The Ethical Surgeon: How Scott Harris, MD Determines if You Are a Safe Candidate for Plastic Surgery

The Ethical Surgeon: How Scott Harris, MD Determines if You Are a Safe Candidate for Plastic Surgery

In an era where cosmetic procedures are often marketed as quick fixes, ethical decision-making in plastic surgery matters more than ever. For Dr. Scott Harris, patient safety, long-term outcomes, and medical integrity always come before trends, timelines, or unrealistic expectations. Being a highly skilled surgeon is only part of the equation - being an ethical surgeon means knowing when to proceed and when not to.
 

Ethics First: Why Patient Selection Matters

Plastic surgery is elective, but it is still surgery. That distinction is central to Dr. Harris’ approach. Every procedure carries real risks, and the ethical surgeon’s responsibility is to minimize those risks while maximizing patient benefit.

Dr. Harris believes that the right candidate is not just someone who wants surgery - but someone who can safely undergo it and genuinely benefit from it. Careful patient selection is one of the most important factors in achieving predictable, long-lasting, and healthy outcomes.
 

Medical Evaluation: Assessing Physical Safety

Before recommending any procedure, Dr. Harris conducts a thorough medical evaluation that includes:

• Overall health status (cardiovascular health, metabolic conditions, immune function)

• Body mass index (BMI) and weight stability

• Medical history, including previous surgeries and anesthesia experiences

• Medication and supplement review, especially blood thinners or hormone therapies

• Smoking or nicotine use, which significantly increases surgical risk

If a patient has medical conditions that elevate the risk of complications - such as poor wound healing, excessive bleeding, or anesthesia concerns - Dr. Harris will either delay surgery, recommend medical optimization, or decline to operate altogether.

Psychological Readiness and Expectations

A critical component of ethical surgery is psychological readiness. Dr. Harris carefully assesses whether a patient’s expectations align with what surgery can realistically achieve.

He may pause or refuse surgery if:

• Expectations are unrealistic or perfection-driven

• Surgery is being pursued to fix emotional distress rather than physical concerns

• External pressure (relationships, social media, or life events) is influencing the decision

• The requested procedure would compromise natural anatomy or long-term health

Surgery should enhance confidence - not create dependency or dissatisfaction. When expectations are misaligned, ethical care means saying no.
 

Refusing Unsafe or Inappropriate Requests

One of the clearest signs of an ethical surgeon is the willingness to refuse a procedure - even when a patient is motivated or insistent.

Dr. Harris will decline requests that:

• Exceed safe surgical limits

• Combine procedures that significantly increase risk

• Prioritize speed over healing and safety

• Compromise function, anatomy, or long-term outcomes

Rather than agreeing to unsafe demands, Dr. Harris focuses on protecting patients from preventable harm, even when that decision is difficult.
 

Transparency, Education, and Shared Decision-Making

Ethical surgery is built on trust. Dr. Harris believes patients should fully understand:

• What surgery can and cannot do

• The risks involved

• Alternative or staged treatment options

• Why certain requests may be unsafe

By prioritizing education and honest communication, patients are empowered to make informed decisions.

Consult With Our Surgeon Who Puts Your Health First

True surgical excellence isn’t defined by how many procedures a surgeon performs - it’s defined by judgment, restraint, and responsibility. Dr. Scott Harris’ ethical approach to patient selection ensures that surgery is performed only when it is safe, appropriate, and truly in the patient’s best interest.