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How Good are the Plastic Surgeons of Reality TV ??

The explosion of reality TV shows on plastic surgery and the public’s thirst for them has been one of the principle driving forces behind the large increase in cosmetic surgeries that have been done in the past five years. From Extreme Makeover to Dr 90210 to even Nip Tuck (obviously not a reality TV show…rather unreal….grossly misrepresentative of the average plastic surgeon’s life), the merging of cosmetic surgery with TV has been a very fruitful marriage in terms of viewer interest and ratings.

What is not apparent, however, is the qualifications of the plastic surgeons who are on these shows. As it turns out, some of them are not even board-certified. As I point this out to my patients who frequently ask question about these shows, they are usually quite surprised. How could this be, they ask? The answer is simple……the most important criteria for being on TV is…..appearance, personality, and how one comes across to the public…in short, being comfortable in front of a camera and being pleasing to watch. ‘Acting’ is more important than medical qualifications. After all, it is a TV show first and foremost.

Why would a plastic surgeon not be board-certified in today’s world? They either aren’t qualified by training to take the examination, have taken it and failed, or simply don’t see the benefits of having board-certification. After all, once you have a TV show, your practice will grow exponentially, regardless of board-certification. The public assumption is that if you on TV, you must be the most qualified or the best in your field. Maybe…..or maybe not!

Remember…being on TV is not a criteria for medical skill assessment…..it is more an indication of camera persona and viewability…..probably not the criteria you would use first and foremost to determine who should cut on you.

Dr Barry Eppley
http://www.eppleyplasticsurgery.com/
http://www.ologyspa.com/
Clarian North Medical Center, Carmel, Indiana
Clarian West Medical Center, Avon, Indiana
Indianapolis

The past five years has seen a significant spike in the number of plastic surgery procedures performed in the United States. One of the most significant reasons has been Reality TV shows. From Nip Tuck to Dr. 90210, the public has been fascinated by plastic surgeons, the patients undergoing the procedures, and the actual surgery itself. As a result, they have flocked to plastic surgeons like never before.

One of the few, but significant, drawbacks to this ‘rush to the knife’ is the unintentional creation of unrealistic expectations. TV shows do not do justice to two basic issues of plastic surgery, potential risks and complications of the operations and that real recovery time is needed for most surgeries. TV shows, due to editing and the objective of presenting the best outcomes, speed up actual recovery times and never show any real complications. (they seem to be reserved for other TV show as Plastic Surgery Disasters on HBO, where the worst and most unusual problems have occurred) While I find most patients do have an appreciation for the risk of complications and recovery time, the TV shows and mass media suppress these undesireables. It is incumbent on the day-to-day, ‘non-actor’ plastic surgeon to bring the patient back into the real reality circle.

The true Reality of Plastic Surgery, where more than 95% of patients have good results without any significant complications, is that 5% of patients do have problems or end up with a result that is less than their preconceived objectives. It is important for both plastic surgeon and patient alike to focus a significant part of the discussion prior to surgery on realistic expectations, what problems/complications can occur, and how they will be managed if they happen. This appearingly ‘negative’ aspect of presurgical consultation must be done to balance the euphoria and emotional high that many patients exeperience as they get excited about their surgery. This is what is part of a complete consultation. If your plastic surgeon does not spend time discussing these issues, go back for a second consultation to get the whole story. If that is still not satisfying, find another plastic surgeon. Until you are comfortable with the risks of surgery, do not undergo it.

Dr Barry Eppley
www.eppleyplasticsurgery.com
www.ologyspa.com
Clarian North Medical Center, Carmel, Indiana
Clarian West Medical Center, Avon, Indiana
Indianapolis