Reality TV shows may be behind an increase in demand for cosmetic surgery.
That's what research from the University of Auckland suggests at least, drawing a link that may mean reality make-over programmes are encouraging people into getting surgery themselves.
Masters student Kate Faasse says four out of five people who were considering cosmetic surgery had been influenced by television.
She says because the shows are dubbed as reality, people relate to the contestants and are easily sucked in.
Kate Faasse says while it all looks quick and painless on television, people need to be aware of the pain that really goes with cosmetic surgery.
Faasse observes that judicious editing and a penchant for happy endings means that the programmes also do not show the lengthy and painful process of plastic surgery.
