You go to a plastic surgeon for the first time to get some form of cosmetic surgery or weight loss surgery. What do you think has inspired you to go ahead and make the appointment to get more plastic surgery information? Chances are that you have been motivated to do so after watching reality TV shows that demonstrate extreme changes to the appearance of the participants (such as The Biggest Loser or The Swan).
One study has shown that four out of five first-time patients speaking to plastic surgeons about desired cosmetic changes are doing so after watching a reality TV show that depicts plastic surgery or extreme changes in appearance. The problem is that these shows typically show beneficial results without actually explaining the risks involved in the procedures that are used to make those changes.
This doesn't necessarily mean that it's a bad thing to look in to getting plastic surgery after seeing someone's life changed by it on a television show. However, it is important to make sure that you are capable of distinguishing fact from fiction in regards to the results that can be expected and the risks involved with plastic surgery. Discussing the details with your doctor will help to clear up any misconceptions that you may have as a result of getting plastic surgery information from the TV.
Question of the Day: What percentage of first-time plastic surgery patients are inspired by reality TV shows?
