To the Editor: Petrie and colleagues alert us to some negative effects of “appearance medicine” television programs.1 I agree that participants in television programs on cosmetic surgery should not be induced to have surgery by the offer of a significant reduction or waiving of the fee for the operation on the condition that they expose themselves before, during and after the procedures. Removing the cost component is a significant enticement to undergo cosmetic surgery. However, many procedures need to be repeated and implanted products replaced. If potential patients cannot afford future expenditure, they may be unsuitable for cosmetic surgery.
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- Cosmetic and Restorative Surgery Clinic, Sydney, NSW.
- 1. Petrie KJ, Faasse KE, Fuhrmann SA. Influence of television on demand for cosmetic surgery [editorial]. Med J Aust 2008; 189: 244-245.
- 2. NSW Health. New regulations provide truth in advertising for medical services [press release]. Sydney: NSW Health, 1 Jul 2008. http://www.health.nsw.gov. au/news/2008/20080701_00.html (accessed Dec 2008).
- 3. Crockett RJ, Pruzinsky T, Persing JA. The influence of plastic surgery “reality TV” on cosmetic surgery patient expectations and decision making. Plast Reconstr Surg 2007; 120: 316-324.