The Digital Collegian - Published independently by students at Penn State ARTS
[ Thursday, April 6, 2006 ]

Show offers glimpse into life under the knife

Collegian Staff Writer

For the less squeamish fans of Nip/Tuck, there may be just the right reality series for you.

Welcome to the world of Dr. 90210, where plastic surgery is the latest trend to hit Rodeo Drive.

Airing every Sunday at 10 p.m. on E!, Dr. 90210 invites viewers into the lives of those who shape the breasts, faces and thighs of many Beverly Hills residents. In its second season, Dr. Robert Rey, Dr. Linda Li and Dr. Gary Alter balance their busy practices and personal lives in front of the camera.

Brazilian Rey is the star of the show, with his Rogaine-for-men hairstyle, black belt in Tae Kwon Do and unusually slim wife.

In recent episodes, Rey continues to build his practice with a never-ending list of clients and tackles the demands of being a father to his young daughter and 9-month-old son.

The Reys recently moved to an even bigger house, allowing him to buy a white German shepherd puppy and pressure his stay-at-home wife into having a third child.

Rey specializes in all types of breast surgery, liposuction and tummy tucks -- all of which raise his patients' spirits and self-esteem.

Li is bit more down-to-earth, working alongside her anesthesiologist husband, Bill Fulcher. Viewers are able to witness the couple's journey, beginning with their desire to get pregnant, to shopping for maternity clothes and observing the birth of their infant son.

Li also specializes in breasts and liposuction as well as reconstructive surgeries.

Dr. 90210 fans also catch the opportunity to go under the knife -- without paying the thousands of dollars to get there. Once the surgery is performed, viewers watch the patients readjust to their lives, whether it be life as a student, porn star or mother.

In one episode, a heavily tattooed and pierced patient has reconstructive surgery performed on his ear. The patient's earlobe had ripped from the constant stretching caused by his earrings.

In another episode, Alter performs reconstructive surgery on a mother who wishes for the return of her sex life, and a transsexual visits Alter for a breast augmentation.

The show focuses less on the procedures. Often the camera cuts to Rey's narration in the operating room or to the patient's later reaction to the procedure.

Although there are some scenes where skin is removed and cartilage is sheered, it is suggested that Dr. 90210 be watched on an empty stomach if sensitive to the sight of blood.

Potential Dr. 90210 fans be forewarned: This is a reality series where the characters and events may at times seem unusual and far-fetched.

How many 20-year-old women do you know who can afford a cosmetic surgery that includes a breast augmentation and liposuction of the thighs and stomach?

There is also the fact that Rey wears Armani suits to his patient consultations, appearing more appropriately dressed for a Puff Daddy block party than preliminary meeting before surgery.

Yet like any reality series, the show is addicting and does require some sense of will power.

Dr. 90210 doesn't promote cosmetic surgery, nor advocate against. What Dr. 90210 does is offer viewers a glimpse of the doctors who give their patients a makeover on life with just a quick nip, stitch and tuck.


 



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