Ethical aspects of aesthetic medicine

Abstract

The chapter examines the question of whether – and if so – under what conditions physicians should perform purely aesthetic interventions. The starting point of the considerations is the special character of the medical profession and the necessity of the “system of anticipatory trust.” Furthermore, medical interventions for aesthetic improvement will be systematized. Medical interventions that only aim to increase desired, positively perceived attention from others are not necessary according to the medical ethos. However, they are not violating it, provided that quality standards are guaranteed: The measures must benefit the patient, a thorough informed consent and avoidance of harm must be guaranteed. Aesthetic measures, especially operations that only serve the purpose of increasing desired attention should be strictly limited among children and adolescents. Nevertheless, there are convincing arguments for the avoidance of stigmatization among children and adolescents through aesthetic medical measures.