Stakeholders in the Implementation of Artificial Intelligence in the Surgical Field: Challenges and Considerations Ahead

The rapid spread of artificial intelligence (AI) and its vast number of potential applications warrants careful consideration, particularly within plastic and craniofacial surgery. For practicing surgeons, AI may ease administrative burdens, improve imaging analysis, and support surgical planning. Trainees may be both impacted and empowered through the integration of AI into candidate selection processes and educational methods. Researchers could benefit from AI by streamlining simple, repetitive research tasks and improving global access to medical information, although issues of equity and authorship arise. Patients may also turn to AI for information, reassurance, and outcome predictions, potentially leading to misinformation and distorted aesthetic expectations. All stakeholders must navigate the clinical, ethical, and legal challenges ahead to ensure that the implementation of AI prioritizes the patient’s welfare at every stage.