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Circumcision How To - Joey's Self Circumcision Page

Saturday 1st January 2005
The FX fictional drama Nip/Tuck has drawn criticism from professional plastic surgeons due to its 'sensational, boardering on the absurd' presentation of cosmetic surgery.

Nip/Tuck featured a story line in its first three episodes of series one in which Matt, the son of a wealthy southern Floridia plastic surgeon, wants to be circumcised because he is being bullying and he thinks girlfriend wants it. When his father declares it a 'vanity operation' Matt does research on the internet with the search words, CIRCUMCISION, HOW TO' and finds 'Joey's Self-Circumcision Page'. He then cuts himself with cuticle scissors and passes out. The drama continues with Matt being circumcised by his father and medical partner at their private clinic, Matt screaming when he urinates for the first time after the surgery, and Matt finding his girlfriend with another woman. His girlfriend was apparently not turned off by his intact penis, but rather was a lesbian. In final scenes of the storyline Matt returns home and breaks down in tears.

This storyline is unrealistic in that it would not be uncommon in the present day for young men to be intact, especially in south Floridia. The subject of self-mutilation was mentioned, but further psychological care was not written into the story. The serious issue of bullying was not addressed.

These particular episodes have been aired in the United States several times since the original broadcast on FX, a national cable/satellite channel know for cutting edge drama.

For more information about circumcision and foreskin health contact NORM-UK, other registered charities dealing with these issues such as NOCIRC in the USA. NORM-UK further encourages individuals to use information to have educated discussions with their own doctor.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons issued the following press release on 14 July 2003 in responce to the television programme, which is reproduced in part:

'After having reviewed Episode 1 and 2 of the soon-to-air fictional series Nip/Tuck from the FX network, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons has serious concerns about the show