People using cosmetic surgery for ‘mixed race look'

Seeking such a look is fine if people understand why they are doing it, Professor Kirwan says

One recent trend cosmetic surgeons have noted is that of people using cosmetic surgery to achieve a "mixed race look" that combines aspects of two or more racial groups to create a blended look.

"Cosmetic surgeons have become more aware of racial differences in appearance and more willing to help people achieve the blended or mixed look they desire," said Professor Laurence Kirwan.

An American Society of Plastic Surgeons survey revealed that between 1997 and 2002, four times more minorities sought plastic surgery. In 2005, Asian-Americans underwent 437,000 cosmetic surgeries, a 58 percent increase from 2004.

Most of the Earth's population is non-white. Non-whites are people who aren't Caucasian and don't look Caucasian. Someone of mixed race would be considered "non-white" just as those of Indian, Asian, African, Polynesian or Hispanic descent.

However, whites account for a large percentage of cosmetic surgery, especially in the U.S. Racial differences make a difference in how cosmetic surgery turns out. So the doctor and patient must discuss that before going ahead with surgery.

"There's nothing wrong with people wanting to achieve a ‘mixed race' look. They just need to be aware of the issues involved," Dr. Kirwan said.

In Vietnam, children of American soldiers were regarded as second class citizens. Now, though, those children's features are sought by wealthy residents of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (the former Saigon). They spend a fortune seeking those children's lips, noses and eyes.

In South Korea, 10 percent of adults have had cosmetic surgery. China also has seen an increase in cosmetic surgery since a ban on such procedures was lifted in 2001.

Kirwan said as long as people understand why they want to change their appearance, there is nothing wrong with consulting a qualified cosmetic surgeon to do that.

The 12.4 billion-a-year cosmetic surgery industry certainly is adjusting techniques to accommodate those who seek a mixed race look. Whether that is due to the increasing number of minority patients is hard to say.

However, this much is clear. The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery has hosted conferences on subjects such as ethnic rhinoplasty and Asian upper-eyelid surgery.

Cosmetic surgeons are courting minorities, one third of the United States population, by using an increasing number of minorities' photos on their websites and promoting specializations in race-specific surgeries.

The society also reported an increase in minority patients seeking cosmetic surgery, from 300,000 in 1997 to 2 million in 2005.Of the 11.5 million cosmetic surgeries performed in 2005, 20 percent of the patients were of Hispanic, Asian or African descent.

-ENDS--

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Professor Laurence Kirwan, is recognised as an international leader in aesthetic plastic surgery. He has clinics in Harley Street, London, New York City and Connecticut, USA.  He specialises in aesthetic plastic surgery of the face, breast and body.  He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). He also is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and an active member of the prestigious American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). ASAPS members are required to perform a minimum number of aesthetic procedures each year to maintain membership. Both ASAPS and ASPS only admit physicians certified by the ABPS. The ABPS is the only Plastic Surgery Board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. It oversees physician training in the US. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery is the most prominent Society of its kind, representing a ‘gold standard' for excellence and innovation in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery worldwide. ASAPS meetings and approved educational activities draw surgeons from around the globe. Many UK surgeons make an annual pilgrimage to the Society's meeting and symposia. ASAPS members are required to perform a minimum number of aesthetic procedures each year to maintain membership.

Professor Kirwan was born in Liverpool. He graduated in Medicine from Manchester University in 1974 before becoming a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1979. He trained in General Surgery at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City. Then he completed Residencies at the Universities Denver, Colorado and Kansas City, Missouri. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and Professor of Plastic Surgery of the International School of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery at the University of Belgrade.

He was named one of Tatler magazine's Top Surgeons in its Cosmetic Surgery Guide for the years 2004 and 2007-2012.He was named the "Top Breast and Tummy" surgeon for the past two years. He was included in the London Evening Standard's 1,000 Most Influential People report for the years 2007-2009. Professor Kirwan is also featured in The World's Top Surgeons & Clinics, published by Beyond Black Publications. Russian Vogue listed him as one of the Top 20 Plastic Surgeons,worldwide.

Professor Kirwan is a frequent contributor to current affairs programs on television and is an occasional contributor to magazines and newspapers. He has published three books: "The Cutting Edge: A Top Surgeon Tells All," about plastic surgery; "My Mole Book," a guidebook for children, explaining what happens when a mole is removed; and "Ophelia Blue Eyes: My Life So Far," a biography of Ophelia Sarah Kirwan, the professor's own daughter, who was born with Down syndrome. All are available through either Artnik Publishers or Amazon.com.