Plastic Surgery and Scar Management for Ethnic Groups

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As plastic surgery becomes more common, more and more persons of color are opting for procedures. As a rule, ethnic groups are often more susceptible to scarring due to increase of melanin, a brown pigment found in the skin. At Park Avenue Plastic Surgery, Dr. Brian Joseph and our dedicated team understand that minority patients have similar motivations and goals as other persons to maintain a youthful appearance without sacrificing their ethnic identity.

Risks and Complications

Previously, scarring discouraged ethnic groups from obtaining plastic surgery due to fear of adverse results.

Patients can now opt for less invasive procedures which limits trauma to underlying tissues and causes less inflammation and swelling. Incisions can be placed where they are less visible. Scars may be eliminated or reduced utilizing topical and injectable medications, pressure therapy and surgical removal.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, (ASPS) statistics indicate over 373.478 African Americans had cosmetic procedures in 2001, with more than 227,000 receiving scar revision procedures in the same year.

The Facts of Keloid and Hypertrophic Scars

Keloids are raised scars that can grow beyond the actual surgical site, while hypertrophic scars are also raised, but stay within the area of incision. Patients should also be aware of the following information regarding keloids and hypertrophic scars:

  • Darker skinned groups are most susceptible, but not all ethnic groups are at risk.
  • Both can appear anywhere on the body, but most commonly effect areas around the chest, shoulders and ears
  • Family history increases the risk of developing either
  • Recurrence is higher in patients who have previously had them
  • Risk diminishes with age.

Common Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Procedures

Hispanics led all minority groups in the number of procedures performed in 2008. Most commonly requested by this group were:

Plastic surgery procedures for African Americans between 2000 and 2008 were up 145 percent, nationwide. Most frequently requested procedures were:

  • Nose reshaping
  • Breast reduction
  • Liposuction

Asian Americans use of plastic surgical procedures also increased between 2000 and 2008, up 290 percent. Most commonly requested procedures were:

Choosing the Right Cosmetic/Plastic Surgeon

Patients should choose an experienced plastic surgeon that is experienced in differing skin types and ethnically sensitive concerns.

The surgeon should be considerate of factors that the patient considers attractive and conform to their cultural ideals. Dr. Brian Joseph at Park Avenue Plastic Surgery is a compassionate, experienced surgeon, dedicated to providing his patients with results that meet their personal needs.

If you have resisted the option of cosmetic/plastic surgery based on the uncertainty of the results and live in the Orlando/Winter Park region in Florida, please contact the caring professionals at Park Avenue Plastic Surgery for your free consultation today.

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