Effects Of Plastic Surgery On Darker Skin Types
Recent advances in plastic surgery techniques decrease the risks of some of the most common concerns for those considering plastic surgery. Since darker skins pigmentation create a greater risk for developing scar tissue such as greater visibility, raised scars, thicker scars, and skin discoloration, these newer techniques offer more hope for those who feel they need services of a plastic surgeon.
Keloid and Hypertrophic Scars
Keloid and Hypertrophic scars are thick raised scars that are not only a source of discomfort, but they are also unpleasant cosmetically as well. While a hypertrophic scar remains within the bounds of the original incision or wound, it does overgrow causing a more visible scar. At the same time, a keloid scar extends past the bounds of the wound and becomes large and painful.
While people of any ethnicity can develop these kinds of scars, there is a greater chance that those of African, Asian, and Hispanic lineage will see evidence of their formation. When there is already a history of such scars, it is more likely that they will occur.
Other factors that point to the possible formation of keloid or hypertrophic scars are inflammation and tension of the wound.
With the newer techniques available to cosmetic surgeons, anyone that is at higher risk for forming keloid or hypertrophic scars should not have to be overly concerned. These techniques can actually prevent the overgrowth with careful placement of the incision. The patient can also opt for less invasive procedures which will reduce inflammation that may occur, and tension at the wound site. Placing stitches in deeper layers of the skin can also reduce this tension.
Botox is another method that can be used to release the tension that is often present on a healing incision or wound.
Discoloration
When it comes to discoloration, this can be with the accumulation of too much pigmentation, or lack of enough pigmentation that sometimes occur with laser skin resurfacing, chemical peels, and dermabrasion procedures that leave the skin dark, blotchy, or lighter than surrounding areas.
If you are considering facial cosmetic surgery, and you are from an ethnic background that places you at risk of any of the above side effects, be sure that you get in touch with a surgeon that has experience with darker skin. He will be able to make recommendations, and help you choose the best methods and safest procedures for you.
