Suzanne Noël

Suzanne Blanche Gros Noël, also known as Madame Noël, was a French plastic surgeon and the first female plastic surgeon in the world. She was known for her efficient face lift technique, the "petite operation". Noël was also a very active feminist, a philosophy which was considered radical for a practising cosmetic surgeon. She is the founder of Soroptimist International of Europe (SIE) and had a career spanning from 1916 to 1950. At the outbreak of World War I, without having been able to defend her doctoral thesis, like all the interns, Suzanne Gros was allowed to practise medicine in the city. She then joined Professor Morestin at the Val-de-Grâce military hospital in Paris. In 1916, she trained in the techniques of reparative and corrective surgery and in 1918, she received the Silver Medal of National Recognition for her participation and contributions to the war effort.