Ethics in medical practice |

Medical ethics is an absolute prerogative for the adequate performance of the doctor in any field of activity and, above all, in the field of aesthetics, where the search for beauty and improvement of appearance is intertwined with issues of health, safety and well-being of patients. . Acting responsibly, prioritizing patient care above financial or aesthetic interests is what is expected of those whose job is to provide care.

Ethics requires that professionals provide clear and accurate information to patients about available procedures, their risks and benefits, as well as zealously addressing expectations that are not always realistic. For this process to develop properly, during the consultation, a sacred moment between doctor and patient, the doctor must carefully evaluate the patient’s needs, concerns and expectations, ensuring that their recommendations are based on medical criteria and not just aesthetic desires.

Naturally, it is extremely important that professionals adhere to the best practices and safety standards in aesthetic procedures, which include the appropriate choice of treatments, the use of safe and proven techniques and carrying out procedures in appropriate and safe environments. Adherence to rigorous quality standards is incompatible with practices that may compromise the health or well-being of individuals.

Not infrequently, situations are identified in which professionals falsely call themselves doctors or disguise their professional status, ignore the rules of the medical code of ethics and, guided by an exclusively mercantilist appeal, take advantage of patients’ low self-esteem, lack of knowledge and naivety. . They attract clientele and practice procedures without the slightest technical rigor, which can often definitively compromise not only people’s physical appearance but also their psychological and mental well-being for the rest of their lives.

On the other hand, under the pressure of aesthetic appeal, or often driven by a true pathological search for beauty and youth, patients allow themselves to be seduced by the proposed procedures. They do not take into account that, at best, treatments can be harmless and even put your health at risk. The public is often unaware that products applied or injected directly into the skin can trigger serious systemic side effects – immediate or long-term, in addition to causing permanent deformities.

In social media, where the dissemination of information is rapid and widespread, ethical rigor is crucial to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the information shared. Influencers and marketers must follow ethical principles when promoting products or services, ensuring transparency about partnerships and avoiding deceptive or manipulative practices that could harm consumers.

Honesty and transparency in advertising and promoting aesthetic services is a non-negotiable necessity! Doctors should avoid exaggerated or misleading promises, as well as practices that exploit patients’ insecurities. It is beneficial for advertising to be accurate, informative and ethical, so that patients can make informed decisions about aesthetic procedures.

Another pillar of good medical practice, confidentiality and respect for patients’ privacy are fundamental ethical principles. Professionals must protect patients’ personal and medical information by ensuring it is treated with due care and respect.

Ethical excellence is essential in a variety of settings, from consultations to patient care, as it sustains trust, promotes positive and impactful outcomes, and builds a solid foundation for lasting professional relationships and practices. In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, ethics is not just a choice, but a moral and professional imperative.

It is never too much to remember trust, non-maleficence, beneficence and secrecy, the legacy of Hippocrates on which good practice rests!