1
Introduction
Nip/Tuck is an Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning American television medical
drama series created by Ryan Murphy. (Nip Tuck, 2007) In 2003, the FX television network
first aired their hit sit com Nip/Tuck. Since then the program has set records for most viewed
show and have won and been nominated for numerous awards such as 12 Emmy awards and 5
Golden Globes (Nip Tuck, 2007) The television show reached many American homes with
ratings well into the millions. The first season alone brought in 3.5 million viewers, and only
increased in the years to follow. With ratings this high it was clear this show had America
hooked. For the show’s third season, in fall of, Nip/Tuck attracted larger audiences than ever
before and set records for the most watched show in FX’s history (Nip Tuck, 2007).
Today, Americans are infatuated with self image. In the business world people
are finding it hard to keep up with the up and coming generations unless they have the perfect
image. “Age is my biggest enemy and plastic surgery has given me an extension of my business
life,” says one realestate agent. Ambition and talent used to be the determinate for a succuessful
future in corporate America, “now it seems a quick nip/tuck could be the fastest route to the top”
(Pask, 2005, para.5). But this obsession with perfecting self image is not limited to the buisness
world alone. It has saturated many american lives. According to an article written by Laura
Crane,
Globally beauty today is a US$160-billion-a-year industry. Americans
spend more each year on make-up, skin and hair care, fragrances, cosmetic
surgery, health clubs and diet pills than they do on education. Cosmetic
surgery has become a US$20-million-a-year business, and cosmetic
procedures have increased more than 220% since 1997. And while,
2
historically, beauty procedures and treatments were limited to women of
the wealthy class, today, more than 70% of those having cosmetic surgery
earn less than US$50K per year (Nip Tuck, 2007).
The broad scope of the availability of plastic surgery is shown here. Due to its increasing
availability and affordability, cosmetic surgery is enjoying increased attention and acclaim. This
high of an interest and importance focused on self-image is no coincidence which can be
exemplified by the direct results of the ratings that Nip/tuck has received.
The theme of Nip/Tuck is cosmetic surgery. Figures from the American Society for
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery show that cosmetic medical procedures are an increasingly popular
industry in America. When Nip/Tuck attracted its 3.7 million viewership in 2003, United States
statistics showed that there had been nearly 6.9 million cosmetic and non-surgical procedures in
the previous year (Tanne, 2003, para.10). The majority of these procedures involved purely
aesthetic physical improvements. The 2 most popular procedures were Botox (an anti-aging
procedure) and liposuction which involves sucking out the patient’s fat tissue with a rubber hose
(Tanne, 2003, para.10). According to these figures, Americans seem to be increasingly aware of,
and interested in self-improvement through plastic surgery.
Due to the increasing demand and exposure that plastic surgery is receiving, the inherent
ethical dilemmas and scrutiny of the industry becomes an issue. The media that reflects the
industry is also put under a microscope. According to Stoner and Perkins, the mediated text
needs to reflect accuracy and consistency in the narrative elements. The narrative elements which
become apparent in shows like Nip/Tuck are used to project values through the thoughts and
actions of the characters in the show. I argue that Nip/Tuck exemplifies the struggles we all face
in society through the values of narcissism and professionalism.
3
In this paper, I will first describe the show and the plot and characters that serve as
narrative elements. I will then show how professionalism and narcissism serve as a contextual
basis of importance in today’s society. Next, I will outline the method used to analyze narrative
using narrative elements and narrative probability and fidelity. Finally I will analyze Nip/Tuck
using its characters and consistencies to prove my thesis.
Description of the Artifact
Nip/Tuck follows the lives of two Miami plastic surgeons, Sean McNamara played by
Dylan Walsh and Christian Troy who is played by Julian McMahon. These two doctors run their
own practice called McNamara/Troy in south Florida. Sean is a family man who is willing to
help anyone who needs it. Sean stays busy with work to distance himself from his dysfunctional
home life. His family includes his wife named Julia, two sons Matt, and Conner, and his
daughter Annie. Julia is a needy housewife, who is constantly battling her own issues with life
making their marriage complicated. Matt is a troubled youth who is always disobeying his
parents and getting himself into trouble. Annie, the middle child isn’t a huge roll in the show but
she is sometimes thrown in the middle of her parents problems. Lastly the new baby boy who is
born with his fingers all stuck together. Having someone in Sean’s family, one of his own blood,
who is born with deficiency causes him great anxiety to make him perfect. Sean enjoys helping
those who really need it and is always willing to do pro-bono work for just about anyone.
