Ethics in Plastic Surgery: Applying the Four Common Principles to Practice

The topic of ethics in plastic surgery remains underrepresented in the literature. By applying the four principles of biomedical ethics - respect for autonomy, beneficience, non-maleficience and justice - as described by Beauchamp and Childress to proposed ethical scenarios, this article attempts to provide plastic surgeons with a systematic approach to recognize and address ethical dilemmas as they present in day to day practice. Through the perspective of an experienced plastic surgeon and medical ethicist this paper is intended to spark discussion, reflection and debate on ethical challenges in plastic surgery. Financial Disclosure Statement: The authors have no financial interests to disclose Corresponding Author: Achilles Thoma, MD, MSc, 206 James Street South, Suite 101, Hamilton, ON, Canada, athoma@mcmaster.ca ©2018American Society of Plastic Surgeons

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