In data collected by the American Society for Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery, cosmetic procedures have increased 544% since 1997 with more than 20% of all procedures performed on ethnic groups with darker skins.

Surgeons must understand and accommodate the differences in the structure and function of ethnic patients’ skin to ensure a favorable outcome of the procedures they perform.

Patients with darker skin, which contains more melanin, are concerned about potential hypo or hyper-pigmentation, which causes patches of skin that are lighter or darker than the surrounding tissue.

The use of lasers on darker skin can, for instance, cause streaks or patterns and darker skin is also more subject to the formation of hypertrophic or keloid scars while healing.

Conversely, some procedures are more likely to be effective on dark skin, like the use of fillers such as Botox to address the presence of creases and lines. Chemical peels, however, are not as successful or appropriate unless the doctor understands the extent to which the agents used will or will not penetrate the skin.

Population trends indicate that by 2050, more than half of the population in the nation will be of an ethnic descent other than caucasian. This shift will require plastic surgeons and cosmetic professionals to hone their understanding of the unique needs these individuals present, including those who might seek procedures to decrease the degree of their ethnic appearance.