Introduction. The article raises the problem of the influence of defects and deformations of appearance on human life in the past and present, the relevance of the development of plastic surgery. The aim of the study is to comparative analysis of the demand for plastic surgery in the past and present. Materials and methods. The authors rely on historical-systemic, historical-comparative and ideographic methods of historical research, as well as methods of data analysis and processing. The works of both domestic and foreign scientists describing the methods of plastic surgery, the importance of the practice of plastic surgeons are used. Results and discussion. The study analyzed the stages of development of plastic surgery and its relevance, the influence of appearance on a person's social comfort. Conclusions. The authors come to the conclusion that plastic surgery is in demand, since it is important for a person to look good, and this makes him feel more confident.