In recent news articles and social media buzz, news anchor and television personality Julie Chen revealed her decision to undergo plastic surgery. As an Asian-American, Chen had eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) to address her eyes for a more alert and expressive appearance. While Chen’s procedure has received much attention from the press, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) has reported a general substantial growth in cosmetic procedures among ethnic patients. Serving the diverse Atlanta area for 20 years, double board certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Whiteman discusses the growth of ethnic plastic surgery and the importance of finding a surgeon experienced in treating patients of different backgrounds.
ASPS has attributed the strong growth in plastic surgery procedures to customized procedures that preserve cultural identities for African American/Black, Hispanic, and Asian patients. Studies conducted by ASPS show rhinoplasty was the most common in African American and Middle Eastern ethnic groups while blepharoplasty was the most performed for Asians and breast augmentation for Latin American/Hispanic patients. Since skin, bone, tissue structure, and aesthetic goals all vary among each patient, it is important to find a highly skilled and experienced surgeon who is board certified to perform plastic surgery.
During plastic surgery consultations, Dr. Whiteman discusses aesthetic goals, procedures, and expectations with each patient as well as answers any questions about the procedure. It is important to review your surgeon’s before and after photos as well as their board certifications and experience. Many ethnic patients are concerned about preserving their cultural identity. For example, ethnic rhinoplasty requires special precision and understanding of the nose’s complex bone and cartilage structures. An African-American patient’s goals will differ from a Caucasian or Hispanic patient’s aesthetic goals as their nasal structure typically contains more fibrous tissue and weaker cartilage.
If you are interested in a cosmetic or reconstructive procedure at Southern Plastic Surgery, contact us today to schedule your consultation. Also be sure to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest news and updates.