Is race plastic? As plastic surgery becomes more mainstream, ethnic patients are becoming more aware of what options are available to people with their skin types and facial features. With increasing media coverage on plastic surgery and the massive number of procedures performed, minorities are experiencing the results of plastic surgery in ethnic patients firsthand. In fact, more than 3.2 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures were performed on ethnic patients in 2010, which represents an increase of 243 percent since 2000.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the number of cosmetic procedures performed on Asian-Americans increased by 125 percent, Hispanics by 85 percent, and African-Americans by 56 percent between 2005 and 2013. On the other hand, cosmetic procedures increased by just 35 percent on Caucasians. The majority of ethnic patients want to maintain their ethnic identity. For instance, an Asian patient who has a blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) desires a wider eye that is natural looking to the Asian face. An African-American may be interested in a rhinoplasty (nose surgery) to reduce the size of their nose to obtain that balance with other facial features.
However, this new wave of ethnic plastic surgery has produced some negative feedback from people of all races and ethnic groups. Television personality, Julie Chen, underwent a double-eyelid surgery in her mid-20s due to the workplace racism she suffered in the ‘90s. Many people appreciated her confidence in defending her choice of undergoing eyelid surgery, but there were still others who compared her to Asians overseas who undergo surgery to resemble “pretty Western celebrities.” Ethnic patients have similar motivations and goals as other patients. They want to slow down the signs of aging, look rejuvenated, enhance, reduce, or refine features on their face or body. The most commonly requested procedures by ethnic patients are liposuction, breast reduction, Botox®, and other cosmetic fillers
To help ensure optimal results, patients must choose a board certified plastic surgeon who has experience in performing the requested procedure(s) on ethnic skin types.
If you’re interested in cosmetic surgery, schedule a consultation with Houston Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Germán Newall. Call 713.799.9999 to schedule.
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