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12.07.07
Ethnicity and Cosmetic Surgery
As more African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, and other ethnic groups are going under the knife, plastic surgeons are trying to preserve ethnic identity. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), “more than 1.3 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures were performed on ethnic patients in 2004, an increase of 44 percent since 2000. Fourteen percent of all cosmetic plastic surgery patients were Asian, Black, or Hispanic, surpassing the number of men who opted for procedures in 2004.”
A 2004 study by the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) reveals that ethnic minorities accounted for 20% of all procedures performed. Hispanic Americans led the ethnic groups by 8.5%, followed by African Americans who accounted for 6.2%, Asian Americans at 4.6% and others at 1.1%.
Media exposure, improved technology and reduced costs are highlighting plastic surgery and are getting rid of associated stigma. Ethnic patients are able to fist handedly see the results of other ethnic patients. Ethnic patients are growing more aware of the options that are available for their skin types and facial features. Most of them are motivated to have procedures to look refreshed and youthful and reduce the signs of aging.
The ASPS reports that “some of the most commonly requested procedures by ethnic patients are liposuction, breast reduction and Botox®, as well as, other injectable wrinkle fighters”.
The ASPS concludes that Hispanic Americans commonly request cosmetic nose reshaping, breast augmentation, and liposuction. The most commonly requested surgical procedures for African Americans are nose reshaping, breast reduction, and liposuction. Asian Americans commonly request nose reshaping, eyelid surgery and breast augmentation.
Most ethnic patients seeking plastic surgery prefer to maintain the ethnic features that set them apart from others. They are aware that they have facial features that are unique to their ethnicity and want to keep them so they can preserve their ethnic identity. They often don’t want to end up with features that look too Caucasian. Since cosmetic surgery is usually tailored to Caucasian patients, doctors face the challenge of defining features for ethnic patients and deciding how to operate in order to achieve their patient’s goals. Doctors often get trained for modifying procedures to fit ethnic patient, carry cultural sensitivity and know that not all techniques can be used on all patients.
When making the decision to have plastic surgery, it is important to choose a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who can give you a harmonious, congruent look. Make sure the doctor you choose has experience with ethnic patients so that the outcome will be a success. It is also important to keep in mind that as an ethnic patient, some of your physical characteristics may differ from others, such as:
- The thickness of your skin
- How your nose projects from your skull
- The different sizes and shapes of nostrils
- Where the nose and upper lip meet (nasolabial junction)
- How your eyes are shaped
- How thin or thick your lips are
You should be sure to discuss adverse effects, risks and complications of the procedure you wish to have performed with your doctor. Some patients might be susceptible to scarring problems because of the amount of melanin (or brown pigment) they have in their skin. African Americans often experience hypertrophic scars, showing a raised tissue along the line of the incision. Some choose less invasive procedures to limit scarring. Pigment irregularities such as hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) or hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin) are also known to occur in facial rejuvenation procedures. Be sure to discuss adverse effects with your doctor.
Take into account all the different possibilities and discuss the importance of maintaining your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.
1800mySurgeon is a free consumer service dedicated to patients interested in cosmetic surgery. The service helps patients find qualified Board Certified Surgeons in their area, as well as information on a surgeon’s board records, credentials, experiences and specialty areas. Call our patient coordinators toll free at 1-800-my-surgeon (1-800-697-8743) or visit our website at 1800mySurgeon.com to learn more about surgery and access patient resources.
