Culturally Sensitive Aesthetic Interventions for Patients of African Descent

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: The United States population is diversifying, and more ethnic and racial minority individuals are requesting cosmetic procedures. There is a need for more inclusive facial plastic reconstructive surgery (FPRS) education including a more comprehensive understanding of ethnic aesthetic ideals and facial proportions; broader awareness of treatments for conditions that are more common in African Americans; and an understanding of how common conditions like facial aging may present differently in persons of African descent. This expert panel consisting of facial plastic reconstructive surgeons with extensive experience in treating African American patients will address comparative ethnic facial aesthetic proportions and ideals, specifically as they relate to rhinoplasty, in order to cultivate a global aesthetic consciousness. The use of artificial intelligence as a tool for understanding aesthetic goals will be presented. Panelists will discuss implications for rhinoplasty in Black patients based on anatomical characteristics. They will also discuss differences in facial aging, including interventions for patients of African descent. The panelists will exchange views on treatment of conditions for which Black patients are more likely to seek care including keloids and dyschromias. Finally, the healing role of aesthetics and its potential impact on health inequities will be explored.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Recognize differences in ethnic facial ideals and proportions as they impact rhinoplasty

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Identify treatment options for the Black aging face

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Implement treatments for keloids and dyschromias

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: As the United States population diversifies, and as more ethnic and racial minority individuals are requesting cosmetic procedures, there is a need for more inclusive facial plastic reconstructive surgery education, which this panel seeks to address.