Zachary Endee
Mrs. Vogt
11/1/2010
Research Paper Outline
Cosmetic Surgery
Thesis: Provide a broad overview of the history, future, benefits, and controversies of cosmetic surgery.
I. Introduction to history of cosmetic surgery through the ages
A.
Skin grafts were used in India around 800 B.C.
B.
Continuation of practice, yet halt in progress during the Middle Ages due to
Christianity oppressing scientific development
C.
Progression picked back up during World War I due to many trench gun wounds disfiguring soldiers
D.
Numerous medical journals were published and although they were criticized at first, the practice became more accepted
II. Benefits of cosmetic surgery
A.
Look and feel more attractive and younger
B.
Make the patient feel better about themselves, increase in confidence and selfesteem
C.
Repair physical deformities
D.
More career opportunities. People are more likely to hire somebody who is aesthetically appealing

III. Risks of cosmetic surgery
A.
Surgeons are only human and can make mechanical errors
B.
Botch attempts can make the target area worse
C.
Expensive procedures that are generally not covered by insurance companies
D.
Anesthesia can cause problems
IV. Controversies of cosmetic surgery
A.
Risks are very low, but the ones that do exist anger people
B.
“People don’t need it, but are still wasting money on it”
C.
It is unnatural to reverse the aging process
V. Future of cosmetic surgery
A.
Stem cells can be used to add completely new tissue to an area
B.
Facial reconstruction/transplants
C.
Cosmetic Neurology, altering our looks through our genes