The Ethical Dilemma of Cosmetic Surgery: Do No Harm vs. Patient Autonomy

The Ethical Boundaries in Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery has become a booming industry, but it brings with it significant ethical dilemmas. Surgeons who continuously operate on patients can result in individuals looking barely human and unable to move their faces. This raises questions about the ethical responsibilities of these medical professionals. The first rule of medical ethics, "do no harm," is often cited, but these surgeons seem to be breaking it by performing unnecessary surgical interventions on patients who do not need them.

One of the most alarming aspects of this issue is the impact on patients' quality of life. Medical tourism, for example, can lead to severe complications. An underage person once traveled to another country for a nose job and ended up with a botched nose that required multiple high-risk surgeries to fix. These cases highlight the potential for harm when ethical boundaries are not respected.

The Origin and Interpretation of "Do No Harm"

Interestingly, the phrase "do no harm" is not actually part of the Hippocratic Oath but comes from a work called "Of The Epidemics." This phrase, while foundational, is subject to interpretation. A literal interpretation would prevent many medical procedures, including biopsies, blood work, and surgeries, all of which involve some degree of harm but are essential for diagnosis and treatment.

Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) is a procedure that involves harm but is accepted for terminally ill patients to alleviate suffering. Similarly, abortion is another procedure where the concept of "do no harm" is complicated, as it involves euthanizing a fetus. These examples illustrate that the principle is not absolute and must be weighed against other ethical considerations.

Patient Autonomy and Ethical Surgery

Some argue that individuals should be responsible for their own bodies and the consequences of their choices, regardless of the procedures they undergo. Dr. Youn on YouTube discusses how ethical plastic surgeons avoid performing risky surgeries or those on patients with questionable mental health. These surgeons prioritize patient well-being and refuse to perform surgeries they deem too risky.

However, there are doctors who will perform any surgery for money, compromising their ethical standards. The argument that people can make their own decisions is flawed because it overlooks the doctor's role in enabling potentially harmful surgeries. The subjective narrative of beauty varies, and what one person considers harm may not be seen as such by another.

The Complexity of Cosmetic Procedures

Some cosmetic procedures, like b***** augmentation, buccal fat reduction, Brazilian b*** lifts, or jawline shavings, are not universally considered harmful. Yet, surgeons who take the money and go too far with procedures can cause significant harm, such as a collapsed nose bridge. Ethical surgeons often decline additional work to avoid undesirable results or damages.

Patients who are desperate for more surgeries will often find someone willing to operate on them, even if it’s not in their best interest. The issue of continuous cosmetic surgeries involves both the ethical responsibilities of the doctors and the autonomy of the patients.

Balancing Ethics and Autonomy

Ethical considerations in cosmetic surgery are complex and involve assessing the risks and mental health of the patient. The debate around "do no harm" in cosmetic surgery highlights the tension between medical ethics and patient autonomy. While patients have the right to make decisions about their bodies, doctors have a responsibility to ensure that those decisions do not result in unnecessary harm.

Ultimately, the ethical dilemma of cosmetic surgery requires a balanced approach that considers both the well-being of the patient and their right to choose. By maintaining high ethical standards, surgeons can help ensure that cosmetic procedures enhance, rather than diminish, the quality of life.