Colo. (KKCO) ?Not so long ago plastic surgery
was kept secret by people who went under the knife. Now, many women openly
discuss about liposuction and breast augmentation, while cosmetic procedures
can be be readily seen on television. E! network's Dr. 90210 and Bridalplasty are shows that have made
physical perfection mainstream.
Dr. Matthew
Swelstad, a plastic surgeon at ReGenesis Plastic Surgery and SkinCare Center at St. Mary's Hospital, says, "Plastic
surgery has become a lot more acceptable over the last ten years." Some viewers following the sweep of surgical
procedures have second opinions.
A 16-year-old
viewer named Bailey Hilty commented, "I think they glorify plastic
surgery, especially with Bridalplasty. They make it seem like all brides should
get it and it's something that every woman should want, to look perfect."
"It's just
so Hollywood, as if this is what everyone is doing to look beautiful these
days," barked Carolyn Takos.
"The
majority of these women do it just to feel wanted," says Shane Lawler, who
believes more women should concentrate on inner beauty.
Dr. Swelstad claims
prime time has given some patients the wrong picture. "A lot of the new
shows on t.v. that highlight plastic surgery can be detrimental, primarily on
the basis of expectations," says the Doctor.
For example,
clients who expect perfection, as opposed to betterment. The doctor says he's
seen a step-up in procedures across the board, particularly "mommy
makeovers," which target the areas with the unwanted stretch marks.
"Mommy makeover is
something that society uses to talk about the combination of breast
enlargement, with or without a breast lift, and tummy tuck," explained Dr.
Swelstad.
Irrespective of
the surgical procedure, surgeons warn nip?tucks aren't to be taken lightly, and
recuperation takes longer than a commercial break. "Plastic surgery is a
very big deal, no matter how big or small the procedure," according to Dr.
Swelstad.