Christian on the other hand is the complete opposite of Sean. He is an “arrogant,
narcissistic, unethical, ladies man who worships wine, women, and the all mighty dollar, and will
do just about anything to get what he wants (lie, cheat, steal, blackmail and seduce)and has no
qualms about practically anything.” (2) Christian is in the business to make ugly people look
good, even if they don’t necessarily need it. He is will to give up his body to get whatever it is
4
he wants. He is obsessed with women and women are obsessed with him, although he does not
treat them well at all. He objectifies women and is very shallow. In one episode in particular he
makes a woman put a brown sack over her head while they have sex. Christian is cold hearted
and will do anything to further himself. He is immoral, unethical, and very successful at what he
does.
These two men are differing in their values and actions. Christian and Sean represent the
popular theme good versus evil. They are constantly arguing about life issue, professional
methods, and ethical issues. Sean is the more responsible of the two. One might say that he is
the “good guy.” He practices integrity in his profession. He uses his best judgment when making
decisions on what jobs he will do for his customers. He encourages people to get corrective
surgery rather than aesthetically motivated surgery. Often times he will do pro-bono work out of
the goodness of his heart to help those in need. Through Sean’s perfectionist attitude toward life
he has become a very successful man. Christian on the other hand in some ways is portrayed the
bad guy. He values and glorifies narcissism. He is infatuated with perfection of the human
bodies’ appearance.
The whole idea within this story is that you are not ok. At the beginning of each
consultation the doctors have, they ask their customers “tell us what you don’t like about
yourself.” By asking this question they are suggesting that there is something wrong with you
and they need to fix it. This is a reoccurring theme within the story. The show explores the
internal struggles of Sean and Christian and what they don’t like about themselves. It points out
many of their imperfections and dramatizes those issues.
5
Context
In 1991 Christopher Lasch explored the comparison of the professional versus the
narcissist. In his book he compares the two explaining that a professional shapes his world while,
“For the narcissist, the world is a mirror; he cannot live without an admiring audience.” (Lasch,
1991, p. 10) From this book, we see the human need for independence and interdependence and
how plastic surgery could have increased potential in coming years. A narcissistic professional
could find himself or herself needing admiration and wanting advancement. Plastic Surgery
could be the means by which the dependent professional advances in his or her achievement.
Plastic surgery is an increasingly popular medical treatment as well as a professional
solution. “Today, more than a quarter of female executives and almost one in five male directors
would consider cosmetic surgery to improve their career prospects, according to a survey carried
out by The Aziz Corporation, the UK's leading independent executive communications
consultancy.” (Pask, 2005, para.6) The conflict between the values of narcissism and
professionalism is apparent consistently in each episode of Nip/Tuck. In consultations, patients
are often drawn upon by the doctors using a magic marker to identify physical flaws needing
correction. The audience understands that each mark made translates to dollar amounts and
introspective flaws that may be apparent on the bodies of the viewer as well. In this way, the
plastic surgeons promote narcissism. When a patient is finished with the doctor’s assessment
they are usually left ridden by pen marks reflecting problems with their physical appearance.
These problems are seen as so important that high prices are justified to fix them. Physical
imperfections as small as ear corrections can cost as much as $2500 to “fix” (Pask, 2005,
para.37). A breast augmentation can cost around $8500 (Pask, 2005, para.37). A more
professional option for doctors may be to operate on a woman with enormous breasts which can
6
inhibit her fitness. To reduce her breasts, a $6000 price tag is attached (Pask, 2005, para.37). The
reduction would be more professional option and is therefore less expensive. But, one can see
how narcissistic motives can conflict and influence a doctor’s influence of a patient’s choice of
procedures. Monetarily the doctor would rather perform the breast augmentation where Christian
Troy could easily use his magic marker to find several $2500 imperfections to correct and add to
the price tag. One PR executive said of her real world plastic surgery, “For me, being a success
meant changing something small about myself, and that was a small price to pay.” (Pask, 2005,
para.36) For her the procedure was important because her image meant success. The theme of
professionalism and narcissism merging together to promote each other becomes increasingly
aparent in today’s world.
Method
A narrative is a story that portrays a value or belief. The narrative elements give the story
the particular vehicles for communication. The first narrative element is the narrator. The
narrator is usually the person telling the story. The second narrative element is the characters.
