Television Reveals Ups and Downs of Plastic Surgery

by April Maguire

Plastic surgery-themed shows have been a staple of American television for over a decade. Although the programs themselves have varied in popularity, there’s no denying that audiences have a desire to get a front-row seat to the wonders of plastic surgery.

Miraculous Transformations

One of the first hit shows to feature plastic surgery as entertainment was ABC’s Extreme Makeover. Premiering in 2002, the show focused on everyday people who were interested in completely transforming their appearances. After a combination of plastic surgery, cosmetic changes and an intense workout regimen, many of the volunteers looked like completely new and—subjectively—more beautiful people.

At its core, Extreme Makeover was meant to be an uplifting experience. But it didn’t take long for the tone of plastic surgery television to turn ugly.

Competing For Procedures

In the wake of Extreme Makeover, several plastic surgery shows came along wherein contestants were forced to compete. Shows like Fox’s The Swan and the CW’s Bridalplasty turned makeover TV into a competitive sport, and audiences tuned out. The Swan only lasted 18 episodes, while Bridalplasty was cancelled after one low-rated season.

Fixing Procedures Gone Wrong

One of the newest additions to the world of plastic surgery TV is E!’s Botched. In many ways, Botched is a return to the uplifting plastic surgery programming of a decade ago. The show follows a pair of top-notch plastic surgeons, Dr. Terry Dubrow and Dr. Paul Nassif, as they repair the sometimes-alarming damage done by shoddy plastic surgery procedures.

When you break it down, Botched is fairly elegant in its conception. On the one hand, the show offers the spectacle of plastic surgery gone wrong. The people featured on the show have been left scarred and deformed by previous procedures, giving the audience a chance to gawk or cringe or say, “Better them than me.” But in the latter half of each episode, the damage is reversed, and the audience is treated to an amazing, uplifting transformation.

Also, it helps that the show’s stars aren’t new to reality television. Both doctors have been featured on the Real Housewives franchise, and Dubrow was even one of the featured plastic surgeons on The Swan. Because of this experience, both doctors are comfortable in front of the camera, which gives Botched a more natural, unscripted feel.

The popularity of Botched proves that audiences want to see plastic surgery-themed programming. But it is also shows that they to see the positive aspects of plastic surgery and its ability to enrich people’s lives.

If you or someone you know would like more information about plastic surgery, please feel free to schedule a consultation or contact one of our representatives today!

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