The role of peer-reviewed journals in esthetic surgery

Why should we write scientific papers? It is often thought that research manuscripts are written by scholars and professors at universities. Cosmetic surgeons in private practice often feel no need to publish papers. However, as doctors, we are scientists who practice medicine. Furthermore, the internet is flooded with medical information—and, all too often, misinformation. In this piece, as editors, we would like to discuss the importance of writing articles on esthetic plastic surgery to be published in peer-reviewed journals, with a focus on two perspectives.