1. You shall not advertise.
Advertisement serves to promote sales rates and is opposed to the ethical principles of the practice of medicine whose aim it is to serve the physical and mental health of the patient and to protect him from the risks of medically unnecessary interventions.
2. You shall inform.
Every patients needs to be informed about the benefits and risks of any medical intervention to such extent, that he or she is able to make an informed decision for or against this treatment.
3. You shall take precautions.
Particularly in cosmetic surgery, procedures can be planned without time constraints. This provides the opportunity for an optimal preparation of each treatment which serves to prevent or at least minimize the risks and chances for complications.
4. You shall know your limits.
No plastic surgeons masters all aspects of his specialty with the same proficiency. Therefore, an honest information of the patient regarding the own experience and competence with a certain procedure is appropriate.
5. You shall follow-up.
A cosmetic treatment does not end with the surgery. The final outcome is significantly influenced by the healing process that needs to be supported by a diligent follow-up.
6. You shall take care
A complication or unsatisfactory result is hard to accept by the patient and surgeon alike. This is why caring support by the surgeon is especially needed in these cases.
7. You shall learn.
The medical science undergoes an increasingly rapid evolution. Only continuous medical education allows the surgeon to keep pace with this development and the expectations of the patients. The exchange of personal experiences with other specialists, regular attendance of workshops, meetings and visiting experts in specific fields of the specialty are fundamental for a continuous learning process in addition to the constant evaluation of one’s own results.
8. You shall share knowledge.
This includes the honest exchange of personal experiences with colleagues at workshops and meetings as well as the documentation, evalutation and publication of one’s own results. Naturally, sharing knowledge with the own patients is also part of this process.
9. You shall not judge others.
It is tempting to comment on the unsatisfactory result of another surgeon and disparage his or her work. However, any plastic surgeon recognizes that proper surgery is not always followed by an optimal result and is aware of the thin line between success and failure.
10. You shall be faithful to your principles.
One needs to continue to remember theses “commandments” and to follow them in daily practice.