I was contacted earlier this week by one of our local magazines in regards to being the plastic surgeon in next year’s extreme makeover contest. In this annual contest (now in its 5th year), potential patients apply to the magazine (75 entries are taken), are screened down to 10 potential candidates, and then the final ten are examined by the sponsoring plastic surgeon. Once selected, the winner gets a full plastic surgery makeover (for free) as determined by the patient’s desires and the recommendations of the plastic surgeon. Such an annual contest was undoubtably inspired by the TV show, Extreme Makeover.
In essence, patients are competing for a prize of free plastic surgery. Their ‘price’ is one of media exposure, the plastic surgeon’s ‘price’ is the cost of the giveaway plastic surgery and he/she has to agree to purchase 6 full-page ads in the magazine over the next year.
When asked if I would be this year’s sponsoring plastic surgeon, I respectfully declined. Participating in such a contest is in direct violation of the ethical standards established by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Giving away free surgery in any contest, charity raffle, or promotion violates the high ethical guidelines established by the premier plastic surgery organization in the world. By doing so, one is shamelessly using patients for individual self-promotion. Many people would have plastic surgery if it were free. While such a concept is entertaining on television, it is not a reputable method on which to build a plastic surgeon’s experience or promote their practice.
Dr Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana