The initial assessment of ethnic skin needs to be culturally sensitive. A clear discussion about expectations, number of treatment sessions required for a likely result, limitations of a particular cosmetic modality, or product as well as a discussion of the potential side effects must be carefully explained during a consultation. As the skin of color market continues to grow, the long-term cosmetic concerns of the individuals that comprise this market should be comprehensively evaluated. Esthetic considerations for ethnic skin presently include cosmeceuticals, laser treatments, injections with Botox®, chemical peels, Restylane, Sculptra, fitness, hair loss, and sun protection.

Semin Cutan Med Surg 25:158-162 © 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

There were 9.2 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures in 2004 in the United States. Of that total, 553,000 were performed on Latinos, 461,000 were performed African Americans, and 276,000 were performed on Asians.