Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Global Open (Jul 2024)

Plastic Surgery and Cryptocurrency: A 2024 Update

  • Sarah M. Thornton, BA,
  • Pradeep K. Attaluri, MD,
  • Ellen C. Shaffrey, MD,
  • Peter J. Wirth, MD,
  • Allison J. Rao, MD,
  • Venkat K. Rao, MD, MBA

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000006006
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12, no. 7
p. e6006

Abstract

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Summary:. Cryptocurrency offers a decentralized alternative to traditional financial systems, facilitating peer-to-peer transactions with minimal fees and heightened security. It also transformed into a financial asset similar to gold. Despite its volatile valuation, recent developments, such as the approval of Bitcoin exchange-traded funds by the Securities and Exchange Commission, underscore its evolving role as an investment opportunity. Plastic surgery has increasingly embraced cryptocurrency as a form of payment, leveraging its speed, security, and privacy benefits. However, alongside its potential advantages, risks such as volatility, irreversibility of transactions, and regulatory uncertainties warrant careful consideration. Moving forward, the integration of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency is poised to revolutionize various aspects of plastic surgery, from patient privacy to postoperative monitoring devices, necessitating a proactive approach from surgeons to navigate this evolving landscape. This article explores the intersection of cryptocurrency and plastic surgery, delving into its current applications, risks, investment potential, and future prospects.