when surgeons could reach out to the public and medical community to explain what the specialty actually covers, beyond the common assumption that it is limited to cosmetic work.
The idea grew steadily within India for a decade, with plastic surgery departments and associations across the country marking the day through free surgeries, awareness camps, walkathons, and public lectures.
In 2021, APSI President Dr. Rakesh Khazanchi proposed the idea at a global summit of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, where representatives from over 30 national plastic surgery societies took part.
The proposal was well received, and the day was adopted internationally, turning what began as an Indian initiative into World Plastic Surgery Day.
July 15 was chosen for practical reasons rather than a historic event. Organisers wanted a date that did not clash with festivals or other observances, fell during a period of stable weather across most of India, and worked well for planning annual activities.
The day is meant to correct a common misunderstanding. Plastic surgery, doctors point out, is not one field but two broad ones: cosmetic surgery, which patients choose for themselves, and reconstructive surgery, which restores form and function after burns, accidents, cancer treatment, or birth conditions such as cleft lip and palate.
Much of the actual workload for plastic surgeons, particularly in India, falls into the reconstructive category.
World Plastic Surgery Day exists to make that side of the specialty better known, and to help more people access it.
