Black Women are often not included in typical aesthetics. From ads to the look of providers, we can be often excluded. This is all about how to get the best results by getting the right provider.
Black women often ask questions about aesthetic procedures related to whether the practitioner has experience working with darker skin tones, how treatments will affect their unique facial features, potential for hyperpigmentation, and whether the procedure can achieve desired results while still maintaining their ethnic identity, including questions like::
Experience with Black skin:
- “Do you have significant experience treating Black skin and understanding the specific concerns related to melanin levels?”
- As a black woman, I also had the concern that people wouldn’t listen to my concerns. I also was not confident that they would understand my skin. I have dedicated so much time to ensuring I understood my own skin and those whose skin look like mine.
Hyperpigmentation concerns:
- “How can I minimize the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after this procedure?”
- Hyperpigmentation comes when your melanin becomes overly excited. This is prevented by pre-treatment with medications/creams that assist with decreasing the hyperactivity of your melanin.
Ethnic considerations:
- “Can you explain how this treatment will be tailored to my facial features and ethnic background?”
- Unique features are beautiful! Those that represent your ethnic background are celebrated with us. Lips, noses chins and more make you who you are! We are only here to enhance and never change!
Realistic expectations:
- “What are realistic expectations for the outcome of this procedure on my skin tone?”
- We only offer treatments that have a history of safety for skin of color. We too, deserve to feel beautiful and reach our skin goals. Until Lavish, I did not know I could have the skin that I do now. Trusting the science behind the products has opened my eyes to so many treatments that I thought were not open to me.
Scarring concerns:
- “How likely is it for scarring to occur on my skin after this procedure?”
- Scarring is extremely rare. We use products that are safe on all skin types and tones. Darker skin is very sensitive and has to be treated properly to prevent any issues. We often pretreat to prepare the skin and melanin for treatments. Understanding the anatomy or make up of darker skin is paramount.
Treatment options for specific concerns:
- “What are the best treatments for addressing concerns like dark spots, uneven skin tone, or facial asymmetry that are common in Black women?”
- Thankfully, this is my favorite condition to treat. It is so prevalent in black and brown women and causes such distress. Chemical peels, creams, medical grade skincare and medications are some of the tools I use to treat hyperpigmentation.
- Facial asymmetry can be treated successfully with Botox and Fillers. This is such an art and one of my favorite treatments as it improves confidence exponentially.
Before and after photos of diverse patients:
- “Can you show me examples of before and after photos of Black women who have undergone similar procedures?”
- You can always see before and after photos on our website and additionally on social media at LiveLavishDE on Facebook and Instagram.
Cultural sensitivity:
- “Do you understand the cultural nuances and beauty standards that are important to Black women?”
- Black women and men have such different beauty standards than many cultures. Most beauty standards that are seen on tv are very limited while reality shows the many variations. Black culture is so unique and being aware of the standards is essential to getting great results.
Cost and financing options:
- “What is the total cost of the procedure and are there any financing options available?”
- We are so excited to offer Cherry and Care Credit to assist with the cost of your treatments. These are ways to get your service today and pay later.
Potential side effects:
- “What are the potential side effects specific to my skin type and what steps can be taken to mitigate them?”
- With any treatment there are risks as our skin can react unpredictably. Just like taking a new medication, eating a new food or drinking something new, there can be a reaction. We mitigate these by being knowledgeable, vigilant and understanding the science behind our treatments. Taking our jobs seriously and ensuring everyone you encounter in our office is well trained in the treatments they provide.
Key points to remember:
- Seek a qualified practitioner:
- Always choose a provider with extensive experience treating diverse skin tones.
- Open communication is crucial:
- Discuss your concerns and expectations openly with your provider to ensure optimal results.
- Research is important:
- Educate yourself about different procedures and their potential impact on Black skin.
