Plastic surgery in 19th century in Greece. The important role of professor Theodoros Aretaios (1829–1893)

AIM: To highlight the practice of plastic surgery in Greece during the nineteenth century, its possibilities, limits, and novelties, which mark the beginning of Greek plastic surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study of nineteenth century Greek medical literature and medical archive kept today in National Library of Greece, which are for the first time brought to light. RESULTS: Greek physicians tried to use skin grafts in order to reconstruct facial trauma, deformities, and treat oncological patients. Greek physicians kept up to date and followed the international achievements in plastic surgery at the time. CONCLUSION: The most prominent figure of Greek surgery during the nineteenth century, Professor Theodoros Aretaios (1829-1893), played a leading role in the development of Greek plastic surgery.