The characters are the “people in the story or things that function like people in the story.”
(Stoner & Perkins, 2005, p. 187) The third narrative element is the plot. The plot serves as a
patterned connection for the characters to their actions (Stoner & Perkins, 2005, p. 187). The
final narrative element is the setting. The setting works as a sort of context that allows us to see
the “prior events, circumstances, and conditions surrounding the characters.” (Stoner & Perkins,
2005, p. 187) With these elements, the narrative portrays values and themes through thoughts
and actions. The narrator, characters, plot, and setting guide us through the thoughts and actions
that the narrative values.
7
The narrative must ring true. Both in how it is relevant in context, pertinent in the lives of
the audience and feasible within its realm. Narrative probability analyses a story’s consistency
with the audience and how well the story “hangs together.” (Stoner & Perkins, 2005, p. 191) If
the story presents regular values on a reliable basis, the story can be seen as probable. The
characters thoughts and actions are important to probability because they must be consistent with
what the audience identifies as the values portrayed by each particular character. Christian Troy
can be depended upon to be narcissistic while Sean McNamara is consistently professional.
Narrative fidelity addresses the audience’s need to find consistency in their own world. There are
real plastic surgeons and I will show that for the audience to not see both the professional and
narcissistic aspects of the plastic surgery industry represented would be inconsistent. Narrative
fidelity reflects this consistency. It compares the real world applications to the story and tests for
similarity and relevancy.
Analysis
Sean McNamara is a skilled plastic surgeon. His character is constantly conflicted by the
moral and ethical conflicts that he finds in the plastic surgery field. Despite his success and
prestige, Sean is conservative in his behavior. He is attractive aesthetically, but not as concerned
with his appearance as his partner Christian Troy.
Christian Troy often uses his position as a plastic surgeon to attract women. He
commonly offers them free cosmetic procedures in exchange for companionship and sexual
trysts. Christian’s ethics are consistently questionable; both professionally and morally. In the
pilot episode, Christian Troy accepts a large amount of money from a drug dealer who is in need
of surgery to escape the law.
8
We see a contrast of the 2 characters’ personalities in the clients they commonly accept.
Christian is concerned with dollar value, and has no qualms about accepting more aesthetically
driven patients. Sean, in contrast, constantly searches for opportunities to perform pro-bono
work. To Sean, the heights of his profession include moral consequences and rewards. In one
episode, Sean McNamara wishes to perform a very costly operation on a boy who has been
disfigured in a fire. Despite rudeness from the boy’s mother and unavailability of funds, Sean
feels remorse and his moral introspection becomes the theme of the episode. We see in contrast,
Christian’s indifference and suggestion of another liposuction or breast augmentation to increase
profits for the week.
The setting takes place in Miami, Florida; a region known for its image-obsession and
plastic surgeon availability. “Miami, Florida, where the weather is hot and the people are hotter.
Miami has become the hot spot to find a cosmetic plastic surgeon rivaling Beverly Hills.”
(Ienhance, 2007, para.1) The relevance of the setting adds to the shows proof of narrative
fidelity. The hot spot for hot plastic surgeons and narcissistic people who feed the industry.
Every surgery is pre-empted by a review of the patients needs in the form of an interview.
In every episode, the doctors ask the patient, “Tell us what you don’t like about yourself.” This
theme serves as a sort of introspection for both the viewer and the characters in the show. Often,
the characters are forced to outwardly contemplate what they do not like about themselves;
physically and psychologically. The thoughts and the actions then reflect this introspection to the
viewer in the plot. We often see Christian having a physical dilemma. His aging, his body, his
sexuality, or his hair all influence different plots and themes to project his values. Christian
represents the narcissistic values presented by the plastic surgery industry. The Botox for wrinkle
9
treatment or the breast implants for cosmetic appeal. Sean, on the other hand represents the
professional responsibility of plastic surgeons.
Nip/Tuck survives as a medical drama because it is an accurate reflection of reality. The
show demonstrates narrative fidelity in it’s portrayal of the plastic surgery business. Dr. James
Wells, President of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, says his Long Beach practice sees
about 60% of patients for cosmetic procedures, and 40% of patients for reconstructive surgeries
(Tanne, 2003, para.9). In Nip/Tuck, the majority of the surgeries we see the doctors doing seem
to be cosmetic as well. The stories that offer themes to each episode, deal with the same ratio. Dr
Robert Bernard, president of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, says that
“Doctors educate patients. They disabuse patients of unrealistic expectations.” (Tanne, 2003,
para.10) Many patients are advised and often refused in the offices of McNamara and Troy
because the potential patients are either misinformed, or have unrealistic expectations. Long
dialogues typically ensue in the office interview room in which Sean and Christian counsel and
educate the patients. At times the counsel is unrealistic to promote the doctor’s confidence in
their handiwork. This adds to the narrative fidelity of the story as well as the narrative
probability because better doctors do better work.
