In 1953 Ivo Pitanguy began performing plastic surgeries in Brazil after studying in France and England under the early pioneers of the field. Working tirelessly to treat the burns of 2500 spectators that were caught under a flaming circus tent impressed on him that for many, physical appearance was just as important as life. Shortly afterwards he founded a private clinic, began training a team of specialists and operated on many renowned names. A member of the Brazilian Academy of Letters and the Brazilian Academy of Science, Pitanguy was honored as one of the twentieth century’s personalities at the Palais de Versailles in Paris.
The interview with Ricardo Karam took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.