Background: Dr Leo Stanley was an American doctor who served as the chief surgeon at the San Quentin state prison in California from 1913-1951 despite having no prior surgical experience nor training. In his time there he performed over 10,000 experimental procedures, including facial plastic surgery. He advocated that changing a criminal’s appearance was critical for their reintegration back into society. Methods: A literature review was undertaken and relevant historians were interviewed. Discussion: Under Dr Stanley, prisoners underwent a number of “eugenic” procedures that he believed would minimise reoffending, rejuvenate the elderly men and improve reintegration of prisoners within the community. Popular reconstructive surgeries performed by Dr Stanley included rhinoplasty and scar revision. Conclusion: Dr Stanley’s controversial work revealed interesting concepts regarding social hygiene as he blurred the lines between retribution, rehabilitation and treatment. Critics of his practice raised important societal issues with regards to medical ethics and the healthcare received by the incarcerated. References: Ethan Blue; The Strange Career of Leo Stanley: Remaking Manhood and Medicine at San Quentin State Penitentiary, 1913–1951. Pacific Historical Review 1 May 2009; 78 (2): 210–241. doi: https://doi.org/10.1525/phr.2009.78.2.210 Leo L. Stanley “Oral History,” Aug. 9, 1974, Marin County Free Library, available online at http://www.co.marin.ca.us/depts/lb/main/crm/oralhistories/lstanleyft.html; Stanley, Men at Their Worst, 3, 6