While it’s become common knowledge that black market and cheap cosmetic procedures have left many disfigured or worse, dead -- thanks to shows like “Botched," it seems like every few months another young woman makes headlines after losing her life to a black market procedure like butt injections. With cosmetic procedures being performed on primetime television shows and even on popular Snapchat accounts, the trend to Brazilian lift, booty plump or "nip and tuck" is becoming more normalized and growing, particularly among African Americans.
According to the latest Plastic Surgery Statistics Report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, African Americans accounted for 1.3 million cosmetic procedures in 2014, up 8% over 2013. From 2005 to 2013 cosmetic surgeries done on African American’s increased by 56%. Many turn to underground procedures and medical tourism out the country to get the look they want on the low, for the low.
READ: Woman Paid For A Butt Lift, Woke Up To Kidney Failure & Tummy Tuck Instead!
Recently, BlackDoctor.org spoke with Lifetime's “Atlanta Plastic” very own Dr. Wright Jones, who highlighted the many dangers and risks associated with these low cost procedures.
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“They’re opening themselves up to all kinds of dangers when meeting these shady people in sketchy locations,” said Wright who revealed that many ignore these red flags simply due to the “low cost.”
According to Jones, cutting corners in the name of a voluptuous derriere or ample breasts can be extremely detrimental as you never know what “filler” is being injected. “If these fillers, [often silicone] reaches the blood stream, it can cause excruciating pain, coughing up blood, swelling of the lower extremities and in some cases, death.”
Meanwhile, Jones argues that while you won’t see these procedures advertised, “word of mouth” has created a boost in business. “Often times, you have a friend or know someone who has undergone a black market procedure, who will refer you,” he said.
READ: The True Costs Of Black Plastic Surgery
Jones went on to add that going under the knife overseas - plastic surgery tourism - is just as risky as surgeons “do not have to be certified – held to the standards of education and ethics like here in the U.S.”
When it comes to seeking out a cosmetic surgeon, Jones says the only way is by way of a “board certified plastic surgeon.”
“Do your research. There are a lot of fake boards that have been formed – this can be confusing for people. Look for American Board of Plastic Surgery. The mission of this board is to promote safe, ethical, successful plastic surgery by maintaining high standards for education and certification. That will help them out a lot.”
READ: Does Your Plastic Surgeon Make The Cut?
Adding that “just because a site’s pictures look good, doesn’t mean they specialize in that service. A surgeon could offer a dozen different procedures but only have completed them once or twice. Read reviews and select someone who has successfully completed Brazilian butt lift, rhinoplasty, breasts implants, etc. countless times.”
When it comes to recovery, Jones says expect “pain initially – but a point where you become extremely happy with your results – when done by a board certified plastic surgeon.”
Concluding, before undergoing surgery, ensure you’re “doing it for the right reasons.” It shouldn’t be a “quick fix for self-esteem.” Plastic surgery is “a last resort. I will always push for the least extreme option to get the results you want, whether it be diet and exercise or a combination of that and minimal work.”
For more information on Dr. Wright Jones and his services, visit his website at www.wrightjonesplasticsurgery.com.
