The Primacy of Ethics in Aesthetic Medicine: A Review

Autor: Sylvia Ramirez, MD, MPH, MBA, Clara Cullen, Medical Student, Rodney Ahdoot, Medical Student, Gunther Scherz, MBA
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2024
Předmět:
Zdroj: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Global Open, Vol 12, Iss 6, p e5935 (2024)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 2169-7574
00000000
DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000005935
Popis: Background:. The landscape of modern aesthetic medicine has witnessed a paradigm shift from traditional doctor-led care to a consumer-driven model, presenting a plethora of ethical challenges. This review discusses the ethical dimensions of medical aesthetics, exploring the implications of consumer demand, societal influences, and technological advancements on patient care and well-being. Methods:. Drawing upon a comprehensive analysis of existing literature, this review synthesizes evidence regarding the rise of aesthetic medicine, ethical challenges encountered in practice, and the implications of social media and marketing in shaping patient perceptions and decision-making. Results:. Aesthetic medicine confronts unique ethical challenges stemming from its elective nature and the pervasive influence of societal beauty standards. Concerns include the commodification of beauty, conflicts of interest, limited evidence-base of treatments, and the rise of nonphysician providers. Moreover, the evolving role of social media influencers and medical marketing raises ethical dilemmas regarding transparency, patient autonomy, and professional integrity. Conclusions:. The ethical landscape of aesthetic medicine necessitates a proactive approach to address emerging challenges and safeguard patient well-being. Guided by principles of autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice, recommendations are proposed to enhance informed consent practices, mitigate appearance anxiety, facilitate shared decision-making, and promote responsible use of social media. Professional societies are urged to establish clear ethical guidelines and standards to uphold professionalism and patient trust in the field of aesthetic medicine.
Databáze: Directory of Open Access Journals