How a Plastic Surgeon Became Interested in Self-Image Psychology

Offhand, there would seem to be little or no connection
between surgery and psychology. Yet, it was the work of
the plastic surgeon which first hinted at the existence of
the "self image" and raised certain questions which led to
important psychologic knowledge.
When I first began the practice of plastic surgery many
years ago, I was amazed by the dramatic and sudden
changes in character and personality which often resulted
when a facial defect was corrected. Changing the physical
image in many instances appeared to create an entirely
new person. In case after case the scalpel that I held
in my hand became a magic wand that not only transformed
the patient's appearance, but transformed his
whole life. The shy and retiring became bold and courageous.
A "moronic," "stupid" boy changed into an alert,
bright youngster who went on to become an executive with
a prominent firm. A salesman who had lost his touch and
his faith in himself became a model of self confidence.
And perhaps the most startling of all was the habitual
"hardened" criminal who changed almost overnight from
an incorrigible who had never showed any desire to
change, into a model prisoner who won a parole and went
on to assume a responsible role in society.