According to statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) racial and ethnic minorities accounted for 20 percent of all cosmetic procedures performed last year, an increase from 14 percent in 2000. Hispanics again led minority racial and ethnic groups in the number of procedures at 8.5% followed by African-Americans, 6.2 percent; Asians, 4.6 percent; and other non-Caucasians, 1.1 percent.
Ethnicity has prevented some people from seeking plastic surgery for years, many fearing 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," says Julius Few, MD, FACS, assistant professor at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. "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; we now have new techniques to help minimize unwanted outcomes," says Dr. Few.
Expertise in treating skin of color involves more than knowing how a certain laser or injectable might affect a Hispanic or Brazilian patient. A doctor's cultural sensitivity can also improve a patient's outlook. Renato Saltz, MD, of Salt Lake City, UT, believes that, “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."
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