these early pioneers set the stage for the arrival of various other noted brazilian physicians, including the doctor and professor ivo pitanguy. he is famously known around the world as the 'father of modern plastic surgery,' and is considered the best plastic surgeon in brazil, and is among the top surgeons in the world. pitanguy's aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery clinic in rio de janeiro has had as its mission the harmony between the soul and the body since its opening in 1963.

earlier, in 1949, pitanguy also created the first hand surgery clinic in south america, where he operated on needy patients and victims of physical deformities. he also helped organize a service to treat burn victims after the infamous fire in niterói, where more than 2500 people were injured and 500 people died. pitanguy's fame steadily grew over the years- he has operated on kings, queens, former presidents, and famous movie stars.