Plastic Surgery on Air I
In the US, entire TV series -soap operas, documentaries and reality TV soaps- are being produced to deal with the phenomenon of cosmetic surgery. They’ve proven to be hugely successful and quickly spread around the world.
ABC’s ” Extreme Makeover”
“Extreme Makeover” is one of the biggest successes to date. The show’s application form promises prospective candidates that, should they be selected, “we will give you a truly Cinderella- like experience by changing your looks completely in an effort to transform your life and destiny, and to make your dreams come true.” In each episode, the participant is first shown in the relative squalor of her pre- “Makeover” life; next, she is chauffeured from operation in a stately limousine. The made-over participant then recuperates at the luxurious ” Makeover mansion,” situated in the Hollywoods Hills and featuring a panoramic view, a swimming pool, a high-tech gym and state-of-art entertainment technology. The highlight of the show unfolds at the end- beautiful Cinderella, operated extensively and completely re-styled, finally gets to meet up with her friends and family. In Germany, more than 3000 hopefuls applied to the TV channel RTL to be included in a local series on “Extreme Makeover.” After the series was produced, however, it was shelved; the German Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery boycotted it.
