HEALTH COLUMN

Americans are becoming extreme about body image.
We are spending more money on elective surgical procedures to have a butt shaped like Beyonce' or abdominal muscles that are as rigid as Janet Jackson's. Let's face it, our society places major emphasis on how we look. For many of us, physical appearance influences how we see ourselves and how others see us. And with the change in the economy, many of us can afford the extra cost to undergo cosmetic enhancement.

There is nothing wrong with wanting to stay younger or changing something about yourself you don't like. Cosmetic enhancement will make you look different and ultimately give you self-confidence you never had before. The number of African Americans electing to undergo cosmetic surgery is steadily increasing. Many of us have thought about going under the knife but we wonder if it is safe and if we will have the same results as our Caucasian counterparts. Let us begin by discussing what every African-American woman and man should know about plastic surgery.

Statistically, about 90% of all cosmetic procedures are performed on women and 10% are performed on men. According to race, 87% of Caucasians undergo some form of plastic surgery in comparison to 6% of Hispanics, 4 to 5% of African Americans and only 3% of Asian Americans. The top 5 cosmetic procedures are as follows (in order):
Chemical peel
Collagen injection
Sclerotherapy (treatment for leg veins)
liposuction and
Cosmetic eyelid surgery

Why is the demand for elective surgery on the rise?
According to several sources,
1st, it is related to the growing middle class in each ethnic group. They have more expendable income for elective procedures.

2nd, medical advances have greatly reduced the risks of scarring, known as keloids, among dark skinned patients.

3rd, the American media has helped raise awareness that a single standard of beauty no longer exists in multi-ethnic America.

And last, reality television shows the amazing results achieved by many individuals after undergoing plastic surgery. Not only is it free advertisement for plastic surgeons but it also appeals to anyone watching.
What are the risks and benefits of plastic surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, there is always a risk of infection, hemorrhaging or bleeding, tissue destruction, scarring or keloid. People of different minority groups tend to have differences in skin texture. African Americans tend to have heavier skin than Caucasians. Asians tend to have a more depressed nasal bridge. Different skin texture may affect the amount of scarring after surgery.

What should you look for in a surgeon?
It is important to seek a board certified surgeon who is experienced in performing the procedure you desire and who has performed the procedure on individuals similar to your ethnic background. It is the responsibility of the consumer to communicate with the surgeon and make sure that there is a clear understanding of the look they hope to achieve. Make sure that you assess the pros and cons to treatment and make certain that the benefits of the procedure outweigh the risks. Also, it would be essential to gain a clear understanding of the limitations of the procedure being performed.
Who is a good candidate for plastic surgery?

People with minimal medical problems tend to be good candidates for plastic surgery. Individuals with hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, smokers, and obesity are usually not good candidates for cosmetic surgery. As mentioned above, all surgeries have inherent risks, but the addition of complex medical problems only make it more likely for complications after surgery.

Discuss your entire medical history with your doctor and ask if any of those factors put you at higher risk of having complications during or after surgery. Always remember to inform your doctor about the many different medications that you are taking, either prescription or nonprescription including herbal medicines and vitamins. Certain medications can alter the body's ability to form clots and could place one at higher risk of bleeding. Ask for your doctors advice or recommendations on what the outcome of treatment will be and again clarify whether or not your expectations can be met.

Conclusion
We all want to look our best but not at the expense of loosing our ethnicity. What is attractive for Caucasians isn't necessarily attractive for all ethnic groups. Remember that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and that it transcends race. The goal of plastic surgery is to enhance one's natural features. This cannot be accomplished if your doctor is unaware of what natural is for your particular ethnic background. Remember, African-American skin may scar and change its color after surface procedures that penetrate the skin, such as laser resurfacing. So these procedures may not be as effective in people with dark skin.

Cost may be of concern to many, but don't let cost determine who you allow to enhance your beauty. Most cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance plans unless there is evidence of an anatomical defect posing a medical problem for the surgical candidate. Choosing a qualified, board certified plastic surgeon with a good bedside manner may be critical to achieving a successful outcome.

Again remember, the goal of plastic surgery in African Americans is to enhance the natural beauty that brings out our individual ethnic traits.

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