Ethnic minorities go under the knife

Women of color now have a choice when it comes to picking their plastic surgeon.

There is a reason for it. Plastic surgery is no longer a privilege for just a small group of elites. With lower prices and higher safety, a lot more people are going under the knife. According to statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) racial and ethnic minorities accounted for a little over 20% of all cosmetic procedures performed last year, an increase from 14% in 2000. Hispanics again led minority racial and ethnic groups in the number of procedures at 8.5% followed by African- Americans, 6.2%; Asians, 4.6%; and other non-Caucasians, 1.1%.

Ethnicity has stopped many women from seeking cosmetic surgery in the past since they were afraid that their features would look “too white.” However, many are realizing that plastic surgery can be done without feeling like you’re trying to change your ethnicity. New procedures and specific training in treating ethnic populations have opened new avenues for patients who previously were afraid to try many procedures. For example, scarring is an area of concern among darker-skinned patients.

Expertise in treating skin of color involves more than knowing how a certain laser or injectable might affect a Hispanic or Brazilian or an African American patient. A doctor’s cultural sensitivity and knowledge can also improve a patient’s comfort level. For instance, a Spanish speaking surgeon is likely to connect better with a Latina patient. “One size does not fit all" - not only are techniques different for certain minority populations but the concept of what is beautiful is as well. he said. For example, South American women typically want smaller breasts and larger buttocks than the average white American female.
That is why Spanish-speaking Americans are increasingly being courted by surgeons in Latin America. Many American plastic surgeons now speak more than one language or have multi-lingual staff to aid in patient communication.

Like Latin women who have specific demands on how they want to look, so are the Asian patients who are primarily interested in eyelid surgery and rhinoplasty (nose reshaping) - they don’t want a Westernized look. They want subtle improvements that are not overly done. However, you don’t need to be Asian to treat Asian patients. For example, experienced aesthetic surgeons will identify pleasing ethnic features and recreate them.

Article by ASAPS
www.surgery.org