Nip/Tuck’s creator, Ryan Murphy says, “Our show is a tone piece. It’s pushing the
envelope and yet walking a line of drama that I think is very responsible.” (MSNBC, 2004,
para.9) The narrator provides a reliable guide to thought and action in the story. The audience
can trust the episodes to reflect the struggles of Miami plastic surgeons. “I feel a moral
responsibility to show what the suffering is. I don’t want to glamorize it,” (MSNBC, 2004,
para.20) Real conjoined twins become part of the cast for an episode in which we see Sean and
Christian travel, along with a team of the highest skilled plastic surgeons in the world, to separate
10
the twins (MSNBC, 2004, para.11). For this episode, not only were actual conjoined twins used,
but Linda Klein (technical advisor and registered nurse) chose to consult James Bradley
(associate professor of plastic surgery at UCLA Medical Center) to ensure authenticity
(MSNBC, 2004, para.15). The narrative probability of the show is once again supported by
insistence that the episodes reflect real surgeries. The narrative fidelity is confirmed when
Professor James Bradley comments that “the surgeries for the most part are accurate, the
technical aspect is thought out well, based in fact and reality.” (MSNBC, 2004, para.16)
Statements and acclaim from real critics and real doctors solidify Nip/Tuck as a credible medical
drama.
Conclusion
Through the actions and thoughts of the plastic surgeon characters; Sean McNamara and
Christian Troy, thoughts and actions promote the valued conflict of professionalism and
narcissism. Narrative elements such as plot and setting help further the validity of the plastic
surgery industry as an exemplification of the common struggle. Nip/Tuck is feasible according to
narrative fidelity because it accurately portrays the cosmetic surgery industry. The show passes
narrative probability because each show’s values are consistent with the theme. “What don’t you
like about yourself,” the doctors continually say during analytical consultations of potential
patients. Nip/Tuck reliably explores society’s obsession with self-improvement by way of
cosmetic enhancement. The theme song called, “A perfect Lie” sings, “Make me beautiful,
perfect soul, perfect mind, perfect face, a perfect life.” As Americans continue to struggle with
professionalism and narcissism, Nip/Tuck can be trusted to continually portray these values
through the plastic surgeon characters.
11
Works Cited
Crane, Laura. We're so Vain . Retrieved July 18, 2007, from Med Hunters Web site:
http://www.medhunters.com/articles/wereSoVain.html
Lasch, C. (1991). The Culture of Narcissism: American Life in an Age of Diminishing
Expectations . New York, N.Y.: W. W. Norton & Company, Inc..
Martin, Ed. (2003, July 17). FX's "Nip/Tuck" has critics cheering at TCA. Jack Myers
entertainment report, Retrieved July 18, 2007, from
http://www.mediavillage.com/JMER_Archive/07-17-03ER.pdf
MSNBC.com. (June 17, 2004). ‘Nip/Tuck’ is More Outrageous Than Ever. Retrieved July 18,
2007 from http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5234324/
Nip/Tuck. Retrieved July 19, 2007, Retrieved July 18, 2007 from Answers Web site:
http://www.answers.com/topic/nip-tuck
Pask, Rachel. (September, 2005). HEALTH: Nip/tuck your way to the top. Retrieved July 18,
2007, from Where to look for what you need Web site:
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_20050913/ai_n15365703
Stoner, M. Perkins, S. (2005). Making Sense Of Messages. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin
Company
Tanne, J. (August 2, 2003). New US Drama Outrages Plastic Surgeons. Retrieved July 18, 2007,
from http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1126696
The Independent , (September 15, 2005). Nip/Tuck Your Way to The Top. Retrieved July 18,
2007, from http://www.consultingroom.com/Our_Press_Coverage
/Display_2.asp?Our_Press_Coverage_ID=15
Wallace, K.K. (2003). Nip/Tuck. Retrieved July 18, 2007, from IMDB Web site:
http://www.imdb.com/SearchPlotWriters?K.%20K.%20Wallace