Abdominoplasty Message Board

Question:

Do you think that TV Makeover Shows Are Prime-Time Madness?

In "The Swan" and "Extreme Makeover," women undergo plastic surgery and public humiliation on TV in a supposed effort to feel better about themselves. Sheila Gibbons calls it the merchandising of self-worth and a big prime-time lie.

So why do people watch? What's your opinions?

Answer:

'Horrific Accident Scene' The spate of reality TV shows has made voyeurism a constant in prime-time programming, and the makeover shows capitalize on that. Viewers dissatisfied with their lives may look at the makeover sad sacks and the grisly surgery they endure and decide their lives aren't so bad after all.

"I can't not watch," said a viewer in a November posting on "The Swan's" message board. "It's like a really horrific accident scene."

As with so much of what's depicted in media, there are bound to be copycats. These shows are leaping off the TV screen and coming to the mall.

Partners in Beauty, a network of Southern California beauty and health services, invited military wives to receive what they billed "the first-ever Extreme Military Makeover." The winner, Marine Corps spouse Lori Brown, 31, is to receive a variety of services valued at more than $45,000, including breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, liposuction and facial rejuvenation procedures. Brown will also receive laser vision correction and cosmetic dentistry. Her "reveal" will take place in January at Saks Fifth Avenue in San Diego's Fashion Valley Mall.

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