A recent study published in the leading plastic surgery journal has examined how reality plastic surgery television shows like Dr. 90210 can affect the decision making of prospective patients. Some highlights of the study:a. Researchers studied the behavior of 42 cosmetic plastic surgery patients.
b. Out of these patients, 57% were high-intensity viewers of plastic surgery shows.
c. These patients were greatly influenced by television and the media to opt for cosmetic plastic surgery.
d. They felt they knew more about general plastic surgery.
e. They also believed that the reality shows on plastic surgery reflected real life situations.
f. Four out of five participants said that the reality shows influenced their decision to go in for plastic surgery.
g. One-third said that they were "very much" or "moderately" influenced.
Is this a good or bad thing? I must admit that I am a bit biased, since my appearances on Dr. 90210 a few years ago helped get my practice going. For the most part, I have great respect for many of the plastic surgeons on the various reality shows, and believe they present the specialty well. I would count these "television" surgeons as my friends or acquaintances (among others): Dr. Richard Ellenbogen, Dr. Gary Motykie, Dr. Steve Svehlak, Dr. Dan Yamini, Dr. John Diaz, Dr. Robert Rey, and Dr. Gary Alter.
Nothing, however, takes the place of a patient undergoing a real face-to-face consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. This is where the truth should be separated from some of the exaggerations which are seen on television.
p.s. Don't forget to catch the season premiere of Dr. 90210 on E! July 30th.
story credit: plasmetic.com
Thanks for reading.
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.: