The American Council of Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery (ACAMS) establishes this Code of Ethics to define the professional conduct expected of our board-certified practitioners, accredited training institutes, and affiliated members. These principles ensure the highest standards of patient safety, clinical integrity, and professional accountability in aesthetic medicine and cosmetic surgery worldwide.

1. Patient Safety & Well-Being: The Paramount Priority
Above all, do no harm. Patient health and safety must guide every clinical decision.
Provide full, transparent disclosure of procedures, including risks, benefits, alternatives, and realistic outcomes.
‍Never perform treatments beyond certified competency. Scope of practice must align with ACAMS-validated training and credentials.

‍2. Commitment to Professional Excellence
‍Maintain lifelong learning, staying current with evidence-based advancements in techniques, technology, and safety protocols.
Engage in peer collaboration to elevate collective expertise and innovation.
‍Uphold ACAMS certification standards through rigorous continuing education and skills validation.

‍3. Integrity in Practice & Transparency
Honesty in all professional interactions, including patient consultations, research, and institutional training.
‍Disclose conflicts of interest (financial, proprietary, or institutional) that may influence judgment.
‍Prohibit deceptive marketing. All promotional content must be scientifically accurate, non-misleading, and ethically presented.

‍4. Respect & Confidentiality
‍Treat every patient and colleague with dignity, compassion, and cultural sensitivity.
‍Strictly protect patient privacy in compliance with HIPAA, GDPR, and international data protection laws.
Foster an inclusive, harassment-free environment—zero tolerance for discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or identity.
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‍5. Accountability & Ethical Stewardship
Take responsibility for clinical outcomes and professional conduct.
‍Report unethical behavior (e.g., unsafe practices, fraudulent credentials) to ACAMS for review.
‍Reject unethical practices, including:Use of non-FDA/EMA-approved devices or substances.
Exploitative pricing or unnecessary procedures.Misrepresentation of qualifications.

‍6. Research & Evidence-Based Innovation
‍Conduct research with IRB approval, informed consent, and methodological rigor.
Publish findings transparently, avoiding data manipulation or selective reporting.
‍Translate research into practice to advance patient outcomes and industry standards.

‍7. Advocacy & Social Responsibility
‍Promote equitable access to safe, ethical aesthetic care.
Educate the public on realistic expectations and mental health considerations in aesthetic medicine.
‍Support initiatives that prioritize patient safety over profit in the global aesthetic community.

‍8. Continuous Improvement
Regularly audit and refine clinical protocols, training curricula, and certification requirements.
Solicit peer and patient feedback to improve standards.
Adapt to emerging technologies while upholding ethical boundaries.
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‍Enforcement & Compliance
‍ACAMS reserves the right to investigate violations and impose disciplinary actions, including:
‍Revocation of certification or accreditation.
‍Suspension from ACAMS-affiliated programs.
Public notification in cases of severe misconduct.

This Code reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence, ethics, and the trust placed in ACAMS-certified professionals.