Reconstructing Faces

Explore the groundbreaking journey of plastic and maxillofacial surgery in 'Reconstructing Faces.' Authored by renowned historian Murray C. Meikle, this meticulously researched hardback delves into the revolutionary advancements made during the two world wars. With a focus on key pioneers like Sir Harold Gillies and Sir Archibald McIndoe, the book illuminates their pivotal roles in reshaping facial trauma treatment for soldiers, civilians, and fighter pilots disfigured by war. The 264 pages are rich with historical insights, illustrated with powerful photos, drawings, and authentic case notes from military and civilian hospitals across critical locations, including Boulogne-sur-Mer and East Grinstead. This comprehensive narrative also includes a unique DVD featuring Rainsford Mowlem performing plastic surgeries in 1945, making it an invaluable resource for medical history enthusiasts and professionals alike. If you're passionate about the evolution of plastic surgery and its impact on facial reconstruction, 'Reconstructing Faces' is an essential addition to your collection that captures a vital part of our medical heritage. Ideal for students, surgeons, and anyone captivated by the history of medicine during the turbulent years of the world wars, this book is a journey worth taking.

Author: Murray C Meikle Publisher: Otago University Press
Bind: hardback
Dimensions: 190 x 255 mm
Pages: 264
Publication Date: 20-08-2013

The two world wars played an important role in the evolution of plastic and maxillofacial surgery in the first half of the 20th century. This book is about four of the key figures involved. Sir Harold Gillies and Sir Archibald McIndoe were born in Dunedin; McIndoe and Rainsford Mowlem studied medicine at the University of Otago Medical School, and Henry Pickerill was foundation Dean of the University of Otago Dental School.

The author describes how these surgeons revolutionised plastic surgery and the treatment of facial trauma, working on soldiers, fighter pilots and civilians disfigured by bombs, shrapnel and burns. Eventually Gillies et al. were supported by a vast surgical enterprise that included surgeons, dentists, anaesthetists, artists and photographers, nurses and orderlies.

The text is fully illustrated with photos, drawings and case notes by the surgeons and war artists at military hospitals at Boulogne-sur-Mer, Aldershot and Sidcup in the First World War, and civilian hospitals at East Grinstead, Basingstoke and Hill End in the Second. The book includes a DVD of Rainsford Mowlem performing a variety of plastic operations in 1945.

This book is a must for anyone interested in the history of medicine and the treatment of

casualties in the two world wars.