Raechele Cochran Gathers, MD Though somewhat protected by higher levels of melanin, darker skin tones are not immune to wrinkling, pigment irregularities, sagging, loss of volume and other signs of aging skin. Now, more than ever, people with skin of color, are undergoing various cosmetic procedures in an effort to look younger, fresher and more rejuvenated.
In 2015, ethnic minority patients accounted for 1 in 4 of all aesthetic procedures done in the US. Now, that number is about 1/3 of all aesthetic procedures. From dermatology offices to plastic surgery centers, more African Americans, Latinos and others with skin of color are seeking out cosmetic enhancement procedures.
Cosmetic Enhancement
There are numerous methods of cosmetic enhancement that are becoming more popular among individuals with skin of color. These include:
1. Fillers
Substances, such as hyaluronic acid, that are injected under the skin to fill lines and plump up the skin.
2. Chemical peels
Chemical solutions, such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid (TCA) are applied to the skin to peel the superficial layers of skin. This can improve acne, brighten the skin, refine skin texture, and fade dark spots.
3. Botox
A drug derived from a bacterial toxin that is injected into specific muscles of the face, paralyzing them, to reduce and prevent the appearance of wrinkles.
4. Lasers
Intense specific beams of light are used to improve skin texture, dark spots, scarring and to remove hair.
Special Considerations for Skin of Color
Skin of color reacts differently to cosmetic procedures. Skin of color is more prone to developing scarring, keloids and discoloration. If you’re considering getting some sort of cosmetic enhancement done, always see a board certified physician, and always do your research! Ask for referrals from friends and physicians that you trust.
Watch this woman undergoing a filler treatment for the volume loss underneath her eyes and on her cheek area. Fillers under the eye can help with under eye darkness and shadows.
Finding a Cosmetic Physician
If you’re considering having a cosmetic procedure, make sure to ask yourself the following:
- Does this physician commonly do cosmetic procedures on patients with skin of color?
- Is the physician board certified and a member of one of the following professional organizations?
• The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• The American Society of Plastic Surgeons
• The American Academy of Dermatology
• The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery - Does the physician allow you to see before and after pictures of recent patients?How many cosmetic procedures does the physician do?
- Is the physician friendly and professional?
- Does the physician encourage my questions?
- What’s the price? If a ‘touch up’ procedure is needed, what will be my financial obligation?
- Is the physician realistic, or is he trying to sell me ‘pie-in-the-sky’ results?
- Does the physician spend time discussing the risks of the procedure with me?
Looking for more info about cosmetic options for your skin? Check out the Skin of Color Society.
