Episode 5! Where did all of the time go… and how do I get it back? Actually, it hasn’t been all that bad. I’ve been entertained… especially at how many different ways the writers can misrepresent plastic surgery and plastic surgeons.

It’s sort of a joke, really… and it might be quite amusing if it weren’t for the fact that nip/tuck is supposed to be a “reality-based” drama, and that many people considering plastic surgery – surgery that could very well better their lives – might be negatively swayed by the show. That’s unfortunate. That’s entertainment… I guess. And, that’s precisely why I’m suggesting you check out these real cosmetic surgery videos!

With that said, I’m starting to see some growth in the characters, especially Dr. Troy. I mean, doesn’t it seem like only yesterday that he was seducing patients into plastic surgery and passing out his business card at porno parties? Now, he’s attending sexaholics anonymous. Our little boy’s growing up, although he’s still got a long way to go considering he walked out halfway through (he didn’t even take the time to sit down) and proceeded to sleep with his sponsor… and the girl at the office who waters the plants… and a co-worker. Talk about falling off the wagon! In between, he somehow found time to perform asian eye surgery (blepharoplasty), laser tattoo removal and nasal surgery (rhinoplasty).

Anyway, as my mind drifted, I got to thinking about all of the good that plastic surgeons do; there’s a lot, but I’ll keep it to a minimum. The tendency, of course, is to think of those electing plastic surgery as vain – women either seeking to enhance their breasts or patients hoping to achieve a more youthful look (and, by the way, in most cases, receiving just that). The fact is plastic surgery does so much more:

• plastic surgery can work miracles on people born with deformities
• plastic surgery can help people disfigured by domestic abuse, war or accidents
• plastic surgery can help those who are older (and wiser) erase the faded reminders of their past

So, forget nip/tuck, and please just remember what plastic surgery really is all about – helping people to look their best so that they can live life to the fullest.

Oh, before I go – for your record keeping purposes – I’m calling this episode…

Just the Facts.

See you next time.

Charlie Sheridan

Medical Editor and Consultant