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Sculpting digital identities: the interplay of aesthetic medicine, plastic surgery, and the metaverse

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European Journal of Plastic Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background 

The literature review delves into the intriguing relationship between the metaverse, aesthetic medicine, and plastic surgery. The exploration focuses on the mutual influence these domains exert on digital identities and the impact of digital avatars on decisions concerning physical aesthetic changes.

Methods

A systematic methodology was utilized, encompassing thorough searches on esteemed academic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The use of specific keywords (metaverse, aesthetic medicine, plastic surgery, aesthetic surgery) in conjunction with Boolean operators optimized the search outcome.

Results

The search procured articles (n = 6) that span topics of the metaverse, aesthetic plastic surgery, aesthetic and cosmetic medicine, and cosmetic dermatology. These pieces act as instrumental references to trace the progression of aesthetic medicine and plastic surgery, grasp the essence of the metaverse, probe the confluence of these arenas, debate challenges and ethical dilemmas, and pinpoint prospects for the forthcoming era.

Conclusions

The exhaustive review indicates that the amalgamation of the metaverse with aesthetic medicine and plastic surgery presents vast potential. Enhanced training modules for practitioners, which harness virtual simulations and enveloping experiences, emerge as likely prospects. The promise of elevated patient encounters via virtual consultations and augmented reality tools grants individuals a spectrum of aesthetic determinants. The significance of tackling ethical nuances and championing a wholesome body perception within the metaverse remains paramount. With the confluence of innovation, compassion, and cross-disciplinary cooperation, the horizons of aesthetics, technology, and personal identity can be expanded, ushering in an era of endless potential.

Level of evidence: Not ratable

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Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research and Innovation Hub, Innovation Aesthetics, London, WC2H 9JQ, UK

    Eqram Rahman & William Richard Webb

  2. The Skin Address, Aesthetic Dermatology Practice, Bangalore, India

    Parinitha Rao

  3. Nomi Oslo, Oslo, Norway

    Karim Sayed

  4. Faculty of Health, University Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany

    Wolfgang G. Philipp-Dormston

  5. Hautzentrum Koeln, Cologne, Germany

    Wolfgang G. Philipp-Dormston

  6. Department of Ophthalmology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada

    Jean D. A. Carruthers

  7. Department of Dermatology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada

    Alastair Carruthers

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  1. Eqram Rahman
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Correspondence to Eqram Rahman.

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This is a review article for which no ethical approval is required.

Conflict of interest

Eqram Rahman, Parinitha Rao, Karim Sayed, William Richard Webb, Wolfgang G. Philipp-Dormston, Jean D. A. Carruthers, and Alastair Carruthers declare no conflicts of interest to disclose in relation to this manuscript.

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Rahman, E., Rao, P., Sayed, K. et al. Sculpting digital identities: the interplay of aesthetic medicine, plastic surgery, and the metaverse. Eur J Plast Surg 46, 845–854 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-023-02142-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-023-02142-5

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