By: Richard D’Amico, MD

In 2003, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) agreed to review the content for a new show, the ABC-TV series Extreme Makeover. I was on the review panel, and what my fellow surgeons and I observed and the subsequent developments have opened my eyes to a whole range of concerns raised by this new “reality” phenomenon. Here are some things the public should keep in mind.

ASPS involvement (although controversial at the time) did lead to some positive outcomes from Extreme Makeover. The consulting surgeons encouraged the show to demonstrate some key realities of the plastic surgery field: patient consultation, informed consent, physical and psychological examination, board-certification, postoperative care, and the importance of performing procedures in credentialed facilities.

While Extreme Makeover did, to a large extent, demonstrate these key points, its immense popularity opened the door for a lot of shows that most definitely have glossed over some important realities. These spin-off shows have at times misrepresented the plastic surgery profession and have, even more dangerously, led many people to have unrealistic expectations for their “real life” surgery.

A major concern is that these shows cut the scenes that involve consultation, complications, and recovery. When you cut out that time, you’re not only giving plastic surgery patients the idea that the process is “magical” and immediate; you’re also de-emphasizing all the planning and follow-up that must happen if the patient is going to choose wisely, heal well, and be happy with the result.

Take breast augmentation in New Jersey (breast enlargement) for example – the typical breast augmentation patient I see will need to spend the first 10 days after surgery resting up and avoiding many activities. Most patients won’t see full results for several months. Even the best surgical techniques in the world won’t have you going from “before” to “after” in a matter of days following most surgeries.

Bottom line: Plastic surgery in New Jersey is faster and more comfortable than ever and, with a good surgeon, you have every reason to expect a smooth recovery, but just remember that it is surgery, not magic.

Pull quote: “Appropriate planning and follow-up must happen if the patient is going to choose wisely, heal well, and be happy with the result.” – Dr. D’Amico