Dieffenbach, Johann Friedrich (1792–1847)

German physician and pioneer in plastic surgery. He was professor of surgery at the university of Berlin from 1840 until his death.

Dieffenbach was born in Königsberg in East Prussia (now Kaliningrad, Russia), and studied theology before entering medicine. He became one of the most famous surgeons of his day, specializing in the art of forming new noses and lips, and in other plastic operations. His many works include a major treatise on operative surgery, which he wrote in 1845–48.