Makeover TV is Responsible for Teen Cosmetic Surgery Hike, Reveals Study

Makeover TV is Responsible for Teen Cosmetic Surgery Hike

, Reveals Study

"Teen cosmetic surgery is on the rise and a couple of researchers say that reality TV shows presenting cosmetic surgery in a positive light are responsible for it. The husband and wife team, which recently published its findings in Body Image, argues that teenagers who watch reality television shows on cosmetic surgery, such as "Extreme Makeover," "Extreme Makeover Home Edition," "The Swan" "Nip/Tuck," "I Want a Famous Face," "Addicted to Beauty," "Dr. 90210," and "Real Housewives," are more likely to consider cosmetic procedures than teens who do not."

The research study was conducted by Charlotte Markey, the associate professor of psychology at Rutgers-Camden and her husband Patrick Markey of Villanova University, who surveyed around 200 teenagers and young adults who view home makeover and extreme makeover programs. The survey revealed the astounding fact that teenagers who view extreme makeover programs were more likely to consider cosmetic surgery to enhance their looks than those who watch home makeover programs. A large chunk of teenagers who gain inspiration from makeover TV are female.

The Markeys observed that female teen viewers of makeover TV consider plastic surgery as a great way of achieving their dreams. Most of the teenagers surveyed by the Markeys commented that the shows were "inspirational." For instance, Teresa Guidices' decision to openly investigate breast augmentation procedures in "Real Housewives" might have inspired several teenagers and young adults to go in for a breast augmentation procedure, providing a huge boost to the cosmetic surgery industry.

The couple warns that such shows might pressurize teenagers and young adults to "do something about their looks" and meet the established standards of beauty. The research also shows that makeover TV usually attracts depressed teenagers. Charlotte said, "There is no conclusive data that cosmetic surgery makes people happier, only that it makes repeat customers. There are so many messages telling us to fix ourselves - but we need to tell our kids, I love you just the way you are."

The Markeys, however, have not considered the influences of viewing programs such as "Kate Plus Eight," where Kate Gosselin takes almost all cosmetic surgery procedures under the sun and is not really happy with the results. The study ignores negative reactions to plastic surgery shown on TV and their influence on teen viewers. For instance, the episode in "The Hills" in which Heidi Montag's sister and mother advise her to take therapy for her insecurity after her marathon session of ten cosmetic surgeries and similar reality TV shows have not been considered.

In other words, the couple has only considered TV makeover shows that present cosmetic surgery in a glamorous manner. Although there are messages that pressurize women to "fix themselves," there are also messages that convey the joys of self-acceptance. Simultaneously, it cannot be denied that cosmetic surgery, when performed for the right reasons, can greatly enhance a teenager's quality of life. Teenagers considering cosmetic surgery and their parents should undergo several hours of counselling and pre-surgery consultation before ascertaining if they really need the procedure.

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