Society has always valued beauty. In literature, ­attractiveness often symbolizes an admirable character, while ugliness indicates an annoying character. As children we are taught, without even realizing it, to prize beauty. People of every race and culture have gone to extremes in the name of beauty. From foot-binding in China, to dangerously constricting corsets in Victorian times, to nose jobs in 800 B.C. India. While plastic surgery has been around since ancient times, it has only recently become accepted by the masses. This essay explores the topic of plastic surgery. Television programs that promote plastic surgery such as, "I Want a Famous Face," on MTV, "The Swan," on Fox, and "Extreme Makeover," on ABC, expose the public to a business once kept under wraps. Reality television embraces the topic due to its shock-value. However, the public is becoming more and more accustomed to the idea of plastic surgery. These programs created a generation that isn't fazed by images of blood, Botox, or bandages. Sometime during the process of beautifying average humans, they have implanted something besides silicone: The belief that cosmetic surgery will improve lives. Not only do people accept plastic surgery, they embrace it as a solution to personal, and professional problems. While appearance has always been important, mainstream acceptance of plastic surgery has created a society that values appearance over ability. Our reality television shows are modern fairy tales. They all use a common formula: take an average, unhappy individual, alter their appearance, and after a surgical transformation they are a success. While the message is the same, there is one difference; these aren't fictional characters, they're real people. The confidence that comes from a new nose, larger breasts, or liposuction is only temporary. Plastic or cosmetic surgery can help to boost confidence and vitality. In the case of cosmetic surgery, think of this proced