Premium Doctors ^TM’ Review of Ethical Advertising in Aesthetic Medicine: Challenges and Best Practices

Background: Aesthetic medicine has seen significant global expansion, driven by economic growth and societal emphasis on appearance, transforming it from a niche medical field to a commercialized industry. This shift has blurred boundaries between healthcare and the beauty sector, raising ethical concerns in advertising, particularly due to social media’s influence, commercial incentives, and deficiencies in informed consent. This review examines these challenges, focusing on unrealistic patient expectations, overtreatment risks, and regulatory gaps, while proposing best practices to ensure ethical advertising that prioritizes patient well-being, dignity, and autonomy.Methods: A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for peer-reviewed articles (2015–2025) on ethical advertising in aesthetic medicine. Keywords included "ethical advertising aesthetic medicine," "social media influence," "informed consent," and "patient safety." Inclusion criteria prioritized studies on ethical challenges, best practices, and regulatory frameworks, while excluding non-peer-reviewed sources unless justified. Data were extracted on social media’s impact, commercial pressures, informed consent, and professionalism, then synthesized thematically to identify trends and gaps.Results: Social media’s use of filtered images fuels unrealistic expectations and exacerbates body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), with over 50% of practitioners noting its role in creating irrational patient demands. Commercial pressures lead to overtreatment, with 33.6% of doctors acknowledging financial incentives as a driver. Only 14.5% of practitioners are confident in providing sufficient informed consent information, undermining patient autonomy. Fragmented regulations and inadequate training (e.g., 91.8% of physicians deem 3–5-day certifications insufficient) allow unqualified practitioners to operate, compromising safety. Best practices include adherence to professional guidelines, transparency in marketing, patient-centered communication, and robust training frameworks.Conclusions: Ethical advertising in aesthetic medicine requires balancing commercial interests with patient welfare through evidence-based marketing, transparent communication, and stringent regulations. Social media’s role in perpetuating unrealistic ideals necessitates responsible engagement and public health initiatives. Future research should explore long-term psychological impacts and regulatory efficacy to ensure advertising aligns with medical ethics, safeguarding patient trust and well-being in a rapidly evolving field.