Cultural Issues In Cosmetic Surgery

It is helpful for me, as a cosmetic surgeon in Little Rock, Arkansas to know the trends. Last year, 2011 in the United States, most cosmetic surgery patients were of European descent, a full 69 percent. Following that group 12 percent were Hispanic, 8 percent were African American, and 6 percent were Asian American. In the past, cosmetic surgery has been frowned upon by many ethnic groups and this is a result of a static, Caucasian standard of beauty that has historically been found in the United States, and the fear of losing ethnic identity. In other cases, cosmetic surgery has been sought my ethnic groups to more easily assimilate into the dominant culture. However, this is changing as immigration increases, and multicultural standards of beauty begin to reflect the reality of the population. The goal is to preserve ethnicity and enhance the natural beauty of the individual.

Different ethnic groups tend to want procedures that reflect beauty standards in their own cultures. There are some recognizable body types and features predominant to various ethnicities too. For example, African American women often have narrow waists and fuller hips and buttocks. As a cosmetic surgeon, I want to enhance the natural beauty of the curvy “figure 8” body type rather than assume a “one size fit all” standard of beauty. Some women may want curves lessened and others may want their proportions made more symmetrical. The most popular procedures among African American women, according to a 2010 survey conducted by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, were liposuction, rhinoplasty (nose), and breast reduction. The most common procedures sought by all of these groups liposuction, BOTOX®, and chemical peels. Although rhinoplasty was the most common in African Americans, as well as Middle Eastern ethnic groups, breast augmentation seems to be most sought after by Latin American women, and blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) for Asian Americans. Native Americans on the other hand, who often have thicker waists, sometimes want that “figure 8” enhanced more. South American women often want larger buttocks and smaller breasts, whereas European descent women want larger breasts. Each patient must be considered individually, and care be taken to appreciate his or her individual goals. I listen carefully, so be sure to let me know exactly what you want.

Being aware of your ethnic background is important for medical predispositions that sometimes may need to be checked before surgery. Issues of scarring can affect some ethnic skin types too. Scar tissue often does not show as much on light skin as dark skin. Dark skin may also produce keloid reactions that can be reduced by injections to be sure we do not create raised scars. This not only means that special care with incision placement must be taken, but also some procedures may not be appropriate. In those cases, I would choose another technique that produces less scarring. Laser resurfacing is an example of where I might choose multiple treatments of a less intensive procedure for darker skin, whereas on lighter skin, a single more intense laser may be used.

Here at Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center, I want to help my patients attain their individual goals.

Call Melinda at the front desk to set up an appointment with me at 501-227-0707.