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Under the Microscope: The Rise of Cosmetic Surgery for Women of Color

Thursday Mar 26, 2009 – By Sky Obercam

78766987 Despite the current economic climate, The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has reported that there’s been an increase in cosmetic surgery procedures among patients of color. In 2008, cosmetic procedures for non-white patients increased 11 percent while procedures among white patients dropped 2 percent. Latino’s comprised the largest increase, going up 18% since the prior year.

According to The ASPS, the most commonly requested cosmetic procedures for all cultural groups were Botox, injectable fillers and chemical peels. To be specific, Asian Americans made up 7% of minimally invasive cosmetic procedures; African Americans made up 8 percent and Latino’s, a whopping 10% since last year alone. ASPS President John Canady, MD speaks on this new trend…

“We’re seeing a rise in Hispanics opting for cosmetic procedures that coincides with the growth we’re seeing in the nation’s population. Less social stigma, as well as, advances in procedures allow patients to maintain their ethnic look. While the majority of patients continue to be Caucasian, the profile of the typical patient is changing.”

Although the ASPS seems to advocate that their patients seek to maintain some semblance of “ethnic purity,” it’s easy to speculate the real cause for the increase in cosmetic surgery for non-whites in this dire economy. One thing is for sure; there have been a number of advances that make it safer to treat pigmented skin. And it is highly plausible that the rise of Latino procedures directly reflects their rapidly growing population in the U.S.

Nonetheless, this new statistic is enough to give us pause and consider the implications.

Has the stigma of plastic surgery really started to diminish in certain cultures? Do women of color feel extra pressure to measure up to the European standard of beauty to compete for jobs in this stressful fiscal climate? There are surely more than a few factors that have led to the growth in these procedures, but in the end, what does it really mean?

lexibugg says:

March 31, 2009 at 8:20 pm

i guess i’ll be first!! i think an increase in affluent black women, leads to extra income and exposure to others(white Girlfriends) and different attitudes toward cosmetic procedures. i am 23, and i plan to began chemical peels or microdermabrasion, it really helps with hyperpigmentation and dark spots, and keeping that youthful glow.maybe botox in my forhead, i have expressive eyebrows they are always raised, especially while appling mascara, which i have been doing since 11. i want to get lip injections, because i have very small lips!!! i want a big megan good pout!!! and i have want to get by boobs done since i was 11(my step sis had a c cup in 4/5th grade),but i am a self mutilator and i tend to keloid. but i would never alter my facial features, permanantly!!!

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honeelove says:

May 1, 2009 at 3:45 pm

I am 35, have a 15 year old daughter and just a couple of days ago iw went for a consult and yesterday I paid for the procedure of my choice, which is lipo and have a date of surgery of June 11, 2009!
I think that we as black women have not been fiancially able to afford cosmetic surgery in the past. I also believe that while we are opting for more cosmetic surgery now, there are still some of us that make sure we keep those traits that make us who we are, such as our hips and butts! I, personallly see nothing wrong with a little nip/tuck. You only live once, make the most of it.