Cosmetic Enhancement Updates and Pitfalls in Patients of Color

Skin of color in dermatology encompasses individuals of various ethnic backgrounds including Black or those of African descent, Hispanic or Latino, Asian, Native American, Pacific Islander, and those of mixed ethnicities. Because these populations continue to expand, more patients of color (POC) are seeking out cosmetic enhancements and treatments. Aside from cosmeceuticals, nonsurgical cosmetic rejuvenation options, such laser and light-based treatments, neurotoxins, soft tissue augmentation, and more recently body contouring and skin tightening, are becoming increasingly popular worldwide. This article examines risks of cosmetic enhancement procedures in POC and best practices to prevent adverse events.