For decades, cosmetic surgery has been popular among Hollywood's elite, but with ABC's hit new show, Extreme Makeover, everyday people have the opportunity to become perfectly plastic.

"It's a weekly documentary on which two homely people are sawed and sanded into two beautiful people-and thus granted deliverance from the travails of existence," wrote Virginia Heffernan, in a New York Times article.

Each episode of the new reality show features two people as they choose to undergo liposuctions, facelifts, breast implants, dental work and more.

The participants leave their loved ones behind for nearly six to eight weeks as they willingly subject themselves to extensive cosmetic procedures.

Despite the show's growing popularity among the general public, fears of some within the field of cosmetic surgery are mounting.

"It will seem as like it is not that difficult to go through a surgery as in fact it is," said Julie Younger, a patient coordinator for a plastic surgeon in Orem.

"I think it maybe simplifies things-'oh look we can do 15 things at once,'" Younger explained. "But no, we are not going to do five surgeries at once, that is not good for them and they'll have a lot more trouble bouncing back than they think they will."

In a recent news release, Clark O. Taylor, president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgeons, stated, "Facial or body-related cosmetic surgery is not something that should be approached lightly. This is real life surgery, which involves not only anesthesia but quite often an extensive post-operative recovery period."

"Programs like Extreme Makeover can lead the public to improper conclusions regarding the risks and rewards associated with cosmetic surgery," Taylor said.

Those considering cosmetic surgery are being encouraged to locate and consult with a qualified surgeon, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgeons.



Copyright Brigham Young University 16 Jun 2003