A history of dermatologic surgery in the United States.

[BACKGROUND] Dermatologic surgery has a long and distinguished history in the United States.

[OBJECTIVE] To examine the specific contributions of American dermatologic surgeons.

[METHOD] The medical literature on cutaneous reconstructive and cosmetic surgery for the last century and a half was researched.

[RESULTS] Numerous American dermatologic surgeons have had a major impact on scientific and technological discoveries in cutaneous surgery. Dermatologic surgeons have been significantly involved in cutaneous surgery since the second half of the 19th century. Dermatologic surgeons have contributed many important advances to the fields of chemical peeling, cryosurgery, dermabrasion, electrosurgery, hair transplantation, soft tissue augmentation, tumescent liposuction, laser surgery, phlebology, Mohs chemosurgery, cutaneous reconstruction, wound healing, botulium toxin, blepharoplasty, and rhytidectomy.

[CONCLUSION] Dermatologic surgeons in the United States have contributed significantly to the history of reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. Dermatologic surgeons have been leaders in advancing this field and are poised to continue in the future.