Plastic Surgery Ethics: An Oxymoron?

Most plastic surgeons portrayed in the media exhibit questionable moral judgment. After watching shows such as Nip/Tuck, Extreme Makeover, Dr. 90210, and The Swan, one could easily conclude that ethics plays no part in the practice of plastic surgery. Indeed, some have charged cosmetic surgery with being entirely outside the scope of medical practice. Dr. Vercler examines the distinctions made between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, discuss how plastic surgeons think about those distinctions, and uncover the different ethical frameworks that support these practices.
Christian J. Vercler, MD, MA
Clinical Assistant Professor of Craniofacial Surgery at the University of Michigan
Recorded April 23, 2014