Sustainability in Aesthetic and Surgical Clinics: Impacts and Practical Interventions

This study explored practical strategies to reduce the environmental impact of aesthetic and surgical clinics. It provided an overview of key areas where aesthetic medicine contributes to waste, carbon emissions, and other environmental challenges. By examining life-cycle assessments and current practices, the study provided recommendations for clinics to adopt sustainable approaches while maintaining high standards of patient care.

A structured review was conducted using PubMed to identify literature on sustainability and life-cycle assessment in aesthetic dermatology, plastic surgery, and cosmetics. The search covered publications from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2023. Of 48 initially identified studies, 26 were included after manual screening. Data on environmental impact, waste, emissions, and cost savings were extracted.

Several clinic operations contribute significantly to environmental impact, including energy use, transportation, personal protective equipment, surgical supplies, and waste management. Retrofitting with light-emitting diode bulbs could save 2179 kg of CO₂ annually, whereas solar panels may reduce emissions by 16,023 kg. Switching to reusable surgical instruments such as tungsten carbide tools could cut emissions by up to 97% and lower costs. Sustainable transportation options also offer notable environmental and financial benefits.

Aesthetic and surgical medicine has a substantial environmental footprint. Implementing strategies such as energy-efficient upgrades, reusable materials, and eco-friendly transportation can reduce impact while preserving care quality. These changes support broader sustainability goals and improve clinic efficiency.