Aesthetic considerations when treating patients of African descent: Thriving in diversity international roundtable series

Abstract

Background: Black patients of African descent are an ethnically diverse demographic and have unique anatomical features, aging processes, and responses to aesthetic procedures that must be considered when planning treatment.

Aims: To discuss similarities and differences in the anatomy and treatment preferences of Black patients of African descent and explore how these differences may influence aesthetic practices.

Patients/methods: In support of clinicians who wish to serve a diverse patient population, a 6-part international roundtable series focused on diversity in aesthetics was conducted from August 24, 2021, to May 16, 2022.

Results: The results of the third roundtable in the series, the African Patient, are described here. The expertise and perspectives of African physicians, US physicians who treat African American patients, and physicians practicing within Latin America and Europe who treat patients of color (POC) of African descent are included, as well as information gleaned from injection demonstrations.

Conclusions: Black African patients seek aesthetic treatment for a variety of conditions. Patients with darker skin can benefit from treatment with fillers, neurotoxins, and energy-based devices, but the application of these approaches should take into account the unique characteristics of each individual patient and the cultural and biological influences that impact treatment outcomes.

Keywords: African American patient; African patient; aesthetic treatment; ethnic diversity; facial morphology.