Presentation: The Clinica Ivo Pitanguy
Presentation: Gisela Pitanguy

Ivo Helcio Jardim De Campos Pitanguy was born in Belo Horizonte, in the State of Minas Gerais in Brazil. The son of a surgeon, he quite naturally decided to follow in his father's footsteps, opting to study medicine himself at Rio de Janeiro University. He then began work as a surgeon in the United States before spending some time in Europe, notably working in France and England.

Upon returning to Brazil, he set up the very first Hand Surgery Clinic at the 19th Infirmary of the Santa Casa General Hospital in Rio de Janeiro, and managed the Burns Unit and the Reconstructive Surgery Department at Souza Aguiar Hospital. He also set up the plastic surgery department at the 18th Infirmary of the Santa Casa General Hospital (later renamed the 38th Infirmary), which he still runs today.

In 1961, the dramatic fire at the Gran Circo Norte Americano, in which hundreds of people were seriously burnt, gave him the bittersweet opportunity to put his talents to good use, showing unfailing dedication and efficiently organising the serious burns unit at Antonio Pedro Hospital. In 1963 he founded the Ivo Pitanguy Clinic. A tireless pioneer and passionate teacher, he has travelled the globe visiting some of the world's most prestigious universities in order to share his knowledge with others, and has turned the Clinic into an exceptional training centre for the world's surgeons. During the course of his outstanding 45-year career, he has personally trained over 500 surgeons from numerous different countries, and has supervised the teaching of some 5,000 visiting doctors and assistants. He has penned over 1,000 scientific papers, has spoken at more than 3,000 conferences and has authored numerous books. Recognised as being the "father of cosmetic surgery", his talent has been honoured by the world's most prestigious universities.

A surgeon for one and all, mindful of the suffering experienced by the most destitute, he is painfully aware that no matter where people stand on the ladder of society, they are all equal when confronted with their own self-image. As of 1960, he created the Humanitarian Institution at the 38th Infirmary of the Santa Casa General Hospital, thus giving the financially disadvantaged the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of plastic surgery. Ever since, he has made it his business to ensure that this work continues. Each year, numerous reparative and cosmetic operations are carried out on some of the most deprived children and adults. Besides winning him the gratitude of huge numbers of men and women, this devotion has earnt him some of the most prestigious international titles and honours. A citizen of our planet, he firmly believes that although today's population must be seen as a priority, future populations must certainly not be forgotten. An ardent supporter of environmental protection, he has founded an ecological sanctuary on an island to the south of Rio de Janeiro - Ilha dos Porcos Grande - in order to preserve the fauna and flora of this Brazilian region to which he remains deeply attached.