Common Dermatologic Procedures and the Associated Complications Unique to Skin of Color

BACKGROUNDThe skin of color (SOC) population in the United States continues to grow, and these patients are undergoing various cosmetic and surgical procedures at increasing rates. There is a paucity of data on the potential complications associated with surgical and cosmetic procedures in this patient population.OBJECTIVEWe aim to educate dermatologic surgeons and clinicians on surgical and cosmetic procedures in patients of color and increase awareness of the potential complications unique to this patient population.MATERIALS AND METHODSA thorough PubMed literature search was performed to conduct this review.RESULTSThere are a number of complications in SOC that require special attention, including keloids, postoperative infections, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, and hypopigmentation. There are also various precautions to consider when performing cosmetic procedures, such as neurotoxin and filler injections, laser therapy, microneedling, and chemical peels.CONCLUSIONDermatologists should be aware of the potential cosmetic and surgical complications of this growing patient population to provide optimal evidence-based medical care.