Stephanie Manson Brown, MBBS: Redefining Diversity in Aesthetics

In an interview with The Educated Patient, Stephanie Manson Brown, MBBS, MRCS, MFPM, head of Clinical Development at Allergan Aesthetics, emphasizes the need for culturally competent care, where practitioners are educated on the unique needs of patients with varied skin tones and ethnic backgrounds. This approach also requires a shift away from traditional Eurocentric beauty ideals toward a more inclusive understanding of aesthetics, where patients feel empowered to enhance and celebrate their unique features rather than conforming to a single standard.

She also underscores the company's dedication to advancing diversity, equity and inclusivity within the aesthetics industry and explains that their mission is to empower individuals' confidence by fostering a sense of authenticity and identity through aesthetic treatments.

A central pillar of this commitment is Allergan Aesthetics’ effort to diversify clinical research. Manson Brown highlights that generating efficacy and safety data for diverse populations is crucial for understanding different skin types, anatomy and aging patterns. This research enables healthcare providers to offer safe, tailored treatments based on the specific aesthetic concerns and biological characteristics of each demographic.

Allergan Aesthetics’ extensive study involving a diverse group of nearly 4,000 individuals revealed significant differences in aesthetic concerns among racial groups, with Black women prioritizing issues like hyperpigmentation and hair thinning, while White women focus more on wrinkles and sagging skin.

To support this inclusive vision, her team actively promotes community engagement, partnering with organizations such as The Black Beauty Club to champion diversity in the industry. They also focus on internal inclusivity, ensuring their employees, marketing strategies and training programs reflect diverse perspectives and experiences.

“When we are talking about focusing on diversity and ensuring that we're bringing in diversity and equity, it is important to know that it is a multi-layered approach,” she says.

This goes beyond mere representation, addressing the fundamental needs and desires of diverse patient populations and enhancing patient education. For Manson Brown, Allergan Aesthetics’ initiatives in education, research and representation are vital in fostering a beauty industry that respects and celebrates individuality, empowering patients to make informed decisions and feel confident in their aesthetic choices.