South Africa Reports More Cosmetic Procedures

It seems that more young affluent blacks in South Africa are opting for cosmetic surgery. In articles announcing  statistics of cosmetic surgery in South Africa, it is claimed that the rates are comparable to the rest of the world. Various articles reporting this trend in South Africa also stated that lip, breast, and buttock reductions were the top procedures. It seems that cosmetic surgery in South Africa is some of the least expensive in the world and that young people there are willing to finance these procedures too.

However, many African Americans are upset about these reports. Although cosmetic procedures in the African American population have been steadily rising since 2002, this still only represents 13% of cosmetic procedures, whereas 70% of cosmetic procedures are performed on white folks. Television hostess Wendy Williams has always been honest about her cosmetic procedures and debunks the myth that black women are supposed to be “natural.” She believes more African American women would indeed seek cosmetic surgery if the community pressure was not so strong. She claims they are scared of being judged. Tyra Banks has also publically stated that when the time comes, she is open to cosmetic surgery. The controversy has to do with ethnic identity, and many African American women find themselves trying to balance their individual desires with the expectations of the African American community at large.

There are a few important issues involved with surgery for African Americans, however. One is the level of expertise of the cosmetic surgeon. It is important to understand the difference in skin types in order to prevent scarring, particularly keloid formations. It is also very important to understand that the goal of an African American woman seeking a procedure may differ from a woman of another ethnic group. Consequently, a clear and in depth consultation is in order to assess those goals. It is always good to keep in mind that cosmetic surgery is about symmetry, proportion, and aesthetics that reflect a particular ethnic look. Cosmetic surgery should not erase ethnic features, but should instead enhance those features’ symmetry, proportion, and aesthetics. At Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center, we are careful to tailor procedures to the individual.

Dr. Branman

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