MTV aired a show a couple of weeks ago entitled, “I Hate My Plastic Surgery.” It was an episode in the network’s “True Life” reality series, and if the show is really representative of how young women think about themselves, their bodies and their options, then it’s truly scary. What’s even more frightening is the way the show presents health information in the course of following its characters, allowing statements the women make to sound, well, true.
The first of the two young women featured, Amanda, decided her breast implants were making her sick. She and her doctor concluded that she had the symptoms of “silicone toxicity poisoning” and that she should have her implants removed. There was no mention of the fact that the Food and Drug Administration declared silicone breast implants safe in 2006 after decades of study, or that medical grade silicone is used inside the body in feeding tubes, artificial joints and other applications. Or that most doctors’ stand on silicone poisoning is, “Never heard of it.”
Few people would say that the risk of an adverse reaction to silicone is absolutely zero. In fact, there is discussion on the Web about silicone toxicity (often followed by a pitch for breast enhancement creams or pumps). But it does seem irresponsible for MTV to simply accept—and therefore broadcast—the view that Amanda’s breast implants made her ill.
As the episode drew to a close, Amanda, happy to have her implants out but now wondering if she’s too small, investigated breast augmentation via fat transfer. Her doctor of choice, a gynecologist/urologist with “advanced training in cosmetic procedures” (read: not a board-certified plastic surgeon), agreed that this new form of breast enhancement is totally natural and did not mention any of the risks or drawbacks. The fact is, the kinks are still being worked out of this new procedure and many physicians withholding judgment on whether fat transfer for breast augmentation is safe and effective.
Nikki, the second person to appear on “I Hate My Plastic Surgery,” is a young woman who may cause you to wonder how many others out there are as fixated on their appearance, so lacking in self-awareness and confidence and so easily influenced by others.
Unhappy with her first nose job, Nikki decided to have a second round of rhinoplasty. She chose her doctor based on the fact that he “worked on” many of her modeling colleagues, most often on their breasts, and they were happy. Indeed, the Los Angeles plastic surgeon has no information on his website to indicate he’s a specialist in revision rhinoplasty, even though the site mentions that the procedure is difficult.
The night before surgery, Nikki and her friends went out to kiss her old nose goodbye. The evening’s celebrations were complete with champagne, even though alcohol the night before surgery is a bad idea.
After surgery, Nikki was initially very happy with her new nose. A month later, she wasn’t so sure. Was it small enough? A couple of people told her they didn’t see much difference. Oh dear. But wait, her photographer said her nose looks great. Okay then. “Yay…I feel a lot better now.”
Of course “True Life” is television. No matter the title of the show, it’s not your average person’s true life. But with MTV still quite popular, especially among young women who might be somewhat easily influenced, it’s disappointing to see so much content that’s just so unhelpful.