Fictional Portrayal of Plastic Surgery Does More Than Miss
the Mark
New York, NY (July 21, 2003) - "Nip/Tuck," a fictional television series that
focuses on the personal and professional lives of two plastic surgeons, does not
even remotely portray the "real life" world of plastic surgery and does a
disservice to millions of patients who benefit from cosmetic procedures, says
the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). ASAPS is the
leading organization of board-certified plastic surgeons specializing in
cosmetic plastic surgery.
"ASAPS members, and other board-certified plastic surgeons, follow a strict Code
of Ethics, developed by our specialty to promote the highest standards of
personal and professional conduct," says ASAPS President Robert Bernard, MD, of
White Plains, NY. "The manner in which our profession is portrayed in this new
series is absolutely absurd."
The doctor/patient relationship as portrayed in the series is particularly
disturbing to responsible plastic surgeons. Plastic surgeons listen to what
bothers patients about their looks and, when appropriate, they offer surgical
solutions; data has shown that plastic surgeons try to identify patients with
unrealistic expectations, since these people are not appropriate candidates for
surgery. Doctors routinely tell patients to expect improvement, not perfection;
they do not take advantage of patients' fears, anxieties or emotional
vulnerabilities. Plastic surgeons know that one of the keys to successful
surgery is a satisfied patient, and satisfaction is only possible when patient
and doctor agree on what can be realistically achieved through surgery.
Cosmetic surgery is not promoted by plastic surgeons as a magic bullet or "fix
all" solution to personal problems; the primary gains from cosmetic plastic
surgery are enhanced body image, and therefore, enhanced self-confidence. "What
plastic surgeons do usually results in men and women looking better and feeling
better about themselves, and that is very meaningful - for them and for us,"
says Dr. Bernard. "We have enormous respect - both for what is possible through
surgery and for the patients who put themselves in our hands."
The beneficial psychological effects of aesthetic (cosmetic) plastic surgery are
supported by a growing amount of peer-reviewed scientific literature. For
properly selected patients, aesthetic plastic surgery can be part of a continuum
of intelligent self-care that includes lifestyle choices like eating the right
foods, exercising, and not abusing cigarettes and alcohol.
"The aim of a dramatic series like 'Nip/Tuck' is to shock, titillate and
entertain," says Dr. Bernard. "As plastic surgeons, our only response to this
ridiculous program is that viewers should not confuse fiction with reality.
Given the outlandish story line so far, it's unlikely that anyone would."
The mission of ASAPS, founded in 1967, includes research and the education of
plastic surgeons, for the advancement of aesthetic plastic surgery and patient
care. ASAPS maintains a web site (www.surgery.org) that provides the public with
authoritative information on all aspects of cosmetic plastic surgery, as well as
referrals to qualified surgeons. Consumers also may call toll-free for surgeon
referrals: 1-888.ASAPS.11 (272.7711).
