INTERNATIONAL BOARD OF COSMETIC SURGERY (IBCS)

The International Board of Cosmetic Surgery (IBCS) was founded in 1976 by the International Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, based in Geneva, Switzerland. This prestigious institution is the longest-lived and most prominent society in the field of cosmetic surgery worldwide.

Its creation was driven by visionaries Dr. Arpad Fischer and Dr. Pierre Fournier, who shared the mission of raising the standards of cosmetic surgery and promoting innovation in surgical techniques.

The International Board of Cosmetic Surgery (IBCS) was founded in 1976 by the International Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, based in Geneva, Switzerland. This prestigious institution is the longest-lived and most prominent society in the field of cosmetic surgery worldwide.

Its creation was driven by visionaries Dr. Arpad Fischer and Dr. Pierre Fournier, who shared the mission of raising the standards of cosmetic surgery and promoting innovation in surgical techniques.

Since its foundation, the IBCS has counted with the membership of renowned surgeons and masters of aesthetics from various parts of the world. These experts have been instrumental in establishing a legacy of excellence, and their contribution has been fundamental to the continued progress of the discipline.

Its mission is to ensure that physicians and specialists in facial and/or body cosmetic surgery have the most rigorous certification and are up to date with the latest advances and technologies in the field.

Dr. Giorgio Fischer at present.

Since its foundation, the IBCS has counted with the membership of renowned surgeons and masters of aesthetics from various parts of the world. These experts have been instrumental in establishing a legacy of excellence, and their contribution has been fundamental to the continued progress of the discipline.

Its mission is to ensure that physicians and specialists in facial and/or body cosmetic surgery have the most rigorous certification and are up to date with the latest advances and technologies in the field.

Contributions From Experts in Cosmetic Surgery

The Birth of Liposculpture: A Procedure That Would Change the Lives of Millions of people.

In the 1970s, Dr. Giorgio Fisher, an Italian physician, was vacationing in Los Angeles, California, when a peculiar sound—the hum of a drilling machine used for oil extraction—sparked his inspiration. This sound led him to think about how to extract fat from the human body, a key moment that gave rise to liposculpture, a procedure that would transform the lives of millions of people around the world.

The Birth of Liposculpture: A Procedure That Would Change the Lives of Millions of people.

In the 1970s, Dr. Giorgio Fisher, an Italian physician, was vacationing in Los Angeles, California, when a peculiar sound—the hum of a drilling machine used for oil extraction—sparked his inspiration. This sound led him to think about how to extract fat from the human body, a key moment that gave rise to liposculpture, a procedure that would transform the lives of millions of people around the world.

Giorgio had worked alongside his father for over 16 years in New York, learning the most advanced techniques in cosmetic surgery. Together, they devised an innovative method for extracting fat from the body: through small punctures, rather than large skin incisions. These punctures, strategically placed, allowed fat to be extracted more precisely, minimizing damage to body tissues. Thus, liposculpture was born, a revolutionary advancement that would forever change aesthetic surgery.

Dr. Fischer and his dad Dr. Arpad Fischer

Giorgio had worked alongside his father for over 16 years in New York, learning the most advanced techniques in cosmetic surgery. Together, they devised an innovative method for extracting fat from the body: through small punctures, rather than large skin incisions. These punctures, strategically placed, allowed fat to be extracted more precisely, minimizing damage to body tissues. Thus, liposculpture was born, a revolutionary advancement that would forever change aesthetic surgery.

First liposculture Performed. Before and After procedure.

Important Advances for Science and Society

The Church’s Approval of Aesthetic Procedures

Important Advances for Science and Society

The Church’s Approval of Aesthetic Procedures

By the year 1958, the Catholic Church did not approve of aesthetic procedures, considering them sinful, with the exception of rhinoplasty. However, that same year, Dr. Fischer managed to secure an audience with Pope Pius XII, who finally gave his blessing, recognizing them as procedures that would improve the human spirit

Pope Pius XII and Dr. Arpad Fischer – 1958.

By the year 1958, the Catholic Church did not approve of aesthetic procedures, considering them sinful, with the exception of rhinoplasty. However, that same year, Dr. Fischer managed to secure an audience with Pope Pius XII, who finally gave his blessing, recognizing them as procedures that would improve the human spirit

Dr. Fischer’s clinic, where the first liposculpture was performed in Rome.

This was a crucial step, as it allowed aesthetic interventions to be viewed not only as a medical advancement but also as a process contributing to overall well-being. That same year, around 100 procedures were performed in Rome, and due to their innovative nature, the procedure was publicly broadcast, with important media outlets from across Europe in attendance.

Although Dr. Fischer tried to patent the technique, presenting it publicly before completing the patent process prevented him from securing the patent.

This was a crucial step, as it allowed aesthetic interventions to be viewed not only as a medical advancement but also as a process contributing to overall well-being. That same year, around 100 procedures were performed in Rome, and due to their innovative nature, the procedure was publicly broadcast, with important media outlets from across Europe in attendance.

Although Dr. Fischer tried to patent the technique, presenting it publicly before completing the patent process prevented him from securing the patent.

Left to Right: Dr. Pierre Fournier, Dr. Giorgio Fischer, Dr. Ivo Pitangui and Dr. Jeffrey Klein.

Refining the Technique: The Syringe in the Procedure

A key development in the evolution of liposculpture came when Dr. Pierre Fournier refined the technique by introducing the syringe as part of the procedure. This innovative component made the process faster and less invasive, reducing patients’ exposure to prolonged anesthesia and increasing safety.

First Cannula.

A key development in the evolution of liposculpture came when Dr. Pierre Fournier refined the technique by introducing the syringe as part of the procedure. This innovative component made the process faster and less invasive, reducing patients’ exposure to prolonged anesthesia and increasing safety.

Orthostatic Liposculpture: The Revolution in Patient Positioning

Another significant contribution was the creation of the Orthostatic Technique, which allows the patient to be positioned vertically during surgery. By inclining the patient on the operating table, surgeons could more clearly see how the fat distributed due to gravity, making for a more precise and natural extraction.

Another key innovation was the development of curved cannulas, known as swan neck or elephant tusk cannulas. These tools, designed to fit more naturally with the body’s contours, made the procedure more precise and less invasive.

This legacy of innovation and excellence has formed the foundation of what we now know as modern cosmetic surgery. The story of the IBCS and its pioneers is a testament to how vision, dedication, and a passion for science and human well-being can change the world forever.