Leonard Furlow and Plastic Surgery

BACKGROUND: The contributions of Leonard Furlow to plastic surgery were made over 6 decades, influencing the fields of cleft palate repair, flexor tendon healing, and reconstructive transplantation. Beyond surgical technique, his essays on surgical pioneers and reflections on specialty evolution underscore his belief in plastic surgery as a discipline driven by innovation and intellectual curiosity. METHODS: To construct this narrative, we reviewed the publications of Furlow and identified developments of his ideas and their applications. RESULTS: Over the length of his career, Furlow made significant original contributions to flap anatomy and design, flexor tendon healing and management of flexor tendon injuries, reconstructive transplantation, and cleft palate repair. His historical works included descriptions of the development of surgical ideas as well as portraits of teachers and colleagues. Furlow also published commentaries and editorials that explore the roles of concept and innovation in the ongoing development of plastic surgery. CONCLUSION: The career of Furlow, as documented by his publications, demonstrates the great scope and wealth of his contributions to plastic surgery practice and progress.