Editorial Policy

The Pakistan Journal of Medicine and Surgical Aesthetics (PJMSA) is committed to upholding the highest standards of scholarly publishing and fostering the advancement of knowledge in the fields of medicine, surgery, and aesthetic sciences. Our editorial policy outlines the principles and practices guiding the publication process, ensuring transparency, integrity, and excellence.

1. Scope and Focus

PJMSA publishes original research articles, review articles, clinical studies, case reports, and editorials in the following areas:

  • Advanced surgical techniques
  • Minimally invasive procedures
  • Regenerative medicine
  • Dermatology
  • Aesthetic science innovations
  • Other interdisciplinary topics relevant to medicine and surgical aesthetics

Submissions should contribute to the global body of knowledge and address significant challenges or opportunities in the field, with a special emphasis on innovations applicable to Pakistan and similar contexts.

2. Peer-Review Process

PJMSA employs a rigorous double-blind peer-review process to ensure impartiality and the scientific validity of published articles:

  • Initial Screening: Submissions are evaluated for relevance, originality, and adherence to the journal’s guidelines.
  • Review: Manuscripts are reviewed by at least two independent experts in the field.
  • Decision: The editorial board makes the final publication decision based on reviewers’ recommendations.

The journal ensures transparency in the review process and maintains confidentiality for both authors and reviewers.

3. Ethical Standards

PJMSA adheres to the highest ethical standards in publishing, based on the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). Authors, reviewers, and editors are expected to:

  • Ensure originality and avoid plagiarism.
  • Disclose any potential conflicts of interest.
  • Obtain necessary ethical approvals for clinical studies involving human or animal subjects.
  • Adhere to data protection and patient confidentiality laws.

4. Authorship Criteria

Authorship should reflect significant contributions to the research. All authors must:

  • Participate in the conception, design, execution, or interpretation of the research.
  • Approve the final manuscript before submission.
  • Agree to be accountable for the work’s integrity and accuracy.

5. Open Access and Licensing

PJMSA is an open-access journal, ensuring free and immediate availability of published content to the global research community. Articles are published under a Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY), allowing unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction, provided the original work is properly cited.

6. Submission Guidelines

Submissions should adhere to the journal’s formatting and citation requirements, which are detailed on the PJMSA website. Manuscripts not meeting these criteria may be returned without review.

7. Editorial Independence

The editorial board operates independently and ensures unbiased decision-making, free from any external influences, including sponsors or advertisers.

8. Corrections and Retractions

PJMSA is committed to maintaining the accuracy of the scholarly record. In cases of significant errors or ethical concerns:

  • Corrections: Minor errors that do not affect the study’s conclusions will be corrected.
  • Retractions: Articles with significant issues (e.g., fabrication, plagiarism) will be retracted with an accompanying notice.

9. Plagiarism and Misconduct

The journal employs plagiarism detection tools such as iThenticate to verify originality. Any instance of research or publication misconduct will be handled following COPE guidelines, with potential consequences including rejection, retraction, and notification to the authors' institutions.

10. Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

PJMSA values diverse perspectives and encourages submissions from authors of various backgrounds and regions. The journal is committed to promoting equity and inclusivity in research dissemination.

Contact Information

For inquiries about submissions, guidelines, or the editorial process, please contact PJMSA at info@pjmsa.com.

Through adherence to this policy, PJMSA aims to provide a trusted platform for advancing medical and surgical aesthetics while ensuring the integrity and impact of its publications.