Taking Ethics Seriously in Cosmetic Dermatology

Aesthetic practitioner as a physician and businessperson – Is it achievable?

“…A businessperson's main objective is to maximize profit by increasing productivity and minimizing costs, but an aesthetic practitioner must not follow this goal, as this would have negative implication on the quality of the service offer [14,15]. The role of the dermatologist, for example, is transforming from a traditional healer into one of a businessperson, who will promote "big ideas".…”

“…Recently, aesthetic physicians have achieved profit maximization by allying with some major cosmetic companies [15]. However, as it was mentioned in the editorial note of Kassirer and Angell [3] "it is one thing to recommend health-related products based on careful scientific scrutiny; it is another to enter into an exclusive marketing arrangement with a single company in which royalties are linked to sales".…”

“…However, as it was mentioned in the editorial note of Kassirer and Angell [3] "it is one thing to recommend health-related products based on careful scientific scrutiny; it is another to enter into an exclusive marketing arrangement with a single company in which royalties are linked to sales". In addition, some physicians become a paid spokesperson at scientific and professional meetings, for off-label cosmetic products or aesthetic uses of products and procedures, without any mention of the risks or actual approved indications in order to promote them [15]. Are these ethical behaviours?…”