Dr. Donn Chatham Weighs In
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping nearly every aspect of our lives, from the tools we use daily to groundbreaking advancements in specialized fields. Popular AI systems like Google Gemini, ChatGPT, IBM Watson, and GROK have become household names, while virtual assistants like Alexa simplify tasks like finding recipes or playing music. AI is no longer just a concept—it’s already been at work in many of our homes!
In healthcare, AI is driving innovation in remarkable ways.1 From medical diagnostics in radiology and imaging to breakthroughs in dermatology, biologic research, disease pathology, and beyond, AI is transforming how we approach medical challenges and hopefully improve patient outcomes.
As AI continues to revolutionize various medical fields, one intriguing question arises: could it have a role in the specialized practice of plastic surgery? Dr. Donn R. Chatham, Medical Director of Chatham Facial Plastic Surgery, seeks to explore this and shed light on how AI might shape the future of this innovative field.
“AI does indeed have very rapid and extensive access to enormous amounts of scientific data,” says Dr. Chatham. “This data can help physicians, including aesthetic surgeons, find information that can make us better doctors and learn of specific treatment options for our patients, continues Dr. Chatham.
Use Of AI In Aesthetic Surgery
Let us examine a few AI applications in cosmetic surgery that aren’t so farfetched. There are important questions that deserve our consideration.
- Question: Will AI be the first ‘provider’ the patient sees when visiting their aesthetic doctor?
- Answer: Well, many patients who access a surgeon’s website are already interacting with a ‘bot’ who can answer some questions. As for in-person/in-office interactions, imagine having a robotic device image and measure a patient’s face. AI can then make recommendations as to the most favorable changes to make. “AI recommendations might be the most accurate game plan considered and adapted by a surgeon,” says Dr. Chatham. “Some steps may be used as an aid in putting together customized blueprint for specific procedures.”
- Question: Can AI eventually replace doctors and Is AI smarter than human physicians?
- Answer: While thereare healthcare companies using an online ‘virtual assistant’ to answer medical questions, they are typically for minor medical concerns like a cold, flu, cough, and some mental health conditions. Dr. Chatham believes that “healthcare practitioners working together with AI is a better scenario.”
It is true that AI does not get tired of answering questions and may have appeared more considerate, but “empathy is hard to teach to a machine,” says Dr. Chatham. “For now, most people prefer to interact with a human being when it comes to their health.”
- Question: Don’t most people value the empathy and human warmth that only another human can provide, rather than a machine?
- Answer: In a study using actors participating in online medical consultations, when they were not told whether they were communicating with AI or real people the results are revealing. When the conversation was measured for politeness, empathy and putting patients at ease, the AI robot was more successful! It was also a better diagnostician.2 “This is concerning and tells me we humans may have some things about empathy we might need to learn,” says Dr. Chatham.
1 We have already entered this age of AI-assisted evaluation and treatment. Stay tuned for the next ‘artificial’ developments!
Niray Patel, “The Role of AI in Healthcare,” Forbes Technology Council, January 18, 2024
2 Paul Hsieh, M.D, “When Medical AI Performs Better Than Human Doctors,” Innovations, February 25, 2025
