Privacy Statement

The Journal of Aesthetic Surgery (“the Journal”) is committed to safeguarding the privacy, confidentiality, and integrity of personal data entrusted to us by authors, reviewers, editors, and readers. This Privacy Policy outlines how personal information is collected, processed, stored, and protected in accordance with international data protection standards.

1. Data Controller

The Journal of Aesthetic Surgery, operated by JAS Publishing, acts as the data controller for personal information collected through this website and related editorial systems.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following categories of personal data:

  • Full name
  • Email address
  • Institutional affiliation and professional title
  • Country of residence
  • ORCID iD (if voluntarily provided)
  • Account credentials
  • Manuscript files and submission metadata
  • Correspondence with the editorial office

Information is collected when users register an account, submit manuscripts, participate in peer review, or communicate with the Journal.

3. Legal Basis for Processing

Personal data is processed for legitimate academic publishing purposes, including editorial management, peer review, publication, archiving, and indexing. Processing is based on:

  • Performance of a publishing agreement
  • Legitimate academic interest
  • Compliance with legal and ethical obligations
  • User consent where applicable

4. Use of Personal Data

Personal information is used strictly for scholarly and operational purposes, including:

  • Managing manuscript submissions and peer review
  • Editorial decision-making
  • Communication with authors and reviewers
  • Publication, indexing, and archiving
  • Ensuring research integrity and ethical compliance
  • Maintaining system security and preventing misconduct

The Journal does not sell, trade, or use personal data for unrelated commercial marketing purposes.

5. Confidentiality of Manuscripts

All submitted manuscripts are treated as confidential documents. Access is restricted to editors, reviewers, and authorized editorial personnel. Reviewers are required to maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with internationally recognized publication ethics standards.

6. Data Sharing and Third-Party Services

Personal data may be shared with trusted third-party service providers strictly for academic publishing functions, such as:

  • Indexing and abstracting services
  • Digital archiving systems
  • DOI registration agencies
  • Editorial management platforms
  • Website hosting and security providers

All service providers are required to maintain appropriate confidentiality and data protection safeguards.

7. Data Retention

Personal data associated with published scholarly work may be retained indefinitely to preserve the integrity of the academic record. Account and correspondence data may be retained for administrative and legal purposes and may be deleted upon legitimate request, subject to publishing obligations.

8. Data Security

The Journal implements appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect personal data against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. Secure authentication systems and encrypted connections are used where applicable.

9. Cookies and Website Analytics

This website may use cookies and similar technologies to enhance user experience, maintain secure login sessions, and analyze aggregated usage patterns. Cookies do not collect sensitive personal data.

10. Rights of Authors, Reviewers, and Users

Individuals may have the right to:

  • Access personal data held by the Journal
  • Request correction of inaccurate information
  • Request deletion where legally permissible
  • Object to certain processing activities
  • Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent

Requests may be submitted to the Editorial Office using the contact information below.

11. International Compliance

The Journal adheres to internationally recognized standards of publication ethics and data protection, including guidance from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and general principles reflected in global data protection regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

12. Contact Information

For questions regarding this Privacy Policy or personal data inquiries, please contact:

Editorial Office
Journal of Aesthetic Surgery
JAS Publishing
Email: aleellis.md@gmail.com