For the first time in a long time, I am using the race card.....

So - everybody knows I am headed into my second round of plastic surgery after a hellacious experience last year.  I have researched my AZZ off and found a doc I can be comfortable with and for whom I know folk that have used him.  He's Black.  My doc last year was White.  The doc I am using this year is not certified by the ABPS (American Board of Plastic Surgery) but by the AACS (American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery).  I did a lot of research on both of them - and to be honest - neither one is a guarantee that you can't get screwed.  My doc last year was ABPS certified and look what happened.

However - I am more comfortable with this doc BECAUSE he is Black and the lady that runs his back office is too.  I truly feel "at home" and that my "own" will take care of me - they know my fully story from last year and have taken great steps to talk me through everything. 

I am usually NEVER the one to go racial - so this is VERY odd to me.  And to be honest, I feel a little guilty about it - I know a-hole from last year is not representative of the entire White race of doctors - but I couldn't even bring myself to go to another one for a consult - I did consults with an Indian and then this doc. 

Am I wrong for that?   I just don't want to get jacked up again and this doc has worked on quite a few bruhs and sistas - comes HIGHLY recommended, has a CLEAN record with the Texas Medical Board (last year's mofo doesn't) and I haven't felt the slightest tinge of 'he's gonna jack me up'. 

there are self contained jewish communities in baltimore where people can by food, get medical services, see lawyers, get dry cleaners, worship, and educate their children without ever having to deal with a non jew.

i think its cool for a group of people to feel comfortable dealing with their people. its not that you hate other people, its just that you love yours.

i think black folks need more of it.  i personally try to seek the services of my people cuz if i don't, who will.  and yes, i've been burned more than once. but again, if i don't support my people, who will?

MM,

I do not think you are wrong; you have to go where you feel comfortable. I will say....I've been pondering about this very same thing. Two years ago I had a reduction and I was suppose to be off work 2 weeks. I ended up being off for 8 weeks. This doctor jacked me up and to this day is still begging me to fix it (probably scared of a law suit). I was going to let him do it last year but i knew i wanted to have the surgery so i waited. Now, I'm pondering about it. Why would i go to the same doc that jacked me up in the first place? Plus, i continuously told him...........no offensive.........black girl boobs look like this.............but he swore to me he knew it was a difference - clearly he lied. I would say be comfortable and it is what it is. I know you feel guilty about the race card but sometimes it's just truth.

so you SHARE the jacked up experience with me!!  Doc from last year swore UP and DOWN i would be in a two piece for the summer.....

and I was - AT POPEYE'S!!!!!

I wouldn't let ole boy from last year touch me EVER - hell - I tried not to BLINK too many times in my post op appts - didn't want to take a chance he could do any MORE damage.

thanks for your input.

Trina, don't feel bad at all!  This is your life...your body!  I will probably get blasted for this...but I don't care.  There are some things, I feel, you HAVE to play that race card.  There are differences in how our bodies respond to treatment, or react, and who better to work with those differences than a doctor of color? 
It's a matter pf preference, and that's YOUR preference. 
I ain't mad at ya. 

See - THAT'S what I am talking about - the whole scarring issue, keloids, etc - that makes a difference too - and seeing that most of his clients are Black has me more comfortable too.  Especially because the person that I got his name from is light like me and also lost about as much weight as I have - she's looking HAWT!!!!  LOL

No Mack Mama,

I really don't think that you are using the race card...even if you feel that way. I think that you are trying to find the most qualified person...in light of your past experience.  I mean...I am sure you will still go to a PCP or another specialist even if they don't happen to be black.  It just that you are gun shy when it comes to the plastic surgeon.  Basically the equivalent of not wanting to go into a black owned store for groceries if you were short changed once. It might take a little time for them to earn that trust back....same difference. As with anything...the whole group does some times suffers as the result of the act of one. It might not be fair but unfortunately its reality..and it has been proven over and over again. 

Plus I have often wondered if black surgeons don't do more research on the healing processes and aftercare of black skin. For that reason alone, I think that I would look to a black surgeon if in fact this were the case and one was available.

Well this is just my 2 cents. I am getting anxious for you because I know how much you want everything to turn out right.  You will be find ETA (fine)....believe me...just knowing what you have been through...I think any surgeon would watch his or her step this time WITH YOU!

ETA: Sorry...I meant that its ok to feel this way...my first sentence is a little confusing. 

Exactly why I have a Black Pediatrician for my son.  I don't want some old white guy telling me about the sickle cell anemia trait my son has that he doesn't know shiot about other than what he read--no family, friend, etc. history.

Go with what you know. 

Dang girl - I think you just won some more cool points with me - I will tell the homies to extend your Ghetto Visa by two years - I'll sponsor you..... LOL!!!!!!

You know what.....Do you boo!!! With what you have been through you can feel and think anyway you want! Just for you the provider that you found just happens to be black. It's in all who you trust when I had my breast reduction my doctor was of caucasian persuasion and I would go back to him in a heart beat.

But I'm pretty sure if you had a black doctor who screwed you over,we would be reading a different story.....Im just sayin Im just sayin