Plastic Surgeons Operating on Family: Where to Draw the Line
Briefly

The article discusses the complex ethical and psychological dilemmas that arise when surgeons consider performing plastic surgery on family members. While many plastic surgeons express a willingness to operate on relatives, professional guidelines discourage such practices due to risks of compromised judgment and emotional involvement. The article emphasizes that objectivity in medical decisions is crucial, particularly since the outcomes of elective surgeries can significantly impact personal relationships, especially if results are unsatisfactory.
The decision to undergo plastic surgery is deeply personal, often influenced by aesthetics, self-esteem, and cultural norms. However, what happens when the hands wielding the scalpel belong to a trusted family member?
Medical ethics strongly emphasize objectivity, professionalism, and patient well-being. The American Medical Association largely discourages physicians from treating family members, citing concerns about compromised judgment, emotional involvement, and risk of complications.
If a procedure yields less-than-ideal results, both the surgeon and the patient must navigate not just medical repercussions but also personal relationships.
Plastic surgery, unlike many other medical fields, often involves elective procedures rather than urgent, life-saving interventions. Might a surgeon feel pressured to perform a procedure a family member does not truly need?
Read at Psychology Today
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