Television's presentation of cosmetic surgery
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What do plastic surgeons think of the way cosmetic surgery is present on TV reality shows like The Swan, Extreme Makeover, I Want a Famous Face ?
Most patients don't want extreme changes, Bernard said. In a survey of 1,000 people last November, the society found that 68 percent would prefer a subtle change in their appearance, while 23 percent would consider an extreme change desirable.
"People have to remember that the patients on the show are culled from hundreds of applicants and they break it down to the few who are going to bring the drama and make the show interesting to watch."
Bernard is concerned that patients in the shows are chosen for their entertainment value and wonders whether some of them are appropriate candidates for surgery.
TV's portrayal of cosmetic surgeries sparks debate