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In order to understand regional plastic surgery one must define general plastic surgery. It is identified primarily by surgical techniques that will alter the shape, size, and contour of different areas of the body and, in many instances, improve the physiology and functional capacity of that area. It encompasses abnormalities derived from congenital deficiencies, trauma, infections, tumors, and biological diseases. It specifically affects the anatomy, physiology, biology and, in many instances, the esthetics. Training to become this type of specialist has emphasized general surgery and general plastic surgery.
Plastic surgery has existed since the concept of surgery, and has been practiced by all surgeons in one form or another. In 1939 the American Board of Plastic Surgery was incorporated. It was formed by a group of general surgeons, maxillofacial surgeons, and otolaryngologists. They were sensitive to, and interested in, specific types of operations and principles. Many of their cases had