One word to describe plastic/cosmetic surgery is ambivalence. Many think it is meaningful, seeing it as a way for those who are unhappy with some aspect(s) about themselves to change whatever it is that is making them displeased and to boost their confidence and self-esteem. Others think that it destroys the perception of oneself and their perception of others. 

Despite the negative viewpoints, the people who actually get the surgery seem satisfied with everything. Researchers have also found that individuals who undergo cosmetic procedures often report reduced feelings of anxiety and depression and an overall improvement in their quality of life. For the majority, their goal is improvement, not perfection.

Botched is a reality-television show, set in California, about two doctors, and their quest to "remedy extreme plastic surgeries gone wrong.” Doctors Terry Dubrow and Paul Nassif have been described as skilled and are recognized for their technical expertise. A running theme of the show is that anything overdone leads to problems. Their last season premiered in 2023 and ended in late March of 2024. Surprisingly, this show has managed to stay out of controversy within the years of its airing. While Botched entertains with its extreme cases and dramatic transformations, it also raises important discussions about medical ethics, the dangers of unqualified practitioners in the age of social media. One of Botched’s strengths is that it raises awareness of not properly researching the practices and doctors patients go to—therefore, resulting in botched surgeries. Throughout the series, viewers witness horror stories of botched nose jobs, illegal silicone injections, and surgeries performed in unsafe, non-sterile environments. Many patients find themselves caught in these traps, being drawn in by the promise of cheaper procedures or the influence of social media endorsements. The rise of influencers and their promotion of half-priced surgeries abroad or advertising ‘quick-fix solutions' only ends up fueling this issue. 

Cases on Botched serve as warnings, demonstrating that inexpensive and unregulated cosmetic work can and will lead to devastating health problems. However, that is not the case for all patients on the show; the other half is usually people who want to achieve that ‘perfect instagram face,’ or exaggerated features and end up injecting their face with multiple toxins just to attain that look. There have been times when Dubrow and Nassif refused to perform surgeries they felt were unrealistic or unnecessary, instead guiding patients toward counseling or alternative treatments. At its heart, Botched is more than just a reality show; it highlights the risks of plastic surgery, the importance of choosing board-certified surgeons, and the tough ethical decisions doctors face in the beauty industry. Through it all, their message remains clear: safety, ethics, and making informed choices should always come first. Especially when it comes to your health.