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02.13.08
The Reality of Plastic Surgery Influences
Surprisingly, body image and self-esteem have very little to do with the motivation for plastic surgery. According to a study by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), body satisfaction has little to no influence on a person’s decision to go under the knife.
According to the ASPS, close to 11 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures were performed in 2006. Women made up 90% of all cosmetic plastic surgery procedures, having 9.9 million procedures, while men had 1.1 million procedures.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons study, which surveyed more than 52,000 people, focused on measuring self-rated attractiveness and comfort wearing a swimsuit. Other than liposuction, overall body satisfaction was the same between those interested in plastic surgery and those who were not. Men and women interested in liposuction did in fact report a lower body satisfaction, resulting in unhappiness with their weight.
If it’s not self-esteem, what is influencing patients to seek cosmetic surgery?
Another study by the ASPS shows that Reality television shows watched regularly by men and women affect potential cosmetic surgery patients.
The reality show influence study examined 42 cosmetic surgery patients. Four out of five people reported that reality shows influenced them to pursue a procedure. Those who were influenced by being regular watchers felt more knowledgeable about plastic surgery and believed it was close to real life.
This study considered ABC’s “Extreme Makeover”, FOX’s “The Swan”, MTV’s “I want a Famous Face”, TLC’s “Plastic Surgery: Before and After”, E!’s “Dr. 90210” and Bravo’s “Miami Slice”.
Viewers should be careful not to set unrealistic and unhealthy expectations about plastic surgery just by watching reality TV. They should not base education information based on what they see in the shows and should do their own research. Speaking to a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon or reading more about a procedure from credible sources can help eliminate any misconceptions about plastic surgery.
According to the ASPS, close to 11 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures were performed in 2006. Women made up 90% of all cosmetic plastic surgery procedures, having 9.9 million procedures, while men had 1.1 million procedures.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons study, which surveyed more than 52,000 people, focused on measuring self-rated attractiveness and comfort wearing a swimsuit. Other than liposuction, overall body satisfaction was the same between those interested in plastic surgery and those who were not. Men and women interested in liposuction did in fact report a lower body satisfaction, resulting in unhappiness with their weight.
If it’s not self-esteem, what is influencing patients to seek cosmetic surgery?
Another study by the ASPS shows that Reality television shows watched regularly by men and women affect potential cosmetic surgery patients.
The reality show influence study examined 42 cosmetic surgery patients. Four out of five people reported that reality shows influenced them to pursue a procedure. Those who were influenced by being regular watchers felt more knowledgeable about plastic surgery and believed it was close to real life.
This study considered ABC’s “Extreme Makeover”, FOX’s “The Swan”, MTV’s “I want a Famous Face”, TLC’s “Plastic Surgery: Before and After”, E!’s “Dr. 90210” and Bravo’s “Miami Slice”.
Viewers should be careful not to set unrealistic and unhealthy expectations about plastic surgery just by watching reality TV. They should not base education information based on what they see in the shows and should do their own research. Speaking to a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon or reading more about a procedure from credible sources can help eliminate any misconceptions about plastic surgery.
